66 gardener saves

Phedimus: the varieties gardeners actually grow

We track 4 varieties; these are the ones gardeners actually save and plant, ranked by real saves rather than catalog marketing. Each links to full care, bloom, and live price data.

4 varietiesZones 4–9Mostly full sun

The 4 most-saved Phedimus varieties

Of 4 in the catalog — ordered by how many gardeners actually grow them.

How to grow Phedimus

What the Phedimus varieties in our catalog actually agree on — drawn from the care records of the 4 most-grown of them, not from a generic template.

The Phedimus year

  • PlantMarch, April, May, August and September100% of varieties

    Plant in spring or fall, allowing roots to establish.

  • Pinch TipsMay50% of varieties

    Pinch back leggy stems to encourage denser growth.

Do

  • Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
  • Shear back after flowering if desired to tidy the plant.
  • Provide at least 6 hours of direct sun for best color.
  • Ensure excellent drainage; amend soil if necessary.
  • Provide excellent drainage; this is critical for survival.

Avoid

  • Do not overwater, as this is the primary cause of failure.
  • Do not plant in shade, which results in green, leggy growth.
  • Do not use rich fertilizers; it thrives in lean soil.
  • Avoid planting in heavy clay soil that stays wet.

What goes wrong with Phedimus

ProblemWhat you'll seeWhat to do
Slugs and SnailsIrregular holes chewed in the fleshy leaves.Use diatomaceous earth around plants or iron phosphate baits. Hand-pick at night.
AphidsSmall insects clustered on new growth or flower buds.A strong spray of water can dislodge them. Use insecticidal soap for heavier infestations.
Crown RotMushy, rotting stems at the soil line, leading to plant collapse.Caused by overwatering. There is no cure. Remove affected plants, improve soil drainage, and reduce watering frequency.
Root RotMushy, blackening stems and roots; plant collapse.Prevention is key. Plant in sharply drained soil and do not overwater. There is no cure.

Making more Phedimus

Stem Cuttings

  1. Take a 2-4 inch piece of stem anytime during the growing season.
  2. Simply lay the cutting on the surface of the soil.
  3. It will root where the stem touches the soil in a few weeks.
  4. Water sparingly until new growth appears.

Division

  1. In spring or fall, lift a section of the mat-forming plant.
  2. Gently pull it apart into smaller pieces.
  3. Replant the pieces in new locations and water lightly.
  4. This is the easiest way to propagate large amounts.

Phedimus questions

How many types of Phedimus are there?

The Sow catalog tracks 4 distinct Phedimus varieties. The most popular — ranked by 66 real gardener saves — are shown first above.

What zones does Phedimus grow in?

Across its varieties, Phedimus covers USDA Zones 4–9. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.

When does Phedimus bloom?

Most Phedimus varieties bloom in mid-summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.

Which Phedimus should I choose?

Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.

Keep exploring

Design with Phedimus in your own yard

Snap a photo of your space and see these varieties planted in it — sized correctly, matched to your zone, with care reminders included.

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