About
A spreading succulent, forming grey-green rosettes to 5cm across of rounded leaves sometimes lightly tinted with pink, and sending out fine stolons that develop into new plants at the tips. Conical spikes of creamy yellow or white flowers are produced from the centre of mature rosettes in late summer; rosettes die off after flowering to be replaced by the growing offsets.
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
SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectEast-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeCactus Succulent
HabitSpreading branched, Matforming
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Houseplants, Patio and container plants, Rock garden
Native toFar East
Care notes
CultivationGrow in well-drained soil in filtered light or part shade, with protection from hot sun. Plants dislike excess humidity and winter wet, and may benefit from overwintering in a cool greenhouse or cold frame to keep moisture levels down. May lose some foliage or die back to the ground in cold winters. See hardy cacti and succulent cultivation
PruningCarefully remove spent rosettes after flowering
PropagationPropagate by division, separating offsets in spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to mealybugs
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free