Saxifraga arendsii Pixie

Saxifraga x arendsii 'Pixie' is a variety of saxifrage that forms a small evergreen moss-like cushion. In spring, it is covered with a multitude of tiny dark pink flowers. A little gem for well-maintained rockeries, in partial shade. This saxifrage thrives in crevices and spaces between paving stones, as long as it finds moist but well-drained soil.

Saxifrage 'Pixie' is one of many cultivars of Saxifraga x arendsii, which is itself a hybrid. It belongs to the Saxifragaceae family. This small perennial has a slow growth rate. Its mature size will not exceed 5 cm (2in) in height, 15 cm (6in) in flower. The 'Pixie' moss saxifrage forms a small prostrate tuft with a cushion-like habit that slowly spreads over time. The foliage is made up of small rosettes of finely cut leaves, with a lovely moss-green colour. The flowering takes place in May-June, with small, delicately scented, single dark pink flowers borne on slender stems.

'Pixie' can be used to line paths and borders, but can also be used for larger areas. For example, it will thrive very well on banks where grass is scarce. It can also replace moss that invades a shaded end of the lawn by digging up that area and planting a carpet of saxifrage. For the same reason, this plant can serve as ground cover between shrubs and trees. It adapts without any difficulty to the poorest sandy soil or shady locations. It proves to be valuable in the most challenging areas of the garden, such as in the shade or in the north. Use saxifrage to conceal a portion of soil where stones or construction waste have been buried. It also works well in a large container, for example.

These plants often grow in rock crevices. It has long been believed that this plant may have medicinal properties and can eliminate kidney stones. Within the rock garden family, the genus Saxifraga is a special category with more than 450 species. Saxifrages can reach the highest peaks of the highest mountains. In these inhospitable places, nature has created magicians of survival.