Saxifraga Peter Pan

Saxifraga Peter Pan

Mossy Saxifrage.

Saxifraga Peter Pan is a cushion-forming mossy saxifrage with soft rosettes of bright green leaves.

Crimson stems carry clear pink flowers from April to May. Max Height 5cm. Max Spread 30cm. Partial shade. Hardy.

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Saxifraga peter pan, also known as Peter Pan Rockfoil, is a small but hardy perennial plant that grows in the rocky alpine regions of the world. This charming plant belongs to the family Saxifragaceae and is native to the central and southern European Alps. It is named after the fictional character Peter Pan, a boy who never grows up, as the plant’s tiny size and delicate beauty evoke a sense of youthfulness and playfulness.

Saxifraga Peter Pan has a compact rosette of evergreen leaves that grow up to 2-3 cm long and 0.5-1 cm wide. The leaves are dark green in color, round or oval-shaped, and slightly fleshy, with a slightly serrated margin. The plant’s foliage is covered in fine hairs, which help to protect it from the harsh alpine conditions.

In early summer, Saxifraga Peter Pan produces an abundance of delicate flowers that are held above the foliage on slender stems. The flowers are typically white, but can also be pale pink, and are around 1 cm in diameter. They have five petals and a yellow center, which is surrounded by a ring of small, bright green leaves. The flowers are highly attractive to pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, and can remain in bloom for several weeks.

Saxifraga Peter Pan is a highly adaptable plant that can grow in a range of soil types, including well-draining rocky soil, acidic soil, and even alkaline soil. It prefers a cool, moist environment, and will tolerate full sun or partial shade. However, it does require good drainage to prevent root rot, and is not tolerant of waterlogged soil.

One of the most impressive features of Saxifraga Peter Pan is its ability to survive in extreme alpine conditions. It is a true alpine plant, capable of surviving in temperatures as low as -20°C, and is also highly resistant to wind and snow damage. The plant has developed a unique root system that allows it to cling to rocky surfaces and absorb nutrients from the soil and rainwater. It is also able to regulate its own temperature by changing the color of its leaves to absorb or reflect sunlight, depending on the conditions.

Saxifraga Peter Pan has a range of medicinal properties and has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat a range of ailments, including coughs, colds, and digestive problems. It contains a range of active compounds, including tannins, flavonoids, and saponins, which have been shown to have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties.

The plant is also highly valued for its ornamental qualities and is a popular choice for alpine gardens and rockeries. It can be grown in containers or planted in the ground, and is ideal for adding a touch of color and texture to a rock garden or alpine trough. The plant is relatively easy to grow and requires little maintenance once established, although it may benefit from a light application of fertilizer in the spring.

In conclusion, Saxifraga Peter Pan is a charming and hardy alpine plant that is highly adaptable and can survive in even the harshest of conditions. Its compact size, delicate foliage, and abundance of flowers make it a popular choice for alpine gardens and rockeries, while its medicinal properties have been valued for centuries. This plant is a testament to the resilience of nature, and a reminder of the beauty that can be found in even the most inhospitable environments.