London pride (Saxifraga umbrosa)
Care, watering, light and tips for London pride on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Saxifragaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 7 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
About London pride
Saxifraga umbrosa, also known as 'skyggesildre', is a small, mat-forming perennial plant. It is characterized by its dense basal rosettes of fleshy leaves and delicate white or pink flowers that emerge on slender stems above the foliage. It is ideal for rock gardens, shady borders, or as ground cover in low-light areas.
Native range
Western and Central Europe
Care tips
It prefers partial or full shade locations, avoiding intense direct sunlight which can scorch its leaves. Watering should be moderate, keeping the substrate slightly moist but never waterlogged, especially in summer. Use a well-draining substrate rich in organic matter. A common mistake is overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
How to save a dying London pride
- Warning signs
- Soft, yellowing leaves or brown spots. Stunted or weak growth. Soft, dark roots.
- First aid
- Remove damaged leaves, check drainage, reduce watering. Place in partial shade with good ventilation. Consider repotting if root rot.
- What kills it
- Overwatering causing root rot. Lack of drainage and direct sun exposure. Low humidity.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if you act quickly. It's quite resilient. Remove damaged parts and adjust watering/location.