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Herbaceous Perennial

Rhodiola rosea
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

roseroot

A clump-forming rhizomatous perennial with purple stems and lance-shaped, fleshy grey-green, toothed leaves 4cm long, with a red-tinted tips. In summer, the small yellow star-shaped flowers open from slightly pink buds and are borne in dense terminal corymb-like heads. Male and female flowers are produced on different plants.

Other common names
roseroot
rose-scented root
see morerosewort
rosy-flowered stonecrop
Snowdon rose
heal-all
Synonyms
Sedum roseum
Sedum rhodiola
see moreSedum rosea
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
1–2 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green Grey
Summer Yellow Pink Green Grey
Autumn Green Grey
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Drought resistance
Yes
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Crassulaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
Yes
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming
Genus

A genus of flowering perennials, mainly propagated as ground cover with tall, fleshy stems and yellow-green flowers, sometimes tinged with red

Name status

Correct

Plant range
Europe, Asia, North America

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in moderately fertile, well drained soil in full sun. a drought tolerant plant suitable for rockeries and the front of borders

Propagation

Propagate by seed in containers in a cold frame or by division in spring or early summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Rock garden
  • Low Maintenance
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Cut back after flowering or leave seedheads over winter

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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