Rhodiola rosea
dark purple stonecrop
A clump-forming rhizomatous perennial with purple stems and lance-shaped, fleshy grey-green, toothed leaves 4cm long, with a red-tinted tips. In summer, the small yellow star-shaped flowers open from slightly pink buds and are borne in dense terminal corymb-like heads. Male and female flowers are produced on different plants.
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Grey | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Yellow Pink | Green Grey | ||
| Autumn | Green Grey | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Crassulaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Genus
A genus of flowering perennials, mainly propagated as ground cover with tall, fleshy stems and yellow-green flowers, sometimes tinged with red
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Europe, Asia, North America
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moderately fertile, well drained soil in full sun. a drought tolerant plant suitable for rockeries and the front of borders
Propagation
Propagate by seed in containers in a cold frame or by division in spring or early summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Gravel garden
- Mediterranean climate plants
- Rock garden
- Low Maintenance
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Cut back after flowering or leave seedheads over winter
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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