Genus of about 440 species of mostly mat- or cushion-forming, evergreen, semi-evergreen, or deciduous perennials, biennials, and a few annuals, mostly from mountains in the N. hemisphere. The genus Saxifraga contains a number of garden plants. These are low growing plants some of which generally do better where summers are cooler. Provide a well-drained soil and a growing area exposed to sun or partial shade. The outstanding feature is the production of long, slender red runners which bear miniature plants at their ends. Clusters of insignificant flowers appear in summer. These plants grow about 9 in. high, and the pendant runners can reach 2-3 ft.