Strawberry Saxifrage Plant Care
Saxifragopsis fragarioides Small
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Saxifragopsis is a monotypic genus of flowering plants in the saxifrage family containing the single species Saxifragopsis fragarioides, which is known by the common name strawberry saxifrage. This plant is sometimes included in genus Saxifraga.
Every 4–7 days
Partial to full shade
50–75°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Strawberry Saxifrage?
Plant Strawberry Saxifrage in partial to full shade (USDA zones 12a) and water a young shrub every 4–7 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 Strawberry Saxifrage Native To?
What Is the Strawberry Saxifrage?
Strawberry Saxifrage (Saxifragopsis fragarioides) belongs to the Saxifragaceae family within the Saxifragopsis genus. Strawberry Saxifrage is native to the northwestern United States.
Strawberry Saxifrage displays a low rosette, spreading ground cover growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Strawberry Saxifrage produces small, delicate white flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Strawberry Saxifrage?
Water a young or newly planted Strawberry Saxifrage every 4–7 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 4–7 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Strawberry Saxifrage Need?
Strawberry Saxifrage thrives in partial to full shade. The optimal light range is 50–200 lux. Avoid placing Strawberry Saxifrage in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Partial to full shade
50–200 lux
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Strawberry Saxifrage Prefer?
Saxifragopsis fragarioides tolerates temperatures of 50–75°F. Strawberry Saxifrage prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
50–75°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Strawberry Saxifrage?
Well-draining, acidic soil mix with added organic matter like peat moss and pine bark. Good drainage is essential for Strawberry Saxifrage to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Strawberry Saxifrage?
Feed Strawberry 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 Strawberry Saxifrage?
Choose a spot with partial to full shade and well-draining, acidic soil mix with added organic matter like peat moss and pine bark. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Strawberry Saxifrage is suited to USDA Zone 12a.
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 Strawberry Saxifrage?
Strawberry 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 Strawberry Saxifrage?
Prune Strawberry 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 Strawberry Saxifrage in Winter?
Strawberry Saxifrage is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.
How Do You Propagate a Strawberry Saxifrage?
Strawberry Saxifrage can be propagated through division, seeds.
Is the Strawberry Saxifrage Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Strawberry 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 Strawberry Saxifrage?
Strawberry 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 Strawberry Saxifrage Need?
Strawberry Saxifrage grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Strawberry Saxifrage is native to the northwestern United States. In cooler regions, grow Strawberry Saxifrage as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Strawberry 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 Saxifragopsis genus — compare its care with other Saxifragopsis species on PlantoScan.
Saxifragopsis is part of the Saxifragaceae plant family — browse all Saxifragaceae genera and species.
Strawberry Saxifrage copes with lower light than most plants — browse the full list of low-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Saxifragopsis fragarioides Small, family Saxifragaceae (first published in Bull. Torrey Bot. Club 23: 20 (1896)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Strawberry 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.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 12a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- 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.
