Family: Caryophyllaceae
Author: (L.) Link
Bibliography: Handbuch 2: 235 (1831)
Year: 1831
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Petrorhagia
Vegetable: False
Observations: C. & S. Europe to Iran
Description
Saxifrage-pink, scientifically known as Petrorhagia saxifraga, is a captivating perennial species belonging to the Caryophyllaceae family. This plant is recognized for its delicate charm and resilient nature, making it a remarkable addition to gardens and natural landscapes across its distribution range.
Originally described in 1831 in the authoritative botanical reference “Handbuch 2: 235” by (L.) Link, Saxifrage-pink thrives in diverse environments across Central and Southern Europe extending to Iran. Its wide geographical spread underscores its adaptability to varying climatic and soil conditions.
Distinguished by its petite and vibrant pink flowers, Petrorhagia saxifraga typically exhibits a bushy growth form with slender stems. The blossoms are usually clustered, creating a spectacular floral display that can enhance any garden setting. The plant’s leaves are narrow and grass-like, complementing the fine texture of the blooms.
Saxifrage-pink is often found in rocky habitats, which align with its common name highlighting its affinity for saxicolous (rock-dwelling) environments. This characteristic makes it an excellent choice for rock gardens, xeriscaping, and other low-water landscaping projects. Its ability to establish and thrive in challenging terrains further illustrates its hardiness.
In cultivation, Petrorhagia saxifraga requires minimal maintenance. It prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate periods of drought, making it suitable for growers looking for low-maintenance yet visually appealing plants. When in bloom, it not only attracts pollinators but also provides a touch of elegance with its subtle yet striking pink flowers.
Overall, Saxifrage-pink is a testament to nature’s beauty and resilience, offering both aesthetic value and ecological benefits. Whether in its natural rocky habitats or carefully curated garden spaces, this plant continues to captivate and inspire plant enthusiasts and gardeners alike.
Common Names
Dan: fjeld-knopnellike, fjeldnellike
Pol: goździcznik skalnicowy
Eng: saxifrage pink, tunicflower, coatflower, saxifrage-pink, tunic-flower
Deu: steinbrech-felsennelke
Est: kivirik-kaljunelk
Lav: klinšu petror
Swe: klippnejlika
Fra: oeillet des rochers, tunique, oeillet saxifrage, pétrorhagie saxifrage, tunique saxifrage
Nld: kleine mantelanjer
Nob: bergnellik
Nno: bergnellik
Cym: penigan tormaen, penigau tormaen
En: Saxifrage-pink, Tunic-flower, Coatflower, Saxifrage pink, Tunicflower, Coat Flower, Tunic
Bg: Каменоломкова мантийка
Zh: 膜萼花
Cs: Hvozdíček lomikamenovitý
Da: Fjeld-knopnellike, Fjeldnellike
Nl: Kleine mantelanjer
Et: Kivirik-kaljunelk
Fi: Kalliokehtoneilikka, Kallioneilikka
Fr: Oeillet des rochers, Tunique, Oeillet saxifrage, Pétrorhagie saxifrage, Tunique saxifrage
De: Steinbrech-Felsennelke, Felsennelke, Gewöhnliche Felsennelke
Hu: Kőtörő aszúszegfű
It: Garofanina spaccasassi
Lv: Klinšu petror
Nb: Bergnellik
Nn: Bergnellik
Pl: Goździcznik skalnicowy
Sk: Tunika lomikameňovitá
Es: Clavel de túnica
Sv: Klippnejlika
Zh-tw: 外套花
Cy: Penigan tormaen, Penigau Tormaen
Synonyms
- Gypsophila saxifraga (L.)
- Tunica saxifraga ((L.) Scop.)
- Tunica saxifraga subsp. arenicola ((Dufour) Nyman)
Distribution
- Albania (native)
- Austria (native)
- Bulgaria (native)
- Corse (native)
- Czechoslovakia (native)
- France (native)
- Germany (native)
- Greece (native)
- Hungary (native)
- Iran (native)
- Italy (native)
- North Caucasus (native)
- Portugal (native)
- Romania (native)
- Sardegna (native)
- Sicilia (native)
- Spain (native)
- Switzerland (native)
- Transcaucasus (native)
- Turkey (native)
- Ukraine (native)
- Yugoslavia (native)
- Baltic States (introduced)
- British Columbia (introduced)
- Denmark (introduced)
- Great Britain (introduced)
- Idaho (introduced)
- Illinois (introduced)
- Maine (introduced)
- Masachusettes (introduced)
- Michigan (introduced)
- Minnesota (introduced)
- New York (introduced)
- Ohio (introduced)
- Ontario (introduced)
- Pennsylvania (introduced)
- Poland (introduced)
- South Dakota (introduced)
- Sweden (introduced)
- Virginia (introduced)
- Wisconsin (introduced)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Oct 2, 2022 by Andrzej Konstantynowicz (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 13, 2020 by michel jossen (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 22, 2021 by Anne Perdereau (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 12, 2018 by Renaud Brochiero (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 12, 2018 by Renaud Brochiero (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Jun 13, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Michel GAUBERT (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 13, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Michel GAUBERT (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 9, 2022 by alain.richaud38 (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 12, 2022 by John Touma (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 2, 2022 by Andrzej Konstantynowicz (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Aug 3, 2018 by Jovica Sjeničić (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 30, 2022 by bismilla (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 26, 2020 by Roberto Dessì (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 24, 2021 by Luciana Serra (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 6, 2021 by Michel Michel MONTEIL (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Sep 29, 2021 by vero (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 6, 2017 by MICHEL DUSSERE (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 19, 2021 by paule Rico (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 30, 2018 by Nicolas Moduli (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 26, 2007 by Martin Bishop (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Jul 8, 2021 by Emanuele Santarelli (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 30, 2022 by Gasser Nadia (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 3, 2022 by claire Felloni (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 29, 2021 by vero (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 6, 2021 by Miguel A. C. (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Oct 15, 2001 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Jul 30, 2019 by 22Ben Combes (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 15, 2008 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Jul 16, 2019 by Jens Mathiessen (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 15, 2005 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3085623)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:155987-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Petrorhagia saxifraga (L.) Link)
Specifications
Growth habit: Subshrub, Forb/herb