Santa Fe Botanical Garden

Common name: Kamschatka sedum

Family: Crassulaceae (Stonecrop)

Synonym: Phedimus kamtschaticus

Distribution: Japan, China, Russia

Habitat: Rocky outcrops, cliffs

Hardiness: USDA Zone 3 (-40 to -30 °F)

Life form: Cactus/succulent

Occurrence in New Mexico: Exotic

Growing Conditions: Kamchatka stonecrop or orange stonecrop is native to northern China, along the Pacific coast of Siberia including the Kamchatka Peninsula, and to Japan, growing in rocky outcrops and cliffs of volcanic mountains. It is widely cultivated. It grows in full sun with low to medium moisture. It is tolerant of hot, dry sites. Over-watering should be avoided. It does well in sandy, gravelly or rocky soils with poor nutrition. Addition of grit or sharp sand may be added to clay or other soils that are not well drained. It goes dormant in winter, and tolerates heavy snow and freezing rain. It is also saline tolerant. It is useful as a groundcover when plants are spaced 12 inches apart. Cuttings may be rooted directly in the soil. It can also be planted in crevices in walls, or in mixed containers. It is a valued plant for green roofs.