Saxifraga fortunei Beni Tsukasa

Saxifrage fortunei 'Beni Tsukasa' is distinguished by its beautiful red flowering at the end of the season. Its asymmetrical and delicately fringed flowers bloom for several weeks on glossy foliage at a time of year when flowers are rare in the garden. Native to the undergrowth of Japan, this small perennial is a remarkable cool shade plant. Plant it near to the house so that you can admire it up close, or better yet, grow it in the Japanese way: in bowls placed near the house at the time of flowering.

Saxifraga fortunei belongs to the Saxifragaceae family. It is a species very close to S. cortusifolia. This small plant develops a rosette of large deciduous leaves measuring 20cm (8in) in diameter. They are thick, rounded, lobed, dentate, and glossy, measuring about 8cm (3in) in diameter and are carried by a long petiole. The flowering plant will reach approximately 30cm (12in) in height and 20cm (8in) in spread. The rounded and lobed foliage of this variety is particularly wide. Its colour is a bright and vivid green. From September until the first cold weather, 10cm (4in) long panicles emerge from the tuft of leaves, well clear of the foliage. They bear very pretty asymmetric flowers, measuring 3 to 5cm (1 to 2in) in diameter, formed by short upper petals and longer lower petals, fringed at the edges, giving the corolla a lot of charm and lightness. Their colour is a deep and vivid red. The small heart of the flower is equally bright yellow. Lean in a little closer to discover their delicate fragrance.

Saxifrage 'Beni Tsukasa' thrives in light, humus-rich, moist and well-drained soil in semi-shade or total shade. These conditions can be found in a moist, shaded rockery, on the edge of damp undergrowth, or near a north-facing façade, in well-drained soil. It can also be planted at the base of deciduous trees or shrubs, taking care to remove dead leaves that could cover the plant in autumn. It also makes lovely borders, decorates walls, and enhances shaded areas of a patio. Dwarf hostas, Japanese ferns (Athyrium niponicum var. pictum), bellflowers, and Veronica umbrosa will be good companions for this extremely refined small perennial. 

NOTE: This is a rather delicate plant that should be reserved for experienced gardeners. Plant Saxifrage 'Beni Tsukasa' in any light, moist, slightly acidic soil, without excess limestone. This perennial does not tolerate heavy, wet soils in winter, nor calcareous and dry soils in summer.