Stonecrop (Phedimus ellacombianus)

Overview

Phedimus ellacombianus, commonly known as Stonecrop, is a valuable, spreading herbaceous perennial prized for its exceptional toughness and ground-covering habit. This species forms dense mats of foliage, suppressing weeds while providing late spring visual interest with its distinctive yellow-green flowers. As part of the Crassulaceae family, this Stonecrop is perfectly adapted to lean, nutrient-poor conditions.

Native to regions spanning China, Japan, and Siberia, Phedimus ellacombianus demonstrates remarkable adaptability across USDA hardiness zones 3 through 8. Its diminutive stature—rarely exceeding six inches tall—makes it ideal for front-of-border applications or softening hardscapes where shallow soil limits other plants. Gardeners appreciate the low maintenance required to keep this plant looking its best throughout the growing season.

The practical benefits of utilizing Phedimus ellacombianus extend beyond aesthetics; it is an excellent choice for erosion control on slopes and thrives where water is scarce. If you seek a reliable, durable, and attractive ground cover that laughs at drought, Phedimus ellacombianus offers a superb solution for challenging garden spots.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Crassulaceae
• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Native Range: China, Japan, Siberia
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 3-8
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 0.25-0.5 ft
  • Spread: 0.5-1.5 ft
• Bloom Time: May to June
• Bloom Description: Yellow/green
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
• Water Needs: Dry to medium
• Maintenance Level: Low

How to Grow

Planting Stonecrop is best achieved in the spring after the last frost, or in early fall, allowing the shallow root system time to establish before winter dormancy. This perennial prefers full sun for the best performance and deep, vibrant foliage, though it tolerates light afternoon shade. Regarding soil, Phedimus ellacombianus excels in well-drained mediums, thriving in dry soil or even shallow, rocky substrates where many other garden plants fail. Amending heavy clay soil with grit or sand is recommended to ensure adequate drainage.

Once established, care requirements for this Stonecrop are minimal. Water sparingly; this plant prefers soil that ranges from dry to medium moisture levels and should never sit in soggy conditions, which can quickly lead to root rot. Fertilization is generally unnecessary; excessive nutrients encourage loose, floppy growth that detracts from its compact form.

Pruning is rarely needed, allowing the plant to spread naturally. If you wish to control its spread or tidy up the foliage patch after blooming finishes in June, you may shear the flower stalks back toward the soil line. This may encourage a secondary, smaller flush of growth later in the season. Phedimus ellacombianus is very winter-hardy, requiring no special protection in zones 3–8.

Landscape Uses

The primary utility of Phedimus ellacombianus in the landscape is its role as an effective ground cover. Its dense, spreading habit forms a neat, low carpet that is excellent for filling in sunny, dry areas, rock gardens, or softening the edges of paths and patios. It works beautifully when allowed to naturalize between stepping stones, offering seasonal color right where you walk.

This Stonecrop makes an outstanding textural contrast when planted alongside coarse, upright grasses or taller perennials that require consistent moisture. Because it establishes quickly and requires virtually no care once settled, it is perfect for low-maintenance foundation plantings or stabilizing slopes susceptible to erosion.

Consider using mats of this Stonecrop to fill the spaces around drought-tolerant companion plants like Sedums, Sempervivums, or hardy Lavender. The low profile and early summer bloom of Phedimus ellacombianus ensure that these other sun-lovers remain the focal point while the Stonecrop handles the ground-level coverage duties effectively.

Standout Features

Flower Qualities

• Showy

Tolerances

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

Potential Problems

Phedimus ellacombianus is resistant to most pests and diseases, largely due to its tough constitution and preference for drier sites. The most significant cultural problem is overly wet conditions or heavy, water-retentive clay soil. Poor drainage leads directly to crown rot and rapid decline, especially during winter months. To mitigate this, always incorporate grit or coarse sand into the planting area or consider planting on a slight mound to encourage runoff. Over-fertilization can also cause the succulent foliage to lose its compact shape and become leggy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Stonecrop suitable for?

Phedimus ellacombianus thrives across a wide range, suitable for USDA Hardiness Zones 3 through 8, indicating excellent cold tolerance.

How large does Phedimus ellacombianus grow?

This Stonecrop maintains a very low profile, typically reaching heights between 0.25 and 0.5 feet, with a spread ranging from 0.5 to 1.5 feet wide.

What sun exposure does Phedimus ellacombianus need?

This plant performs best when sited in full sun, though it can tolerate conditions with some light shade.

When does Stonecrop bloom?

Phedimus ellacombianus typically produces its characteristic yellow/green flowers between May and June.

Conclusion

Phedimus ellacombianus is a top-tier choice for gardeners seeking durable, water-wise ground cover in sunny locations. Its low maintenance requirements, coupled with excellent resistance to pests and adaptability to poor soil, cement its status as a reliable landscape workhorse. Plan to incorporate this tough Stonecrop where you need erosion control or reliable, low-growing texture in zones 3 through 8.

Companion Planting

When selecting companions for Phedimus ellacombianus, focus on other xeriscape or rock garden favorites that share the need for sharp drainage and full sun exposure. Think about pairing the early summer blooms of this Stonecrop with the later blooms of full-sun perennials like Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) or Ornamental Grasses that require similar lean soil conditions. The dense mat of Phedimus ellacombianus acts as a perfect living mulch, keeping the crowns of neighboring plants cool while minimizing weed growth in the immediate vicinity.

Propagation Tips

This tenacious Stonecrop is incredibly easy to multiply, making it simple to increase your coverage area quickly. The easiest propagation method involves taking simple stem cuttings in spring or early summer. Snip off sections of the stem just below a node, allow the cut end to dry and callus over for a day or two in a dry spot, and then place the cuttings directly into dry potting mix or well-draining garden soil. Keep the soil barely moist until roots form, which usually happens rapidly in warm weather. Division is also successful in spring; simply dig up established clumps of Phedimus ellacombianus and divide them into smaller sections before replanting immediately.