Golden root
Rhodiola rosea · Crassulaceae
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around golden root and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous, blue-gray
- Flowering
- June to July, yellow or pink flowers
- Adult size
- 30 to 40 cm in height
- Growth
- Slow
- Hardiness
- Very hardy, down to -40 °C
- Origin
- Mountains of Central Asia and Siberia
- Soil type
- Well-drained, poor, rocky
- Exposure
- Full sun to partial shade
Care
Watering
Water moderately during the growing season (spring-summer), allowing the soil to dry between waterings. In autumn and winter, significantly reduce water supply as the plant enters dormancy. Excess moisture is more damaging than prolonged drought.
Exposure
Place the rosy stonecrop in full sun for optimal flowering and compact growth. Light partial shade can work in very hot regions. Avoid dense shade, which would slow growth and weaken the plant.
Soil and substrate
Very well-drained and rather poor soil is essential for this succulent. Use a rocky or sandy mix, possibly enriched with pumice or gravel. Avoid overly rich or damp substrates, which promote rot.
Fertilizing
Apply a highly diluted fertilizer once or twice during the growing season (spring-early summer) if desired. Since poor soil naturally suits this alpine species, moderate feeding is sufficient. Stop all fertilizing in autumn.
Pruning and cutting
No strict pruning is necessary. Simply remove dead or damaged stems in spring, and prune lightly after flowering to maintain balanced shape and encourage branching.
Diseases and pests
Rosy stonecrop is very robust and rarely troubled by pests. Root or crown rot is the main risk if overwatered or planted in poorly drained soil. Ensure excellent drainage and allow the soil to dry between waterings to prevent this problem.
Did you know?
Rosy stonecrop has been used for centuries in traditional Tibetan and Siberian medicine, particularly for its adaptogenic properties. This remarkable succulent survives in the world's most hostile mountains, thriving on bare, exposed rocks—a symbol of extreme botanical resilience.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring, once all risk of frost has gone. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: from April to June.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Biting stonecropSedum acre
- Cobweb HouseleekSempervivum arachnoideum
- Pacific stonecropSedum spathulifolium
- Pig's earCotyledon orbiculata
- Tree roofleek, Tree aeoniumAeonium arboreum
- Autumn stonecropHylotelephium spectabile
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.