perennial

Aizoon Stonecrop

Phedimus aizoon

The Story

Plant Bio

Phedimus aizoon, commonly known as Aizoon stonecrop, is a rhizomatous, succulent perennial native to temperate eastern Asia that forms upright, bushy clumps of stiff, vertical stems. The deciduous stems rise from a sturdy, woody rootstock and bear flat-topped clusters of bright yellow, star-shaped flowers at their tips during the summer.

Unlike many low-growing, evergreen stonecrops, this species dies back completely to the ground in winter and features flat, slightly fleshy leaves with irregularly serrated margins. The bright green new growth emerges in spring, followed by terminal flower cymes that span up to four inches across.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides upright structural interest throughout the growing season and winter, topped with bright yellow summer blooms.

Offers high drought tolerance and stabilizes gritty or rocky soils once the tuberous root system is established.

Attracts native bees, butterflies, and generalist insect pollinators to its flat-topped flower cymes.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

20"

Width

24"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Eastern Asia

Toxicity

Mildly toxic if ingested

Bloom period

Summer

In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to light shade with exceptionally well-drained, gritty, or sandy soil.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and plant the crown level with the surrounding soil surface.
Water moderately after planting to settle the soil, then restrict watering to periods of prolonged dry weather once established.
Avoid applying heavy mulch over the crown, which traps moisture and induces rot in the tuberous roots.

Pro Tip

Leave the dried, upright stems standing through the winter to protect the dormant crown buds from frost and rot, then cut them completely to the ground in late winter before new shoots emerge.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Grow in gritty, sandy, or sharply draining rocky soils to prevent root rot.
Cut dead stems back to ground level in late winter or early spring.
Divide the tuberous rootstock every three to four years in spring to prevent overcrowding.

Don't

Do not shear or cut back green stems during the active summer growing season.
Do not plant in heavy, poorly draining clay soils without adding significant grit or sand amendments.
Do not over-fertilize; apply only a very light, low-balance formula if spring growth is exceptionally weak.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Divide
Fertilize
Propagate
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Rock gardensBorder edgingsCottage gardensDry stone wallsSloped banks

Companion Plants

Sedum ternatum Sempervivum tectorum Festuca glauca

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Aizoon Stonecrop questions

What zones can Aizoon Stonecrop grow in?

Aizoon Stonecrop is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Aizoon Stonecrop deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Aizoon Stonecrop, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Aizoon Stonecrop bloom?

Aizoon Stonecrop typically blooms in summer through summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Aizoon Stonecrop need full sun?

Aizoon Stonecrop does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Aizoon Stonecrop drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Aizoon Stonecrop handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.