Saxifraga fortunei Sugar Plum Fairy

Saxifraga fortunei Sugar Plum Fairy is a different saxifrage. This small plant reveals its beauty when its autumn flowering appears. Its pink, asymmetrical, star-shaped and finely cut flowers, gathered in cloudy bouquets, beautifully adorn its elegant green and glossy foliage. They bloom for several weeks, at a time of year when flowers are rare in the garden. Originating from the undergrowth of Japan, this small perennial is a remarkable plant for cool shade. Plant it close to the house to be able to admire it up close, or even better, cultivate it in the Japanese style, in bowls that can be placed near the house at the time of flowering.

Saxifraga fortunei belongs to the Saxifragaceae family. This species is very close to S. cortusifolia. This small plant develops a rosette of large leaves measuring 20 to 30cm (8 to 12in) in diameter. The foliage will die down in winter. The leaves are thick, rounded, lobed, toothed, and shiny, measuring about 4 to 6cm (2in) in diameter. They are carried by a long petiole. The flowering plant will reach approximately 25cm (10in) in height and 30cm (12in) in spread. The colour of Sugar Plum Fairy's foliage is a bright and vivid green. From September until the first cold weather, 10cm (4in) long panicles emerge from the leaf clump, above the foliage. They bear lovely distinctly asymmetrical flowers, measuring 3 to 5cm (1 to 2in) in diameter, formed by 3 short upper petals and 2 longer lower petals, giving the corolla a lot of charm and lightness. Their colour is a beautiful shade of pink. The little heart of the flower is a vibrant yellow. Lean in to the flower to discover its delicate fragrance.

Sugar Plum Fairy thrives in light, humus-rich, moist and well-drained soil in partial shade or full shade. It can be planted in a rockery in cool shade, on the edge of a damp woodland, or near a north-facing facade, in well-drained soil. It can also be planted at the base of deciduous trees or bushes, taking care to remove dead leaves that could cover the plant in autumn. It also makes pretty 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 extremely refined perennial. 

NOTE: Attention! This is a somewhat delicate plant to be reserved for experienced gardeners. Plant Sugar Plum Fairy in any light, moist, slightly acidic soil, without excessive limestone. This perennial does not tolerate heavy and wet soils in winter, nor dry and limestone soils in summer.