Orange stonecrop (Sedum kamtschaticum var. floriferum 'Weihenstephaner Gold')

Overview

Orange stonecrop, scientifically known as Sedum kamtschaticum var. floriferum ‘Weihenstephaner Gold’, offers reliable, low-growing texture throughout the season. This herbaceous perennial forms dense, sprawling mats, making it an exceptional choice when seeking drought-tolerant ground cover solutions for sunny spots. Its silvery gray-green foliage provides a soft backdrop to the starry yellow flowers that appear during the summer months.

This cultivar, sometimes referred to simply as Sedum kamtschaticum var. Floriferum ‘Weihenstephaner Gold’, is renowned for its tough, adaptable nature. It thrives in conditions that challenge many other garden plants, including poor, gravelly soils and significant heat, provided drainage is excellent. The resulting effect is a durable, weed-suppressing carpet that reliably brings color to difficult areas.

Valued for its xeriscaping potential and minimal needs, Orange stonecrop is a workhorse in sunny landscapes. It performs beautifully when massed, providing year-round textural interest in hard-to-maintain slopes or rock gardens, ensuring that gardeners can count on its resilience season after season.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Crassulaceae
• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 3-8
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 0.25-0.5 ft
  • Spread: 0.25-1 ft
• Bloom Time: June to August
• Bloom Description: Yellow
• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Water Needs: Dry to medium
• Maintenance Level: Low

How to Grow

The best time to establish Sedum kamtschaticum var. floriferum ‘Weihenstephaner Gold’ is in the spring after the danger of hard frost has passed. This plant absolutely requires full sun exposure to maintain its tight habit and maximize flowering. Cultural success for Orange stonecrop hinges entirely on exceptional soil drainage; while it tolerates dry soil and poor fertility, wet feet in winter will quickly lead to plant failure.

Establish plants about 12 inches apart when developing a ground cover effect, allowing the trailing stems to knit together over time. While it tolerates average soil, it grows especially well in sandy or gravelly mixes. Avoid the temptation to overwater; once established, this sedum prefers dry to medium moisture levels and benefits from being left alone.

Fertilizer is rarely necessary for this rugged perennial. If growth appears stunted in very poor soil, a light application in early spring is sufficient, but generally, the plant thrives without amendment. Propagation is incredibly easy: simply take tip cuttings from actively growing plants and root them directly into the surrounding soil near the parent plant during the growing season.

Landscape Uses

As a low-growing ground cover, Orange stonecrop excels in rock gardens or any small area demanding consistent, durable coverage. Its tendency to spread indefinitely via trailing stems makes it superb for naturalizing on slopes or difficult banks where erosion control is needed alongside aesthetics. For formal designs, planting Sedum kamtschaticum var. floriferum ‘Weihenstephaner Gold’ in mass groupings creates a striking, unified carpet effect.

The architectural strength of this plant also makes it ideal for less conventional spots. Use it to soften the edges of paving stones, fill crevices in low retaining walls, or provide textural contrast in mixed container plantings where other components might wilt under hot, dry conditions.

When companion planting, pair this Orange stonecrop with other sun-loving, drought-tolerant perennials that share its low-growing habit, such as creeping thyme or low ornamental grasses. This synergy creates multi-seasonal interest without demanding heavy irrigation or significant maintenance from the gardener.

Standout Features

Flower Qualities

• Showy

Noteworthy Characteristics

Sedum kamtschaticum, commonly known as Kamchatka sedum or Kamchatka stonecrop, is a compact low-growing ground cover that typically forms a foliage mat to 6” tall spreading indefinitely by trailing stems to 12-18” wide. The cultivar ‘Weihenstephaner Gold’ is specifically noted for featuring starry pale yellow flowers that can take on pink tones as they age, blooming across plants clad in silvery gray-green foliage, usually staying quite short at only 3-4” tall. The genus name Sedum derives from the Latin sedeo, meaning “to sit,” referencing the sprawling habit many species exhibit over rocks.

Tolerances

• Rabbit
• Deer
• Drought
• Erosion
• Dry Soil
• Shallow-Rocky Soil
• Air Pollution

Potential Problems

This reliable plant boasts very few horticultural issues. Gardeners typically encounter no serious insect or disease problems when growing Sedum kamtschaticum var. floriferum ‘Weihenstephaner Gold’. The primary concern revolves around cultural care, specifically avoiding excessive moisture. Overwatering, particularly as temperatures drop in fall or winter, can lead to stem rot or general decline. Ensure planting sites offer excellent drainage to mitigate all potential risks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Orange stonecrop suitable for?

Orange stonecrop, or Sedum kamtschaticum var. floriferum ‘Weihenstephaner Gold’, is very cold-hardy, thriving in USDA Zones 3 through 8.

How large does Orange stonecrop grow?

This perennial is a short specimen, typically reaching a mature height between 0.25 and 0.5 feet, with a spread ranging from 0.25 to 1 foot.

When does Orange stonecrop bloom?

The bloom period for this cultivar extends through the summer, running from June into August, producing distinctive yellow flowers.

What sun exposure does Orange stonecrop need?

This plant requires full sun exposure to perform optimally in the garden landscape.

Conclusion

The tough constitution and attractive summer flowers make Orange stonecrop a premier choice for difficult, sunny garden situations. Whether stabilizing a slope or providing drought-tolerant texture, Sedum kamtschaticum var. floriferum ‘Weihenstephaner Gold’ delivers unmatched low-maintenance performance. Check that your planting site offers full sun and superb drainage before adding this tough perennial to your landscape plan this season.

Propagation Tips

Propagating Sedum kamtschaticum var. floriferum ‘Weihenstephaner Gold’ is straightforward due to its aggressively trailing stems. The easiest method is simple stem cutting, which can be done throughout the warm growing season. Snip lengths of healthy stem tips and plant them directly into porous, well-drained soil where you wish to fill gaps or start new colonies.

Because this is a sedum, the cuttings do not require rooting hormone or extensive preparation. Ensure the cut end contacts the soil and keep the soil slightly moist (but not wet) until roots form, which happens relatively quickly in warm weather. This method makes it simple to quickly increase the density of your ground cover planting.

Division is another viable method, particularly useful in spring when cleaning up winter dieback. Carefully lift the established clump of Orange stonecrop and gently separate it into smaller sections, ensuring each division has a good mass of roots and foliage. Replant divisions immediately at the desired location.

Companion Planting

When selecting neighbors for Orange stonecrop, focus on plants that share its love for full sun and dry, well-drained conditions. Plants that sprawl slightly or offer contrasting foliage color work exceptionally well beside the silvery foliage of Sedum kamtschaticum var. floriferum ‘Weihenstephaner Gold’.

Consider pairing this perennial ground cover with other drought-tolerant rock garden classics. Look towards plants like Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) for vertical contrast, or low-growing varieties of lavender and artemisia. These companions rarely compete for water and appreciate similar lean soil profiles.

For seasonal color contrast when the Orange stonecrop blooms yellow in summer, incorporate plants with blue or purple flowers, such as creeping speedwell (Veronica prostrata) or certain low-growing salvias. This visual pairing enhances the brightness of the yellow blooms.