Saxifraga OPERA Orpheus

Saxifraga 'Orpheus', from the Opera series, is a recent French hybrid, distinguished by its very late and abundant flowering in autumn. The flowers, carried on long bare stems, resemble lace. They are pure white, shaded with green. The dark green semi-evergreen dentate leaves form a small tuft that will work wonders in a shady rockery, in humus-rich and rather acidic soil that does not dry out. It can also be grown in a pot.

Saxifraga 'Orpheus' is a compact hybrid of S. fortunei, a little gem native to the woods of Japan. It belongs to the Saxifragaceae family, which offers the gardener both tiny plants, such as alpine rock saxifrages, and giants like Rodgersia, which are magnificent waterside plants. 

'Orpheus', which belongs to the Opera series, was recently obtained by Olivier Galéa (Sous un Arbre Perché Nursery). It is a particularly floriferous variety, which brings the garden to life between October and November, at a time when flowers are rare. The elegant and delicately sculpted small 5-petal stars are pure white with pale green reflections. The dark green, fleshy, dentate-edged leaves form a small low tuft about 25cm (10in) in diameter and 15cm (6in) high. When in bloom, however, the plant reaches 25cm (10in) high, with the stems rising well above the foliage.

The whole plant is a little gem that deserves attention. It requires soft, light, humus-rich, slightly acidic and rather fertile soil that is perfectly drained and does not dry out. Shade or partial shade, without direct sun, suits them. Woodland rich in leaf compost is ideal! They are hardy to approximately -15°C (5°F), but they don't like cold drafts, and waterlogged winter soils are fatal for them. Don't worry if the leaves start to die. The foliage is deciduous below -5°C (23°F), and it regrows in spring if the growing conditions are suitable. You can mulch the base of the plant, but be careful not to create excessive moisture accumulation at their base during winter (especially with dead leaves).

Growing them in pots is a good alternative if the soil in your garden is too heavy. In this case, provide the plant with well-aerated soil, and it will reward you with abundant flowering. Regularly renew the substrate. Given the refined character of this variety, opt for a pretty enamelled pot, for example, as it will have the best effect. If the frost is intense, protect the pots or, if possible, shelter them in a cold greenhouse.

Planted en masse, Saxifraga 'Orpheus' will create a spectacular effect in shaded beds. Its pure white flowering will bring light to the woodland. Of course, you can also create a bed dotted with various varieties of saxifrages. Keep in mind, however, that these plants are not excellent ground covers on their own - consider Viola labradorica, a lovely little violet that self-seeds without bothering its neighbours. You can also plant it with other non-invasive Asian plants, like Athyrium niponicum 'Pictum', Asarum splendens, or Japanese forest grass, all topped with a choice bush like Camellia lutchuensis.