Overview
Rhodiola rosea is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Rhodiola, part of the Crassulaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.1-0.5 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 1-2 years. Rhodiola rosea grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. It is drought resistant and low maintenance. Suggested uses include rockeries and front of borders. It is native to Labrador, Newfoundland, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Nunavut, Quebec, Saint Pierre and Miquelon and Greenland.
About
Rhodiola rosea (commonly golden root, rose root, roseroot, Aaron's rod, Arctic root, king's crown, lignum rhodium, orpin rose) is a perennial flowering plant in the family Crassulaceae. It grows naturally in wild Arctic regions of Europe (including Britain), Asia, and North America (New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Quebec; Alaska, Maine, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Vermont), and can be propagated as a groundcover. Although Rhodiola rosea has been used in traditional medicine, there is no high-quality clinical evidence of its effectiveness to treat any disease. The United States Food and Drug Administration has issued several warnings to manufacturers of R. rosea based dietary supplements for making false health claims about safety and efficacy. It is native to North America, Alaska, Albania, Altay, Amur and other regions. Mature plants reach roughly 0.1-0.5 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, carrying deciduous foliage. In the garden it prefers full sun and most soil types.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Rhodiola rosea
About the genus
Rhodiola is a genus of perennial plants in the family Crassulaceae that resemble Sedum and other members of the family. Like sedums, Rhodiola species are often called stonecrops. Some authors merge Rhodiola into Sedum.
Wikipedia contributors, "Rhodiola", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Rhodiola
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Rhodiola
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Rhodiola rosea size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 1-2 years
- Suggested uses
- Rockeries, Front of borders
- Native to
- Labrador, Newfoundland, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Nunavut, Quebec, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, Greenland
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Rhodiola rosea
- Propagation
- Seed, Division
- Pest resistance
- Aphids
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Rhodiola rosea?
Rhodiola rosea prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Rhodiola rosea need?
Rhodiola rosea is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
How big does Rhodiola rosea grow?
Rhodiola rosea reaches a height of 0.1-0.5 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 1-2 years to reach full size.
Is Rhodiola rosea hardy in the UK?
Rhodiola rosea has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Rhodiola rosea?
Seed, Division.
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