About
Rhodiola rosea, roseroot, is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial to 30 cm with upright, purple-tinged stems bearing overlapping, lance-shaped, grey-green, fleshy leaves with red-tipped margins. In summer, dense terminal heads of small, yellow, star-shaped flowers open from slightly pink buds � male and female on separate plants. A hardy, ornamental plant for a sunny, well-drained rock garden or border.
About the genus
Rhodiola are clump-forming, rhizomatous, herbaceous perennials with fleshy stems and leaves and dense, terminal heads of small, starry flowers in yellow, white, pink or red. Hardy, drought-tolerant plants for sunny, well-drained rock gardens and borders.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Mediterranean climate plants, Rock garden
Native toEurope, Asia, North America
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moderately fertile, well drained soil in full sun. a drought tolerant plant suitable for rockeries and the front of borders
PruningCut back after flowering or leave seedheads over winter
PropagationPropagate by seed in containers in a cold frame or by division in spring or early summer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free