Burser's Saxifrage 'Gloria'

One of the most celebrated early-flowering kabschia saxifrages, 'Gloria' is a quintessential alpine for the enthusiast's collection in the UK. It forms a remarkably tight, architectural cushion of stiff, needle-like, grey-green foliage that remains attractive throughout the winter months. In early spring, often while the garden is still awakening, it produces relatively large, upward-facing, pristine white flowers with delicate yellow centres, held on short red-tinted stems. This cultivar is particularly prized for its clarity of colour and floriferous nature. To thrive, it requires exceptionally well-drained, gritty soil, preferably in a raised bed, alpine house, or a bespoke crevice garden where it can be protected from excessive winter wetness which may cause rot. It performs best in a position that offers bright light but protection from the scorching midday summer sun. It is fully hardy across most of the UK but demands sharp drainage to survive the damp climate effectively. It is a slow-growing specimen, making it perfect for troughs.

Sun: Full sun to partial shade.

Soil: Gritty, alkaline to neutral, well-drained loam.

Hardiness: H5 — down to −15°C.

Flowering: Feb Shatter, Mar, Apr.