Chrysosplenium or Golden Saxifrage: Planting, Growing and Care

Description and botany

Chrysosplenium, also called Golden saxifrage, is a small perennial plant from the Saxifragaceae family, just like Bergenia. There are about 65 species distributed across Asia (particularly China), America, Africa and Europe. They naturally grow in woodland undergrowth, along small streams like Chrysosplenium oppositifolium, in rocky habitats and mountainous areas up to 1900 m altitude, such as Chrysosplenium macrophyllum, always in damp, more or less waterlogged and shaded locations. In France, except in the South, you can find Chrysosplenium alternifolium (Alternate-leaved golden saxifrage or Golden stonecrop) growing wild – this is a protected species. In our gardens, we mainly find:

• Chrysosplenium alternifolium
• Chrysosplenium davidianum
• Chrysosplenium macrophyllum
• Chrysosplenium oppositifolium

This creeping herbaceous perennial plant develops from a stoloniferous stump. Chrysosplenium quickly forms tapetums of leaves 5 to 30 cm high, spreading 30-50 cm wide via short, barely buried rootstocks. The plant roots itself in various spots, much like strawberries, through thread-like stolons. It eventually forms a low rosette of evergreen leaves, decorative even in winter.

The stems, often quadrangular, bear small ovate or rounded leaves measuring about 5 mm to 3 cm in diameter, with strongly crenate edges. They are alternate in Alternate-leaved golden saxifrage or Chrysosplenium davidianum. They are villous or shiny and their lamina is light green to chartreuse in colour. They take on brown, purple or golden hues depending on the species.

In spring, from March-April to June depending on the climate, small yellow or anise-yellow flowers dot this froth of small leaves. They appear as very bright flat inflorescences. Chrysosplenium macrophyllum or Large-leaved golden saxifrage flowers from December-January to March in clusters of pinkish-white bell-shaped flowers. This Chinese species with large pubescent leaves resembles bergenia.

The leaves of Chrysosplenium oppositifolium have depurative, diuretic and expectorant properties and are sometimes eaten in salads.

Several species: Chrysosplenium alternifolium, Chrysosplenium davidianum and Chrysosplenium macrophyllum

Main species

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Planting Chrysosplenium

Where to Plant?

The golden saxifrages are very hardy perennial plants that can withstand temperatures as low as -25°C. They are easy to grow in most of our regions. However, they cannot be cultivated in a Mediterranean climate, which is too dry and hot in summer, as they require consistently moist to wet soil. They thrive in heavy, clayey, moist, humus-rich soil. They love moisture and dislike full sun, preferring deep shade instead. Plant them in a partially shaded spot that stays cool in summer. They can tolerate dappled sunlight if moisture is not lacking.

The clumps expand over time but remain easy to control. Golden saxifrages make excellent evergreen ground covers near a pond, under tree cover in a damp woodland, by a stream, among rocks near a waterfall, or in a cool rock garden. This plant will also be content with soil that never dries out, allowing it to be planted along pathways or in shady borders, for example.

When to Plant Chrysosplenium?

Chrysosplenium is best planted in spring, from February to April, avoiding frost and drought periods.

How to Plant?

Plan for about 7 young plants per m² to create a dense ground cover.

• Dig a hole 2 to 3 times the size of the root ball
• Plant in a mix of garden soil and humus-bearing compost
• Backfill and lightly firm the soil
• Water thoroughly and then very regularly

⇒ Watch our video for the right techniques to plant a perennial correctly!

Much rarer: Chrysosplenium griffithii

Cultivation and care

The doronicum requires little maintenance as long as it remains in consistently moist soil throughout the year. It’s a trouble-free plant once established, but it cannot tolerate dry soils. Ensure the soil stays moist, especially during summer, or this perennial may wither. Water regularly during the first summer, then once or twice a week to keep the soil consistently damp.

To control its spread, you can remove excess stolons.

Propagation

To ensure the longevity of Chrysosplenium, simply detach the rooted stolons at the end of summer. Take the rooted stems and replant them in your chosen spot in moist soil.

Pairing

With its bright evergreen foliage and spring flowering, the Golden Saxifrage is a highly useful ground cover for bringing a luminous touch to shaded areas. This plant is perfect for dressing the edges of a water feature. It forms a dense, low mat of beautiful green adorned with delicate yellow or white flowers, depending on the variety.

It pairs well with other creeping plants such as Houttuynia cordata, creeping bugleweed, or Asarum, as well as spring bulbs like snowdrops and Fritillaria meleagris, which will emerge through this green carpet.

Along the edge of a partially shaded border, it will complement the delicate flowering of Barrenwort, shooting stars, and Mertensia virginica, a lovely spring plant.

In a water garden, it will fill in around the base of beautiful moisture-loving perennials such as pink astilbes, lady’s mantle, and other shade-loving perennials like ferns and hostas.

An example planting combination: Asarum maximum ‘Ling Ling’, Chrysosplenium alternifolium, Heuchera ‘Obsidian’, Fritillaria meleagris and Epimedium perralchicum ‘Frohnleiten’