Scientific Name
Phedimus selskanianus (Regel & Maack) 't Hart
Common Name(s)
Amur Stonecrop
Synonym(s)
Aizopsis selskiana, Phedimus selskianus, Sedum aizoon subsp. selskianum, Sedum aizoon var. selskianum, Sedum kamtschaticum, Sedum selskianum, Sedum selskianum var. grandiflorum, Sedum selskianum var. latifolium
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sempervivoideae
Tribe: Umbiliceae
Genus: Phedimus
Origin
This species is native to the Amur River Region of Russia and China. It grows on dry rocky and stony slopes, deciduous forests, and fields.
Description
Phedimus selskanianus, formerly known as Sedum selskianum, is a succulent plant with a thick woody rootstock and erect or ascending red stems that bear narrow dark-green leaves. The stems, leaves, and flowers are covered in tiny hairs. The stems are simple or branched and up to 16 inches (40 cm) long. Leaves are lance-shaped with serrate margins in the apical half, up to 2.4 inches (6 cm) long and up to 0.4 inches (1 cm) wide. Flowers are star-shaped, usually 5-merous, with golden-yellow petals and orange anthers. They appear in large dense clusters in late summer.
Etymology
The specific epithet "selskanianus" is of unclear origin and meaning.
How to Grow and Care for Phedimus selskanianus
Light: This light-loving plant will tolerate partial shade, but it prefers full sun and grows best in warmer environments. Plant P. selskanianus in an area of your garden that gets at least 6 hours of sunlight a day.
Soil: This succulent thrives in any well-drained soil. Good drainage is critical for preventing root rot or fungal diseases.
Hardiness: P. selskanianus tolerates frost and can stay outdoors when temperatures drop below freezing. It can withstand temperatures as low as -30 to 30 °F (-34.4 to -1.1 °C), USDA hardiness zones 4a to 9b.
Watering: The best way to water your P. selskanianus is to use the "soak and dry" method. Get the soil completely wet, and then wait until the soil is dry before watering again.
Fertilizing: Feed with low-balanced fertilizer to keep your plant happy and healthy. Use a diluted dose of half the strength recommended on the package.
Repotting: Repot your plant when it outgrows its current pot by moving it out to a larger container to hold the plant better. Spring is the best time to repot P. selskanianus. Make sure the soil is dry before you begin the repotting process.
Propagation: Like all members of the genus Phedimus, this succulent can be grown from seeds, division, or stem cuttings. Dividing your P. selskanianus is the best method to propagate because it is easy and usually very successful. Divide in spring when new shoots are seen. P. selskanianus is also easily propagated from cuttings. Sow seeds in spring in well-drained soil in a sunny position.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Phedimus.
Toxicity of Phedimus selskanianus
P. selskanianus can be mildly toxic to humans and animals.
Links
- Back to genus Phedimus
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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