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Rhodiola pachyclados
thick-branched stonecrop
Afghanistan, Pakistan (Hindu Kush, W Himalayas; alpine scree 10000-15000 ft / 3000-4600 m; formerly Sedum pachyclados)
Overview
Rhodiola pachyclados is a semi-evergreen succulent perennial reaching 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) tall with a spread of 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) and a low, mat-forming, spreading habit. The thick, fleshy, spatulate leaves 0.3-0.5 inch (8-13 mm) long are blue-gray to gray-green, arranged in tight rosettes at the tips of short, creeping stems. The rosettes resemble miniature hens-and-chicks (Sempervivum spp.) but are more loosely arranged. Flat-topped clusters (cymes) of small star-shaped white to pale pink flowers 0.2 inch (5 mm) wide appear in June-July. Growth rate is slow. Hardy to zone 4. A high-altitude alpine succulent—native to scree slopes above 10,000 feet. Formerly classified as Sedum pachyclados (pachyclados = thick branches, referring to the fleshy stems).
Native Range
Rhodiola pachyclados is native to Afghanistan and Pakistan—in alpine scree slopes and rocky crevices of the Hindu Kush and western Himalayas at 10,000-15,000 feet (3,000-4,600 m).Suggested Uses
Planted in rock gardens, troughs, green roofs, or between stepping stones at 6-8 inch (15-20 cm) spacing. Blue-gray succulent mat. Alpine scree native—sharp drainage essential. Drought and heat tolerant. Very low maintenance. Not suitable for wet soils, heavy clay, or richly fertilized sites.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2" - 4"
Width/Spread8" - 1'
Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years
Bloom Information
Flat-topped clusters of small star-shaped white to pale pink flowers 0.2 inch (5 mm), June-July. Bloom duration 3-4 weeks. The blue-gray succulent rosettes are the year-round feature.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
White to pale pink; small star-shaped 0.2 inch; flat-topped clusters; Jun-JulFoliage Description
Blue-gray to gray-green; thick fleshy spatulate 0.3-0.5 inch; tight rosettes on creeping stemsGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 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
Plant in full sun in sharply drained, gritty soil (pH 6.0-7.5). Hardy to zone 4. Requires sharp drainage—root rot in wet conditions. Drought tolerant. Heat tolerant. Alpine scree native—adapted to poor mineral soils. No fertilizer needed.Pruning
No pruning needed. Remove spent flower stems if desired. The mat spreads slowly by creeping stems.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 1 gallons