SAXIFRAGE FAMILY – SAXIFRAGACEAE
The Saxifrage family includes the genera Astilbe, Heuchera, Bergenia and Saxifraga. The family has 640 species in 33 genera mainly found in Eurasia and North America growing in mountainous or arctic conditions but with some in temperate regions. Saxifrages are frequently grown in rock gardens and Heucheras are used for ground cover. Astilbes grow naturally near streams in ravines and so prefer damp soils and Bergenias are grown for their year-round dark green ground cover. Basic Flower Parts 4or 5 Sepals,4 or 5 petals, 10 Stamens
Saxifraga canaliculata is a garden plant native to Northern Spain. Saxifrage flowers are open and symmetrical and have 5 white petals. Nectar is secreted by the outer wall of the ovary and small flies are the main pollinators. Meadow Saxifrage Saxifraga granulata is a native wild flower found in grassland in Britain and Europe.
Bergenia cordifolia. Bergenia is a genus of 10 species native to the mountain regions of Central Asia. It is a popular garden plant in Britain. It was first introduce to Britain from Siberia in 1779. Cordifolia means with heart-shaped leaves. The genus was named after a German botanist Karl von Bergen.
Astilbe x rosea is a hybrid popular in gardens. Pollinated by bees, the plants produce both nectar and pollen. The Astilbe genus of 18 species is native to the mountains and woodlands of eastern Asia and North America. The common name for the genus is False Goat’s Beard.
Heuchera ‘Regina‘ is a popular cultivar used as ground cover in gardens. The Heuchera genus of 55 species is native to North America and was first introduced to Britain from Mexico in 1882