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Umbilicus oppositifolius

lamb's tail

A prostrate evergreen perennial to 20cm, with large, fleshy, ovate leaves and branched, arching racemes of small, bright yellow flowers on brownish stems

Synonyms
Cotyledon oppositifolia
Chiastophyllum oppositifolium
see moreCotyledon simplicifolia
Chiastophyllum simplicifolium
Chiastophyllum simplicifolia
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Yellow Green
Summer Yellow Green
Autumn Green
Winter Green
Position
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or North–facing or East–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Crassulaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Matforming
Genus

A genus of over ninety species of rosette-forming, flowering succulents found in southern and western Europe, with dark green, fleshy leaves which have a dimple in the centre and scalloping around the edges. Greenish-pink, tubular flowers appear in clusters on upright red stems in the spring

Name status

Correct

Plant range
Caucasus

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in moist but well-drained, poor to moderately fertile soil in partial shade

Propagation

Propagate by seed or use side shoots for softwood cuttings in summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Rock garden
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Gravel garden
  • Ground cover
  • Garden edging
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to damage by slugs and snails

Diseases

Generally disease-free

Get involved

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