Burser's Saxifrage 'Brookside'

Saxifraga burseriana 'Brookside' is a premier cultivar within the Porphyrion section of saxifrages, known for its tight, hard, silvery-grey cushions of needle-like leaves. This evergreen perennial is among the earliest of all alpines to bloom, often pushing its flowers through as early as February in the UK. The flowers are exceptionally large, pure white, and circular, with a central cluster of yellow stamens, held singularly on short, reddish stems. Its compact and architectural form makes it a perfect candidate for a trough or a choice pocket in a scree garden. Like most Kabschia-type saxifrages, 'Brookside' requires a gritty, free-draining soil and a position that is bright but stays cool during the heat of the day; a north-facing aspect or a spot shaded from the midday sun is ideal. Top-dressing with limestone chippings is highly recommended to protect the cushion from damp and mimic its natural habitat in the Eastern Alps. It is remarkably hardy (H5).

Sun: Full sun to partial shade.

Soil: Sharply drained, gritty, alkaline soil.

Hardiness: H5 — down to −15°C.

Flowering: Feb, Marbase.