London pride (Saxifraga x urbium) is a low-growing evergreen perennial, a hybrid between Spanish Saxifraga umbrosa and Irish Saxifraga spathularis. Once a great garden favourite, London pride plant is hardy and looks good all year round, forming spreading clumps of leafy rosettes made up of spoon-shaped, fleshy, mid-green leaves. In summer masses of small, pink-flushed white flowers are borne on slender stems of around 30cm in height, lasting for up to three months. London Pride thrives in most soils and situations and is especially useful for shady sites. It’s an undemanding and versatile perennial that has fallen from fashion but is a worthwhile garden plant, being easy to grow, yet not invasive. Called London pride because it flourished on bombed sites in the city during the Second World War, it’s even the subject of a song by playwright and composer Noel Coward, whose song titled ‘London Pride’ was popular at the time.
How to grow London pridePlant London pride plant in sun or shade and keep watered until established. Trim off dead stems after flowering for a tidy appearance. Propagate by division in spring.
Where to grow London prideLondon pride is low-growing and spreading, growing 10-15cm high with an indefinite spread, and is ideal for a range of situations including rockeries, raised beds, border edges, and large gaps in paving. It also works well in pots. Its dense growth is reasonably good at suppressing weeds. Grow in sun or shade. While moisture-retentive soil is ideal, it thrives in a wide range of soils, including poor conditions – the only site to avoid is waterlogged ground.
How to plant London pridePlant London pride plant in spring, summer, or autumn in soil that drains freely and with no danger of
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