The genus Saxifraga, commonly known as rockfoils or saxifrages, encompasses a large group of low-growing, often alpine, evergreen perennials. They belong to the family Saxifragaceae and are prized for their delicate flowers and cushion-like foliage. The cultivar ‘Alpino Early Picotee’ (Saxifraga x arendsii) is celebrated for its exceptionally early bloom time and attractive, bicolored flowers. This cultivar offers a burst of color when many other garden plants are still dormant, providing excellent early spring interest.
Defining the ‘Early Picotee’
The ‘Alpino Early Picotee’ is known for its low, mat-forming habit and bicolored blooms. This perennial forms a dense, cushion-like clump of small, evergreen foliage, rarely exceeding 8 inches in height and 12 inches in spread. The leaves are typically dark green, short, and linear, creating a tight, mossy appearance, leading to its common name, mossy saxifrage.
From late winter to mid-spring, the plant produces numerous upright stems, each bearing a raceme of small, single, cup-shaped flowers about one inch in diameter. The term ‘picotee’ describes the flower’s striking bicolored pattern: a pale pink or white petal surface sharply outlined by a contrasting darker edge of rose or reddish-pink. This color contrast creates a delicate halo effect on each bloom. The compact growth and profuse flowering often completely smother the evergreen mat during its peak season.
Essential Growing Conditions
‘Alpino Early Picotee’ requires a cool, alpine environment, especially regarding sunlight and soil. This cultivar is hardy across USDA Zones 4 through 9 and tolerates cold temperatures well. While it can handle full morning sun, it performs best in partial shade, needing protection from intense, hot afternoon sun that can scorch the foliage and dry out the roots.
The growing medium must be moderately fertile and provide excellent drainage. A gritty mixture, achieved by incorporating sand, small gravel, or grit into the native soil, prevents waterlogging around the crown. Root rot is a common issue when drainage is poor, so excess moisture must escape quickly. The plant thrives in soil that is neutral to slightly alkaline, and it tolerates many soil types, including chalk, loam, and sand, provided the drainage requirement is met.
Practical Care and Maintenance
Once established, ‘Alpino Early Picotee’ requires consistent but careful watering. The plant needs consistently moist soil, especially during its active growth and flowering periods, but it is highly susceptible to rot if left sitting in soggy conditions. Gardeners should water moderately, ensuring the soil is allowed to dry slightly between applications, and be particularly mindful of avoiding excessive moisture during winter dormancy.
Fertilization should be minimal, as rich soil can encourage soft, leggy growth that is prone to rot. If necessary, a light application of a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring is sufficient, but often the nutrients in moderately fertile soil are adequate.
After the main bloom period concludes, lightly trimming the faded flower stalks, or deadheading, can tidy the plant and encourage a denser mat of foliage. To prevent crown rot and keep the cushion tight, applying a thin top-dressing of sand or fine grit around the base of the plant after flowering helps to wick away surface moisture. As a mat-forming perennial, it benefits from division every few years in the spring or fall to rejuvenate crowded clumps and maintain plant health.