Rosularia platyphylla aka Turkish Stonecrop

Rosularia platyphylla is a small succulent in the Crassulaceae family. Its common names include rosularia and Turkish stonecrop. Its native range runs from Central Asia to central Xinjiang. It grows in the mountains of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and northwestern China. There, it lives on rocky slopes and terraces. It occurs alone or in small groups in these sites. This species comes from a temperate climate.

The plant forms low rosettes of pale green leaves. Fine hairs cover the leaves, which have a spoon-shaped outline. Each rosette can reach about 0.33 feet (0.10 metres) across. Small, dense groups may hold three to five rosettes. Its shape recalls hens and chicks, in the genus Sempervivum. The foliage stays green through winter and adds interest then. Growth is slow, and offsets gradually widen the clump. The garden spread reaches about 1 foot (0.30 metres). Smaller groups may cover about 0.67 feet (0.20 metres).

White flowers appear from June through August. The small, tubular blooms form a panicle on upright stalks. These stalks reach about 0.5 feet (0.15 metres) long. The listed mature height is also about 0.5 feet (0.15 metres). The raised flowers stand above the low leaf rosettes. Both its leaves and summer flowers contribute to its garden value.

Grow this species in light soil that drains well. It accepts dry soil or a medium level of moisture. Full sun to part shade suits it. In hot summer climates, give it some afternoon shade. It prefers drier soil during winter. Keep water off the leaves when watering, since wet foliage can rot. It tolerates dry ground and shallow, rocky soil. Its listed hardiness range covers USDA zones 5–10. These needs make drainage an important part of choosing its site.

Rock gardens and alpine gardens provide suitable places for this plant. It also suits gaps in rock walls, living walls, and green roofs. Despite its offset growth, it is not well suited to ground cover. Use its small scale and rosette form in those settings instead. It needs little maintenance and has no major reported pest or disease problems. Divide the offsets to make more plants; this is an easy propagation method.