A striking alpine perennial, Rhodiola rhodantha, often called the Redheaded Stonecrop, is native to the high mountains of the western United States, particularly the Rockies, where it thrives in rocky slopes and alpine meadows at elevations between 7,000 and 12,000 feet. Its thick succulent leaves and drought-resilient nature make it perfectly suited to exposed, well-drained sites.
In late spring to summer, the plant produces vibrant heads of deep rose to crimson flowers, held above its fleshy blue-green foliage, creating a bold splash of color in the rock garden. As a member of the stonecrop family, it is well adapted to dry, lean soils although it can often be found growing in wet meadows and moist seeps and requires little care once established.
Hardy to at least USDA Zone 4, Rhodiola rhodantha is an excellent choice for alpine troughs, dry crevice gardens, and sunny rock gardens where its jewel-like blooms can be appreciated up close. Its compact, clumping habit ensures it will not overwhelm its neighbors, while its resilience to drought and cold makes it a dependable perennial for gardeners seeking both beauty and toughness.
Traditionally, species of Rhodiola have been valued for their medicinal properties, and R. rhodantha has been used in herbal traditions of the Rocky Mountain region. However, any medicinal use should be approached with caution, and it is best regarded as an ornamental treasure unless guided by a qualified herbal practitioner.
A striking alpine perennial, Rhodiola rhodantha, often called the Redheaded Stonecrop, is native to the high mountains of the western United States, particularly the Rockies, where it thrives in rocky slopes and alpine meadows at elevations between 7,000 and 12,000 feet. Its thick succulent leaves and drought-resilient nature make it perfectly suited to exposed, well-drained sites.
In late spring to summer, the plant produces vibrant heads of deep rose to crimson flowers, held above its fleshy blue-green foliage, creating a bold splash of color in the rock garden. As a member of the stonecrop family, it is well adapted to dry, lean soils although it can often be found growing in wet meadows and moist seeps and requires little care once established.
Hardy to at least USDA Zone 4, Rhodiola rhodantha is an excellent choice for alpine troughs, dry crevice gardens, and sunny rock gardens where its jewel-like blooms can be appreciated up close. Its compact, clumping habit ensures it will not overwhelm its neighbors, while its resilience to drought and cold makes it a dependable perennial for gardeners seeking both beauty and toughness.
Traditionally, species of Rhodiola have been valued for their medicinal properties, and R. rhodantha has been used in herbal traditions of the Rocky Mountain region. However, any medicinal use should be approached with caution, and it is best regarded as an ornamental treasure unless guided by a qualified herbal practitioner.
