Family: Saxifragaceae
Author: L.
Bibliography: Sp. Pl. ed. 2: 574 (1762)
Year: 1762
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Saxifraga
Vegetable: False
Observations: Pyrenees
Description
London-pride, scientifically known as Saxifraga umbrosa, is a charming and resilient perennial plant notable for its decorative appearance and remarkable adaptability. It belongs to the Saxifragaceae family, a group known for species that often thrive in rocky, alpine, or other challenging environments. First described in the 18th-century botanical reference Species Plantarum (2nd edition, 1762) by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus, this plant has captivated horticultural enthusiasts for centuries.
Originating from the mountainous regions of the Pyrenees, London-pride has adapted to create dense, mat-forming ground cover that makes it valuable for garden settings, particularly in rock gardens or as edging around garden beds. The plant exhibits rosettes of evergreen, spoon-shaped leaves that provide a lush, green backdrop throughout the year. These leaves can establish a striking contrast when the plant enters its blooming phase.
In late spring to early summer, London-pride produces delicate, airy clusters of small star-shaped flowers. These blooms are typically pink with a white base and are borne on slender, erect stems that rise above the foliage. The flowers’ subtle beauty and the plant’s overall low-growing form make it particularly suitable for adding texture and color to garden landscapes without overshadowing other plants.
London-pride is valued not only for its aesthetic qualities but also for its hardiness. It thrives in well-drained soil and can tolerate a variety of conditions, from partial shade to full sun. This adaptability makes it an excellent choice for areas with variable climates or challenging gardening conditions. Moreover, its ability to establish and spread with minimal intervention makes it an easy-to-maintain plant for both novice and experienced gardeners.
Overall, Saxifraga umbrosa or London-pride is a testament to the beauty and resilience of plants from the Saxifragaceae family. Its historical roots in botanical literature and ongoing popularity in garden design underscore its lasting appeal and versatility. Whether utilized in rock gardens, as ground cover, or for adding a touch of understated elegance, London-pride remains a cherished plant among gardening enthusiasts.
Common Names
Eng: london-pride, pyrenean saxifrage, pyrenees saxifrage
Deu: porzellanblümchen, schatten-steinbrech, schattenliebender steinbrech
Ita: sassifraga ombrosa
Dan: skygge-stenbræk
Fra: désespoir du peintre, saxifrage des ombrages
Swe: skuggbräcka, varjorikko
Nno: skuggesildre
Nob: skyggesildre
Fin: varjorikko
Cym: tormaen pyreneaidd, tormaen y pyreneau
En: London-pride, London pride, None-so-pretty, Pyrenean Saxifrage, Pyrenees saxifrage, Wood Saxifrage
Ca: Saxífraga d’ombra
Kw: Kowlen S. Padrek
Cs: Lomikámen stinný
Da: Skygge-stenbræk
Fi: Varjorikko
Fr: Saxifrage des ombrages, Désespoir du peintre, Saxifrage de l’ombre, Désespoir des peintres, Mignonnette
De: Schattenliebender Steinbrech, Porzellanblümchen, Schattensteinbrech, Schatten-Steinbrech, Schatten-Steinbrecht
It: Sassifraga ombrosa
Nb: Skyggesildre
Nn: Skuggesildre
Pl: Skalnica cienista
Sv: Skuggbräcka, Varjorikko
Cy: Tormaen y Pyreneau, Tormaen Pyreneaidd
Synonyms
- Saxifraga hybrida (Vill. ex Lapeyr.)
- Saxifraga semidecandra (Fisch. ex Ser.)
- Saxifraga polita (Ser.)
- Saxifraga umbrosa var. crenulata (Regel & Rach)
- Hydatica umbrosa ((L.) Raf.)
- Saxifraga haworthii (Sweet)
- Saxifraga sphaeroidea ((Haw.) Sweet)
- Saxifraga umbrosa var. variegata (Farrer)
- Saxifraga umbrosa var. primuloides (Farrer)
- Robertsonia hybrida ((Vill. ex Lapeyr.) Link)
- Saxifraga dentata (Link)
- Saxifraga cuneifolia subsp. umbrosa ((L.) Bonnier & Layens)
- Saxifraga umbrosa var. melvillei (Farrer)
- Saxifraga umbrosa var. cuneata (Farrer)
- Saxifraga umbrosa var. ogilvieana (Farrer)
- Saxifraga umbrosa var. typica (Engl. & Irmsch.)
- Saxifraga umbrosa var. tournefortii (Sternb.)
- Robertsonia sphaeroidea (Haw.)
- Saxifraga umbrosa var. linnaei (Sternb.)
- Saxifraga umbrosa var. crenata (Ser. ex DC.)
- Saxifraga umbrosa var. smithii (Sternb.)
- Robertsonia umbrosa ((L.) Haw.)
- Saxifraga wormskioldii (Fisch. ex Ser.)
- Saxifraga umbrosa var. aegilops (Farrer)
Distribution
- France (native)
- Spain (native)
- Chile South (introduced)
- Denmark (introduced)
- Great Britain (introduced)
- Italy (introduced)
- Norway (introduced)
- Poland (introduced)
- Sweden (introduced)
Additional Images
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Leaf
Taken Sep 26, 2021 by vignolo clara (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 10, 2022 by Jim Ridley (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 12, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 30, 2021 by Karolina Å (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 10, 2022 by Jim Ridley (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Aug 15, 1996 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Jul 4, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Jean Paul SAINT MARC (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 15, 2011 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Jan 1, 1800 by Tela Botanica − Thierry Pernot (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 28, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Jan 1, 1800 by Tela Botanica − Thierry Pernot (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 12, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Paul FABRE (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 18, 2019 by Andrew Glendinning (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 10, 2020 by Alain Assézat (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 20, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Jul 22, 2022 by Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 22, 2022 by Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 7, 2019 by christine Lesca Maillard (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Aug 12, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Paul FABRE (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 12, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 22, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Ans GORTER (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 20, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 20, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3032812)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:794683-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Saxifraga umbrosa L.)
Specifications
Growth
Bloom months: [‘jun’, ‘jul’, ‘aug’]