Double Meadow Saxifrage. Photo: It Fryske Gea.

Double Meadow Saxifrage. Photo: It Fryske Gea.

The Double Meadow Saxifrage is a cultivar that has been discovered in the wild and soon became a popular garden plant. The variety descends from the Meadow Saxifrage (Saxifraga granulata). In the seventeenth and eighteen century there was a lot of interest in growing species with double flowers (plena). The cultivated and wild species both have small tubers, which can grow close to each other.  From these tubers grow small round leaves close to the ground. Martenastate probably has the richest location of the Double Meadow Saxifrage along the alley that is flanked by rows of Lime trees and ditches on both sides. Quite special circumstances are required for the growth of the Double Meadow Saxifrage. Often it will be outcompeted by other more aggressive species. At the Poptaslot (Marssum) they have the experience that the species reappeared after the Ivy vegetation was removed.

Martenastate is the best place to see the Double Meadow Saxifrage. It has recently been (re)introduced at Dekema State and the Schierstins.