168 ROCK GARDENING FOR AMATEURS 



THE ENCRUSTED SAXIFRAGES 



During the month of June the members of the Encrusted 

 section of this attractive family of rock plants are at 

 the height of their beauty, and form a most delightful 

 display in the rock garden, especially when planted in 

 bold groups. There are many kinds of great merit that 

 may be considered among the easiest of plants to grow, 

 provided they are planted in a sunny spot among plenty 

 of stones, and in gritty soil to ensure perfect drainage. 

 On old walls they may be planted to great advantage, 

 especially where the wall is backed with soil, and the 

 stones are loosely laid together without mortar. The 

 rosettes of Saxifrage, when small, may be inserted in 

 the crevices between the stones, and soon make good-sized 

 tufts that, when established, produce flowers freely every 

 season. Fissures in large masses of rock may also be 

 utilised for planting the Encrusted Saxifrages ; one of the 

 neatest and prettiest kinds for this purpose is S. cochlearis, 

 with its silvery cushion of leaves, and graceful sprays of 

 white flowers. Even when not in flower the large rosettes 

 of silver-edged leaves are most ornamental. The following 

 are some of the best and most easily grown kinds in this 

 section : 



S. Aizoon. One of the commonest of European 

 Encrusted Saxifrages, as well as one of the most variable. 

 It is found both on the granitic and limestone formations, 

 and flourishes on either. In its many forms it is a 

 very useful plant for the rock garden, growing either in 



