Saxifraga stolonifera

Strawberry Begonia, also called "Mother of Thousands" because of its prolific spread by red strawberry-like runners, is an evergreen stoloniferous flowering perennial with heart-shaped green leaves with distinctive white veins above and attractive red beneath. The plant forms a spreading, low mat propagated by the division of plantlets from thread-like runners. Strawberry Begonia is a native of Eastern Asia, Western China, and Japan and is often found on shady cliffs and mossy rocks at low altitudes. The plant's spread and ornamental value as well as it's tolerance for heavy clay soil make it a good candidate for use as a ground cover. The genus name comes from the Latin words saxum meaning rock and frangere meaning to break in reference to the plant growing in the fissures of rocks and, over time, breaking away the rock. The species name means "having stolons".

Strawberry Begonia grows best in moist, organically rich, well-drained soils in part shade to full shade. However, it does tolerate heavy clay soils. If grown outdoors, it should be in a shady area. If grown indoors, plants should be sited in bright indirect light, although some direct sun (if not intense) will promote reddish leaf colors. The plant is easily propagated by rooting plantlets directly in soil. It is cold hardy in USDA Zones 6 through 9; however, you should site it in a protected location and provide plenty winter mulch if growing in Zone 6.

Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems:

No known diseases or insect pests.