Silver sax

Saxifraga cotyledon is one of a group of plants known as the Silver Saxifrages.

According to The Encyclopaedia of Alpines the genus Saxifraga has around 480 species, including amongst others, soft cushioned Mossy types often sold in garden centres, harder cushioned Kabschia types beloved of some alpine enthusiasts, the Meadow Saxifrage, a common UK wild flower and the 'Silvers'.

The silvery edges of the leaves are caused by a limey deposit secreted by glands on the leaf margins. In early summer the flowers appear, arching sprays containing many white flowers. Easily grown in a well drained but not dry, ideally alkaline soil although Saxifraga cotyledon is commonly found on acidic rocks in the wild.