Tunic Flower (Petrorhagia saxifraga)

Tunic Flower

Petrorhagia saxifraga

Delicate star-shaped blooms bring dainty charm to rock gardens. Low-growing perennial groundcover; common name: tunic flower.

Full sun
1–2/week
Beginner
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Full sun to partial shade; thrives in hot, dry conditions and tolerates mild afternoon shade in warm climates
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Watering Allow soil to fully dry between waterings; drought-tolerant once established, avoid overwatering
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Temperature Hardy to cold temperatures down to -15°C; withstands summer heat up to 30°C without significant stress
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Narrow, linear, gray-green evergreen leaves arranged in opposite pairs
  • Flower: Star-shaped, pale pink to white blooms with five petals, clustered at stem tips
  • Stem: Slender, wiry stems that spread to form dense, low mats
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Care Guide

Watering

Water occasionally during prolonged dry spells to prevent wilting

Fertilization

Light, balanced feed once in early spring. Use diluted, low-nitrogen feed to avoid excessive foliage growth at the expense of blooms

Eggshell powder topdressing:Crush dried eggshells into fine powder; sprinkle lightly on soil surface to add calcium without risk of root burn
Pruning
  • Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage extended flowering into early summer
  • Trim back overgrown mats in early spring to maintain a compact, tidy form
  • Remove any yellowed or damaged foliage to improve airflow and reduce disease risk
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA-verified non-toxic to cats; no reported toxicity

Humans: Non-toxic to humans; no known adverse health effects from ingestion or contact

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: N/A

Usage: Groundcover for rock gardens, edging, container plantings, and dry slope stabilization