About
A mat-forming, slow-growing succulent producing small rosettes of green-grey fleshy leaves with a red flush. Pinkish white flowers may appear on tall stems from the centre of the rosettes during the summer.
About the genus
Orostachys are low-growing perennials forming dense rosettes of short, fleshy leaves. Erect stems carry clusters of star-shaped flowers in summer or autumn. Individual rosettes die after flowering
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeAlpine Rockery, Cactus Succulent, Conservatory Greenhouse
HabitMatforming
FoliageEvergreen
HeightUp to 10 cm
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants, Rock garden
Native toChina
Care notes
CultivationGrow in very well-drained soil or compost in full sun. Although very hardy, plants will not tolerate wet or humid conditions so are better grown under cover in a well-ventilated, cold greenhouse or cold frame
PruningRemove rosettes with care after they have flowered
PropagationPropagate by offsets in spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to mealybugs
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free