Hylotelephium anacampseros aka Love Restorer

Hylotelephium anacampseros stays low and spreads out. It is a succulent, with fleshy parts, and lives for years. It belongs to Crassulaceae, the stonecrop family. Its common names include love-restorer and evergreen orpine. People also call it herb of friendship. Its older name is Sedum anacampseros. It comes from mountains in southwest and southern Europe. Its home range takes in the Pyrenees, Alps, and Apennines. There, it grows among rocks. Though called evergreen orpine, it sheds its leaves, says RHS.

Garden plants reach about 0.5–0.8 feet [0.15–0.25 metres] tall. They spread about 0.7–1 foot [0.20–0.30 metres] wide. They grow at a moderate rate and have tuberous roots. These roots have thick, swollen parts. Stems grow out from the centre and lie low. They have few branches. Their colour ranges from reddish to pale green. The round leaves feel smooth and fleshy. They range from blue-green to grey-green. Leaves grow in spirals along the stems. They get smaller towards the tips. Larger leaves reach about 0.1 feet [0.03 metres] across.

Small flowers shaped like stars bloom in summer. They draw bees and butterflies. Dense, round groups form at the stem tips. Flowers range from pale purple-red to muted lilac. RHS notes their yellow-orange centres. It says the buds form the year before. Purple powder coats the outside of the flowers. Small seed cases, called capsules, hold the seeds. You can gather seeds in autumn once seed heads dry. You can also leave seed heads in place through winter.

Grow this plant in full sun, in soil that drains well. NC State Extension says it also accepts part shade. Sandy ground suits it, as does shallow, rocky soil. RHS advises soil with a fair level of nutrients. It recommends a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. NC State also lists acid soil as suitable. Once roots take hold, plants cope with heat and drought. RHS rates its hardiness H7. NC State lists USDA zones 4–9. The plant needs little care. Divide it in spring, or take stem cuttings in summer.

Use it as ground cover, in pots, or beside rocks. It suits borders, green roofs, and planted walls too. Its low growth gives small wildlife a place to shelter. Slugs, snails, and vine weevils may harm it. Sources differ on whether deer resist eating it. Deer may still browse the plant. Wet soil can cause crown and root rot. Powdery mildew may strike in dry soil. Reports say the bitter leaves are edible raw or cooked. Reports also describe leaf poultices, or leaf packs. They do not show that these have medical value.