Saxifraga stolonifera 'Yakushima' – Velvet Runners with Island Charm (WA Prohibited)

Saxifraga stolonifera 'Yakushima' hails from the misty forests of Yakushima Island, Japan, a region celebrated for its ancient flora. This variety of creeping saxifrage is adored for its ornamental foliage and modest size, making it ideal for terrariums or shaded garden edges. It is a plant of quiet beauty, spreading via delicate runners and producing elegant sprays of white blooms in late spring to summer.

Distinctive Features

• Foliage Texture: Rounded, scalloped leaves with a rich green upper surface, often flushed with maroon beneath, and edged in fine silver hairs giving a soft, velvety appearance.
• Stoloniferous Growth: Sends out slender red stolons, forming new plantlets at nodes—creating a charming trailing or carpeting effect.
• Flowers: Star-like white flowers with asymmetrical petals, borne on wiry stems above the foliage, offering a whimsical display during the warmer months.

Care Tips

• Light: Prefers bright, indirect light; tolerates deep shade but will flower more freely with some dappled sun.
• Water: Keep soil consistently moist but never soggy; water when the top layer begins to dry.
• Humidity: Thrives in humid conditions; appreciates occasional misting if grown indoors.
• Media: Use a well-draining, moisture-retentive mix—loamy soil blended with perlite or pumice works well.
• Temperature: Best kept between 10–24°C; protect from frost and avoid excessive heat.
• Fertiliser: Feed lightly with a diluted balanced liquid fertiliser every 4–6 weeks during active growth.
• Repotting: Repot in spring when roots or runners crowd the container; gently divide if needed.

Additional Notes

• Perfect for terrariums, hanging pots, or as a lush groundcover in shady outdoor beds.
• Non-toxic to pets, making it a safe addition to indoor spaces with cats or dogs.

With its enchanting leaf texture, graceful runners, and dainty blossoms, Saxifraga stolonifera 'Yakushima' offers a slice of subtropical forest tranquillity. Whether cascading over a shelf or spreading through a mossy garden nook, it brings serene, evergreen beauty with minimal fuss.