Phedimus aizoon aka Aizoon Stonecrop

Phedimus aizoon is a succulent perennial in the stonecrop family, Crassulaceae. Garden sources also call it Sedum aizoon or aizoon stonecrop. It comes from temperate Asia, from Siberia through China to Japan. It grows in rock cracks, along ravines, and among shrubs. Other wild sites include dry grass slopes, meadows, and sandy cliffs. Its thick leaves and upright stems form a clump.

Garden plants reach about 1–1.7 feet (0.3–0.51 m) tall. Chicago Botanic Garden records a height near 1.3 feet (0.4 m). Clumps can spread to 2 feet (0.61 m) wide. The plant has rhizomes and tuberous roots below ground. Its upright stems have few branches and may be red. Fine bristles cover the stems. Bright green, fleshy leaves grow in an alternate pattern. They lack stalks and have coarse, uneven teeth along their edges. Leaves range from narrow oval to lance-shaped. They reach about 0.3 feet (0.08 m) long. The foliage dies back in winter rather than staying green.

Small yellow flowers form flat clusters at the stem tips. Each star-shaped flower has five petals. Missouri Botanical Garden gives June and July as the flowering season. Chicago Botanic Garden records blooms in July and August. Together, these records suggest a June-to-August summer display. The flowers draw butterflies, and Chicago also reports bird interest. Seedheads can stay on the plant through winter. Plants can seed themselves freely where growing conditions suit them.

Grow this stonecrop in full sun with soil that drains well. It also accepts light shade. Shallow, rocky soil suits it, with low to moderate fertility. It tolerates dry ground and moist soil, but not wet conditions. RHS recommends neutral to alkaline soil. The plant resists drought and needs little upkeep. Sources list USDA zones 4–8 and UK hardiness H7. Use it at border edges, in rock gardens, or on rock walls. It also serves as ground cover and suits containers. Divide clumps in spring, or take softwood cuttings in early summer.

Serious pest and disease problems are uncommon, but several can occur. Slugs, snails, scale insects, mealybugs, and vine weevil grubs may attack. Root and crown rots are also possible. PFAF lists leaves and young stems as edible, raw or cooked. It notes their bitter taste and warns against eating large amounts. RHS warns that eating the plant may upset the stomach. Its sap may also irritate skin. PFAF records medicinal use but gives no further details.