Saxifraga cortusifolia Cheap Confections

Saxifraga cortusifolia 'Cheap Confections' is a small perennial bush of the undergrowth and rocky shade that is extremely refined. Adorned with pretty apple-green foliage spotted with brown, it reveals itself at the end of the season, under an absolutely delightful flowering, made up of small dentate flowers displaying a delicious range of candy pink to white-pink. Plant it in humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil, in the ground or in a pot. Alternatively, plant in saucers that can be placed near the house during flowering, from September to November.

Saxifraga cortusifolia var. fortunei, from the Saxifragaceae family, is native to Japanese forests. This small plant develops a rosette of deciduous leaves 20cm (8in) in diameter. They are round, lobed, toothed, and shiny, measuring from 5 to 8cm (2 to 3in) long. The flowering plant will reach approximately 25 to 30cm (10 to 12in) in height with a spread of 20cm (8in). In this 'Cheap Confections' variety, the colour of the foliage is a very fresh apple-green, spotted with brown. In late summer, and until the first cold weather, pyramid-shaped panicles measuring 10cm (4in) long emerge from the tuft of leaves. They bear very pretty cup-shaped flowers measuring 3 to 5cm (1 to 2in) in diameter, formed by 4 upper petals and 2 longer lower petals, which are beautifully toothed at the edges. Their colour evolves from candy pink to a very pale-pink that is almost white. The heart of the flower is bright yellow. Take the time to lean in a little closer to discover their delicate fragrance.

Saxifraga 'Cheap Confections' thrives in light, humus-rich, moist, and well-drained soil in a semi-shaded or shaded position. It likes the conditions that can be found in a shady rockery or near a north-facing facade. It can also be planted at the base of deciduous trees or shrubs, taking care to remove dead leaves that could cover the plant in autumn. It also makes lovely borders, adorns walls, and decorates shaded areas of a patio. Dwarf hostas, Japanese ferns (Athyrium niponicum var. pictum), bellflowers, and Veronica umbrosa will be good companions for this refined perennial.

NOTE: Attention! This is a delicate plant that should be reserved for experienced gardeners. Plant 'Cheap Confections' in any light and moist soil. This perennial does not tolerate heavy and wet soils in winter, nor dry and calcareous ones in summer.