This excellent group of rock garden plants is known as the section Ligulatae, or more commonly as the silver or encrusted saxifrages, in recognition of the deposits of lime that line the leaves. They all have rosettes, large or small depending on the variety, and have relatively large panicles of flowers, usually white. They come from rocky places in the mountains, some on limestone and some on acid rocks.

Saxifraga 'Nicholas' has large silver rosettes with narrow leaves. The arching sprays of white flowers, with reddish pink streaks at the base of each petal, are spectacular. Bred by Matthew Ruane of Brynhyfryd Nursery, this is probably the finest saxifrage we have come across, recognised by the award of a First Class Certificate.