Varigated kamtschaticum stonecrop is well suited for the rock garden or edging in a dry border. (Richie Steffen)

Varigated kamtschaticum stonecrop is well suited for the rock garden or edging in a dry border. (Richie Steffen)

Great Plant Pick: Sedum kamtschaticum ‘Variegatum’

Varigated kamtschaticum stonecrop is well suited for the rock garden or edging in a dry border.

What: Sedum kamtschaticum “Variegatum,” also known as variegated kamtschaticum stonecrop, is an excellent groundcover plant, particularly for hot, dry sites with poor soil. This variety forms a flat, dense carpet of pink tinted leaves with cream margins. Clusters of yellow flowers appear in late summer aging to crimson in fall. “Variegatum” is well suited for the rock garden or edging in a dry border, also a good choice for containers. It also makes a good companion plant for Eryngium amethystinum “Sapphire Blue.”

Where: This sedum is best grown in well-drained or sandy soil, but will tolerate clay if drainage is adequate. The best flowering is in full sun, but it will tolerate light shade and still look good.

Size: As a groundcover, variegated kamtschaticum stonecrop grows to be 6 inches tall and 1 foot wide.

Care: Once established, this sedum it is drought tolerant. Cut to the ground in fall.

— Richie Steffen, Great Plant Pick

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