Saxifraga cochlearis 'Minor'

Perennial of the Saxifragaceae family, Saxifraga cochlearis is a saxifrage with leaves encrusted with limestone, belonging to the Ligulatae section. It is endemic to the Franco-Italian Maritime Alps, where it occupies vertical or overhanging limestone cliffs and walls, between approximately 500 and 2,000 meters. The 'Minor' cultivar is a dwarf form, particularly compact, highly sought after by alpine plant enthusiasts.

It forms tight cushions of small rosettes with short, spatula-shaped leaves, whose upper surface is bordered with a white edging formed by the limestone deposits of the hydathodes, giving them a very characteristic silvery gray-green hue. The leaves are slightly curved outward, reminiscent of small spoons, probably alluding to the epithet cochlearis. The floral stem, thin and dark red, rises to 10–20 cm and bears a loose panicle of small pure white flowers, sharply contrasting with the red of the stem and pedicels.

In its natural habitat, its flowering extends from June to July. In cultivation, it generally occurs in May-June.

It requires a limestone substrate, very well-drained, a sunny to semi-shaded exposure, and absolute protection against stagnant moisture in winter. Cultivation in a pot or alpine trough, with embedding between limestone rocks, suits it particularly well and highlights the delicacy of its floral stems.