|
Growth Rate
|
– Fast
– Spreads quickly to form a dense mat in well-drained, sunny sites |
|
Colorful leaves
|
|
|
Flowering
|
Yes |
|
Bloom Color
|
|
|
Disease resistant
|
Yes |
|
Cold Tolerant
|
Yes |
|
Heat Tolerant
|
Yes |
|
Drought Tolerant
|
Yes |
|
Deer Resistant
|
Yes |
|
Edible
|
No |
|
Wildlife Attraction
|
– Bees and other pollinators are drawn to the yellow flowers
– Dense growth can shelter small beneficial insects |
|
Self-pollinating
|
|
|
Seasonality
|
– Spring: bright yellow-green foliage emerges with vigor
– Summer: peak flower season; continued vibrant foliage
– Fall: foliage deepens in tone or takes on bronze tints
– Winter: persists as evergreen or semi-evergreen based on zone |
|
Ideal For
|
– Groundcover for hot, dry areas
– Rock gardens, green roofs, and xeriscapes
– Edging, containers, and hanging baskets
– Between stepping stones or in crevices |
|
Leaf Description
|
– Needle-like, succulent foliage held in upright sprays
– Bright chartreuse to lemon-lime color in full sun
– May develop orange or copper tints in cool temperatures or fall
– Evergreen in mild climates; semi-evergreen in colder regions |
|
Flower Description
|
– Bright yellow, star-shaped flowers in small upright clusters
– Bloom period: early to midsummer (June–July)
– Adds floral interest above foliage and feeds pollinators |
|
Planting Instructions
|
– Plant in early spring or early fall for optimal root development
– Space 12–18 inches apart to allow spreading habit
– Prefers well-drained soil—gritty, sandy, or rocky loam is ideal
– Avoid rich, moist, or clay-heavy soils—ensure sharp drainage
– Set crown level with the soil surface; water lightly after planting |
|
Pruning & Maintenance
|
– Minimal pruning needed
– Shear lightly after flowering or to contain spread
– Remove winter-damaged or leggy growth in early spring |
|
Water Needs
|
– Highly drought tolerant once established
– Water regularly during establishment (first few weeks)
– Once rooted, water only during prolonged dry spells
– Avoid overwatering or poor drainage |
|
Light Needs
|
– Requires full sun (6+ hours/day) for strongest foliage color and form
– Tolerates partial sun but color may dull and growth may stretch |
|
Harvesting
|
– Not typically harvested
– Can be clipped for use in succulent crafts or small arrangements
– Easily propagated from stem cuttings |
|
Fertilizing
|
– Low nutrient needs
– Light compost or low-nitrogen fertilizer in spring if desired
– Avoid overfeeding to preserve compact, vibrant growth |
|
Pollination
|
– Pollinated by bees, hoverflies, and other beneficial insects
– Not typically propagated from seed—vegetative propagation preferred |
|
Companion Plants
|
– Delosperma – drought-tolerant matting succulents
– Thymus serpyllum – low-growing, aromatic groundcover
– Sempervivum – rosette contrast and rock garden synergy
– Allium 'Millenium' – upright blooms contrast with flat habit
– Festuca glauca – cool-toned grass for fine-texture contrast |
