Chiastophyllum oppositifolium
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syn. C. simplicifolium, Cotyledon simplicifolia
Family: Crassulaceae
Pronounced: ky-AS-to-fy-lum op-po-sit-ee-FOH-lee-um
GROWING GUIDE
Geographic Origin:
Caucasus.
Plant Group:
Perennial.
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Mature size: Height: 6-8 inches (15-20 cm). Width: 6 inches (15 cm).
Flowering period: Late spring to early summer.
Flowering attributes: Pea-like, yellow flowers on racemes looking like dangling chains of tiny flowers.
Leaf attributes: Succulent, evergreen leaves with scalloped edges.
Growth habit: Rhizomatous, spreading (but very polite about it).
Light: Partial shade.
Soil: Moist, neutral ph, well-drained soil.
Propagation Methods: Sow seed in late winter indoors; outdoors in pots in autumn placed in cold frame. 64-71ºF (18-22ºC). Do not cover seed. | Divide side shoots in early summer.
Rainy Side Notes
Chiastophyllum, a six-inch high perennial with evergreen, succulent leaves, makes an excellent evergreen ground cover all year long. A charming little rock garden plant for a shady nook in the garden, mine are tucked into a rock wall or growing in regular garden soil.
I planted seed almost ten years ago and transferred plants to my present garden. The seed house I bought them from had little cultural advice about them, and I could not locate any information on how to grow them. This perennial is easy to propagate; however, seeds are like dust and difficult to handle. I divide the plants successfully throughout the growing season, although the advice is to do this during the early part of summer.
Promoted as a partial shade plant; however, here in the Pacific Northwest we can grow chiastophyllums in full sun. I appreciate them most in the shade garden. I love the dance of racemes filled with tiny, lemon yellow flowers lighting up the dark rock walls.
Debra Teashon |
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