Rhodiola pachycladus

Rhodiola pachycladus, Silver Blue Stonecrop is a low-growing alpine succulent from eastern Afghanistan and western Pakistan that forms a dense attractive mat of blue-green rosettes that gradually spread to create a sizeable ground-covering carpet. In summer, it produces small white flowers.

Rhodiola pachycladus is such an easy, low-maintenance plant that it is surprising it is not sought out and grown more often. It requires a free-draining gritty substrate and full sun. It is hardy throughout the UK although in severe winters with extended sub-zero temperatures it may become semi-herbaceous and grow again from its roots when the weather warms up. For that reason, it is helpful to plant it near other larger plants or scrambling down protective or overhanging rockfaces. It resembles a miniature Echeveria or a smaller bluer version of Sedum palmeri and is an instant eye-catcher. With its combination of good looks and and low-to-no maintenance xerophytic habit is is a real winner and creates memorable planting combinations with larger succulents, particulary Agaves.