American golden saxifrage Plant Care

American golden saxifrage (Chrysosplenium americanum) belongs to the Saxifragaceae family within the Chrysosplenium genus. American golden saxifrage is native to eastern North America. American golden saxifrage is also known as American water-carpet.

American golden saxifrage displays a low rosette, spreading growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. American golden saxifrage produces small, inconspicuous greenish-yellow flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted American golden saxifrage every 3–5 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

American golden saxifrage thrives in partial to full shade. The optimal light range is 50–200 lux. Avoid placing American golden saxifrage in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Chrysosplenium americanum tolerates temperatures of 50–75°F. American golden saxifrage prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Moist, well-draining soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for American golden saxifrage to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed American golden saxifrage every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with partial to full shade and moist, well-draining soil with high organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

American golden saxifrage is suited to USDA Zone 3a – 7b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

American golden saxifrage can spread to about 1 ft (0.3 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 1 ft (0.3 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune American golden saxifrage while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

American golden saxifrage is hardy down to USDA zone 3a, so once established it can stay outdoors through winter in that zone and warmer ones.

Water deeply in late autumn before the ground freezes, and spread a 5–8 cm (2–3 in) layer of mulch over the root zone, keeping it away from the trunk.

Young and container-grown shrubs need extra protection: roots in a pot freeze much more easily than roots in the ground.

American golden saxifrage can be propagated through division, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to creeping spleenwort plant care, which shares the same genus.

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American golden saxifrage is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, slugs. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

American golden saxifrage grows outdoors in USDA Zone 3a – 7b. It survives winters down to planting zone 3a. American golden saxifrage is native to eastern North America.