Scientific Name
Sedum makinoi 'Ogon'
Common Name(s)
Golden Japanese Stonecrop, Ogon Sedum
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sempervivoideae
Tribe: Sedeae
Genus: Sedum
Etymology
The generic name "Sedum" (pronounced "SEE-dum") means "sitting" or "low-growing" and refers to the low-growing habit of the plants of this genus, which appear to "sit" and spread over rocks, slopes, and ground surfaces.
The specific epithet "makinoi" (pronounced "MACK-kin-oy") honors Tomitaro Makino🡕 (1862–1957), a pioneering Japanese botanist noted for his taxonomic work.
The cultivar epithet 'Ogon' is derived from the Japanese word 黄金 (ōgon), meaning "gold" or "golden," referring to the plant's golden-yellow leaves.
Description
Sedum makinoi 'Ogon' is a spreading ground cover with slender stems and small, bright golden-yellow leaves. It typically forms a dense mat, growing up to 2 inches (5 cm) tall and spreading up to 12 inches (30 cm) wide. The leaves are rounded and can measure only 0.25 inches (0.6 cm) in diameter. The best golden color usually occurs when the plant grows in some afternoon shade.
The tiny flowers are star-shaped, yellow-green, and appear in summer.
Origin
Sedum makinoi 'Ogon' is a cultivar of Sedum makinoi.
How to Grow and Care for Sedum makinoi 'Ogon'
Hardiness: USDA hardiness zones 6a to 9b: from -10°F (-23.3°C) to 30°F (-1.1°C).
When growing Sedums, keep in mind that these plants need very little attention or care. They thrive in conditions where many other plants do, but they also do just as well in less hospitable areas. They are ideal for parts of your yard that get too much sun or too little water to support other plants. A common name for Sedum is Stonecrop because many gardeners joke that only stones need less care and live longer.
Sedum is easily propagated. For shorter varieties, lay the plant on the ground where you want it to grow to get it started. It will send out roots wherever the stem touches the ground. To help the plant start well, add a very thin layer of soil on top.
You can break off a stem from taller varieties and push it into the ground where you want it to grow. The stem will root very easily, and a new plant will be established in a season or two.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Sedum.
Links
- Back to genus Sedum
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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