Species Russian stonecrop
cluster of small, yellow, shiny, star-like flowers with yellow, long stamens, green, shiny stems, and sepals

Russian stonecrop

Phedimus kamtschaticus

Russian stonecrop (Phedimus kamtschaticus) is an evergreen perennial ground-cover native to Siberia and northern China. It has long succulent stems, and fleshy, semi-succulent leaves that form mats of low-growing foliage. The brilliant, star-shaped pink, red, or white flowers bloom in clusters, appearing in summer and continuing until late fall. It is tolerant of a variety of soil types and does best in full sun in well-drained soils. Its spreading stems are ideal for use as ground-cover, and when planted in appropriate climates, it can survive winter temperatures of up to -15°C (5°F).

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Minimum

Propagation:

Division,Cutting,Layering Propagation,Seed Propagation,Stem Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

3 - 8

Flowers:

Yellow Flowers

Sun:

Full sun

Leaf:

Yes

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Russian stonecrop (Phedimus kamtschaticus) should be watered once a week or every 5-7 days during active growth. An inch (2.5 cm) of water is sufficient for each watering. While the plant can survive with less water during hot summer days, it enjoys higher moisture levels during dry periods. The best way to water the plant is to drench the soil deeply, ensuring that water penetrates to the roots. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.

sunlight

Russian stonecrop (Phedimus kamtschaticus) is a low-growing evergreen plant that grows best in full sun to partial shade. It is hardy down to USDA zone 3 and will tolerate temperatures as low as -40°F. This plant prefers 6 to 8 hours of sunlight each day and will continue to bloom even in partial shade. It prefers moist, well-draining soil but is drought-tolerant and will grow in sandy or rocky soil. This plant is also tolerant of salt, so it can be grown in coastal areas. Russian stonecrop is an excellent ground cover that provides vivid color and interesting texture to the landscape.

pruning

Russian stonecrop should be pruned fairly regularly throughout the growing season. The best time for pruning is late spring, after the plant puts out new growth in the spring, before bud set in summer. Remove more than a third of the old stems so new growth can take their place, but avoid cutting the crown down too much. Deadheading spent flowers can also be done throughout summer to promote more blooms. During very hot weather, it's best to hold off on pruning since the plant is more stressed and more vulnerable to diseases. After frost in autumn, cut the plant back almost to the ground for winter protection.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Russian stonecrop typically starts flowering in June.

Hardiness Map