Bronchial Saxifrage (Saxifraga bronchialis)

Photo: Matt BergerCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped

Bronchial Saxifrage Plant Care

Saxifraga bronchialis L.

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

With its unique hairy leaves resembling bronchial tubes, this plant originates from the rocky mountains of Europe and Asia. Plant collectors are drawn to Saxifraga bronchialis for its striking foliage and ability to thrive in rocky, alpine environments, making it a prized addition to any rock garden.

Water

Every 7–10 days

Light

Bright indirect light

Temp

50–75°F

Humidity

40–60%

At a glance

How do you care for Bronchial Saxifrage?

Plant Bronchial Saxifrage in bright indirect light (USDA zones 2a–6b) and water a young shrub every 7–10 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 50–75°F (10–24°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.

Where Is the Bronchial Saxifrage Native To?

Native range3 countries

What Is the Bronchial Saxifrage?

Bronchial Saxifrage (Saxifraga bronchialis) belongs to the Saxifragaceae family within the Saxifraga genus. Bronchial Saxifrage is native to northern Asia and North America. Bronchial Saxifrage is also known as Alpine Saxifrage.

Bronchial Saxifrage displays a low rosette, spreading growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Bronchial Saxifrage produces small, star-shaped flowers in various colors.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Bronchial Saxifrage?

Water a young or newly planted Bronchial Saxifrage every 7–10 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.

Watering Frequency

Every 7–10 days

Until established; then in dry spells

What Light Does the Bronchial Saxifrage Need?

Bronchial Saxifrage thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Bronchial Saxifrage in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Light Requirement

Bright indirect light

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Bronchial Saxifrage Prefer?

Saxifraga bronchialis tolerates temperatures of 50–75°F. Bronchial Saxifrage prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Temperature

50–75°F

Humidity

40–60%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Bronchial Saxifrage?

Well-draining soil mix with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Bronchial Saxifrage to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Bronchial Saxifrage?

Feed Bronchial 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.

Fertilizing

Every 6 months

During the growing season

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

Where Should You Plant a Bronchial Saxifrage?

Choose a spot with bright indirect light and well-draining soil mix with high organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Bronchial Saxifrage is suited to USDA Zone 2a – 6b.

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.

How Far Apart Should You Plant a Bronchial Saxifrage?

Bronchial 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.

How Do You Prune a Bronchial Saxifrage?

Prune Bronchial 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.

How Do You Care for a Bronchial Saxifrage in Winter?

Bronchial Saxifrage is hardy down to USDA zone 2a, 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.

How Do You Propagate a Bronchial Saxifrage?

Bronchial Saxifrage can be propagated through division, seed sowing. Similar propagation techniques also apply to arctic saxifrage plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the Bronchial Saxifrage Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Bronchial Saxifrage, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.

This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

What Pests and Diseases Affect the Bronchial Saxifrage?

Bronchial 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.

What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Bronchial Saxifrage Need?

Bronchial Saxifrage grows outdoors in USDA Zone 2a – 6b. It survives winters down to planting zone 2a. Bronchial Saxifrage is native to northern Asia and North America.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 2a – 6b

Keep exploring plants

Bronchial Saxifrage is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.

It belongs to the Saxifraga genus — compare its care with other Saxifraga species on PlantoScan.

Saxifraga is part of the Saxifragaceae plant family — browse all Saxifragaceae genera and species.

Bronchial Saxifrage thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.

More Saxifraga Species

Other Saxifraga species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Saxifraga bronchialis L., family Saxifragaceae (first published in Sp. Pl. : 400 (1753)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Bronchial Saxifrage, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
  • Photo: Matt Berger, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
  • Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 2a – 6b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
  • Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.

Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.

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