Strawberry begonia / Mother of thousands

Saxifraga stolonifera is a charming and distinctive evergreen perennial that serves as a wonderful groundcover for sheltered, shaded spots in UK woodland gardens. It features rounded, bristly, dark green leaves with striking silver veining and reddish undersides. The plant spreads by thin, red, strawberry-like runners (stolons) which root to form new plantlets, creating a dense mat over time. In early summer, it produces airy panicles of unusual white flowers; each flower has two long lower petals and three smaller upper ones, giving it a delicate, asymmetric appearance. Growing to only 10-20cm high, it is best suited to the front of a border or a shaded rockery. While generally hardy (H4), it may need a bit of protection (such as a mulch of leaf mould) in the coldest parts of the UK or during exceptionally harsh winters. It thrives in moist but well-drained soil in partial to full shade. It is particularly effective at softening the edges of containers or stone walls in a courtyard garden.

Sun: Partial shade.

Soil: Moist but well-drained, fertile soil.

Hardiness: H4 — down to −10°C.

Flowering: May, Jun.