Sedum aizoon

The Sedum aïzoon, also known as Phedimus aïzoon, is a hardy perennial stonecrop with deciduous foliage. It has dense, compound leaves that are rather large, fleshy, and a beautiful glossy light green color. In summer, it produces lovely yellow flowers. At this time of year, the flowers, leaves, and dark red stems create a beautiful combination. This small perennial spreads as a ground cover through natural layering. It is an excellent, hardy, and robust ground cover.

The Phedimus aïzoon is a succulent plant from the Crassulaceae family, native to Korea, Japan, Mongolia, and Russia, where it grows in scree and rocks at altitudes between 1000 and 3100 meters. It is very resistant to cold and drought, but it requires some water in spring. The Sedum aïzoon is a deciduous species in winter, with an upright habit and a thick, tuberous stump. Its stems are capable of rooting upon contact with the ground. It can reach a height of about 45 cm when flowering, but it can colonize the ground without theoretical limits. The leaves of this sedum are generally ovate and dentate along the edges. They can measure up to 5 cm long and over 2.5 cm wide. They have a shiny texture and their color varies from pale green to dark green. In winter, only rosettes of leaves are present at ground level. In spring, upright dark red stems covered with leaves emerge. At the time of flowering, in July-August, they reach a height of up to 45 cm. At their tips, small dark yellow star-shaped flowers bloom, grouped in flat clusters measuring 7.5 to 10 cm wide.

The Phedimus aïzoon does not have many requirements apart from well-drained soil that does not retain too much water. It can tolerate poor soil with little substrate thanks to its thick stump that stores reserves. It should be placed in not too hot sun or partial shade in southern regions. It is perfect for filling gaps or crevices, dressing a wall, adding color to a rockery, bordering a bed or pathway. It is sometimes used in green walls and roofs compositions. For example, it can be paired with Corsican Spurge, upright autumn stonecrops (Sedum 'Purple Emperor', S. spectabile 'Carl'...), or Basket-of-Gold.