Phedimus selskianus
Selsky stonecrop
Northeastern Asia (eastern Siberia, Manchuria, Mongolia, and northern China; rocky slopes and open montane areas)
Overview
Phedimus selskianus (synonym Sedum selskianum under pre-2003 classification) is a semi-evergreen mat-forming perennial succulent reaching 6–10 inches (15–25 cm) tall with a spread of 12–18 inches (30–45 cm) and a dense mounding-to-spreading habit. Native to northeastern Asia, this species opens flat-topped clusters 2–3 inches (5–8 cm) across of star-shaped bright yellow flowers from June through August. Alternate narrowly oblanceolate leaves run 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) long, fleshy in texture, medium green in color, and carry finely serrated leaf margins that run narrower-toothed than the coarsely toothed P. kamtschaticus. Stems and leaf margins develop reddish tints under full-sun exposure, which supplies a secondary color feature on top of the primary green-and-yellow summer display. Growth rate runs moderate. Hardy to zone 3. Mature stature runs slightly taller and habit more upright than the lower-growing P. kamtschaticus and P. ellacombianus, which creates a looser more open mat structure compared to the tighter low mats of the congeners.
Native Range
Phedimus selskianus is native to northeastern Asia, ranging across eastern Siberia, Manchuria, Mongolia, and northern China. The species grows on dry rocky slopes and open montane habitats across its native range. The cold-continental rocky-slope native ecology translates in garden cultivation to the zone 3 cold hardiness and the requirement for sharp drainage combined with full-sun exposure.Suggested Uses
Planted in rock gardens, green-roof compositions, or as groundcover at 10–15 inch (25–38 cm) spacing in zone-3-and-warmer gardens. The slightly taller more upright mature habit suits the species to rock-garden pockets where a taller succulent mat is wanted, which separates the species' design role from the lower-growing Phedimus spp. congeners that hug the ground more tightly. Extreme cold hardiness to zone 3 extends the species to cold-climate positions where many succulents fail. Shade positions and rich moist soils are poor fits for the species.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height6" - 10"
Width/Spread1' - 1'6"
Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years
Bloom Information
Flat-topped clusters 2–3 inches (5–8 cm) across of star-shaped bright yellow flowers open from June through August. Fresh bloom duration runs 4–5 weeks.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Bright yellow; star-shaped in flat-topped clusters 2-3 inches across; June-AugustFoliage Description
Medium green with reddish tints developing in full sun; narrowly oblanceolate fleshy 1-2 inches; finely serrated marginsGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Full sun in well-drained lean soil (pH 6.0–7.5) matches the species' cultivation needs. Hardy to zone 3 (−40°F / −40°C). Full-sun exposure develops the reddish stem and leaf-margin tints that supply the species' secondary color feature alongside the bright yellow summer flowers. Drought tolerance runs strong after establishment. Lean soil supports the species' compact growth character, while rich fertile soil causes lusher elongated growth that loses the characteristic mat form.Pruning
Shearing back after the bloom window closes maintains the compact mat form. Winter-damaged foliage is removed in spring as new growth emerges from the crown.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
summer
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 1 gallons