Also known as orange stonecrop, this sprawling herbaceous perennial is native to northern China and along the Pacific coast of Siberia including the Kamchatka Peninsula. It is a member of the stonecrop family, Crassulaceae, that also includes jade plant, hens and chickens, and kalanchoe. Growing 6-12″ tall, the plant forms a dense mat of oblanceolate to spatulate dark green leaves that are 1/2-2″ long and coarsely toothed on their outer margin. From late spring to late summer loose, flat, four-branched terminal clusters of 6-10 dark yellow flowers appear that are 1/2″ wide and star-shaped. Excellent choice for a ground cover, wall or rock garden. The genus name, Sedum, comes from the Latin word sedeo meaning sit, and refers to the low growing habit of the plant. The specific epithet, kamtschaticum, refers to the Kamchatka Peninsula where the plant is native.
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Bloom: Terminal clusters of 6-10 yellow flowers 1/2″ wide from late spring to late summer
Size: 6-12″ H x 12″ W
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Soil: Average, dry to medium moist, well-drained
Hardiness: Zones 3-8
Care: Low maintenance
Pests and Diseases: None of significance
Propagation: Stem tips, division, seed
Companion Plants: Blue fescue, portulaca, hardy ice plant
Outstanding Selections:
var. floriferum (more floriferous than the species)
‘Variegata’ (white band on leaf margins; more compact but not as vigorous as species)
‘Takahira Dake’ (more compact and erect than species with reddish stems and more flowering stems)
Photo Credit: Wikipedia
Karen Meyers