Great Plant Pick: Rhodiola pachyclados, Afghani sedum

Published 1:30 am Saturday, October 26, 2019

What: Rhodiola pachyclados, also known as Afghani sedum, is an excellent groundcover plant — particularly for hot, dry sites with poor soil. This variety forms a flat, dense mound of glossy blue-green leaves. Clusters of large white flowers appear in summer and then again in fall. It is well-suited for the rock garden or edging in a dry border, also a good choice for containers. Plus, it makes a good companion plant for Eryngium amethystinum “Sapphire Blue.”

Where: This sedum relative is best in full sun in well-drained or sandy soils.

Size: Afghani sedum grows to be 6 inches tall and 1 foot wide when mature.

Care: This plant is drought tolerant once established. It does not like competition. Watch to make sure neighboring plants do not crowd it out.

— Richie Steffen, Great Plant Picks