Hylotelephium spectabile, commonly known as Showy Stonecrop, is a perennial succulent or herb that is deciduous or semi-deciduous, depending on the climate. It is native to rocky outcrops and coastal areas in East Asia, particularly Korea, China, and Japan. This plant typically grows to 45 cm (18 in) in height and width, featuring fleshy, alternate, simple leaves with serrated margins on upright, unbranched stems. The leaves are often a glaucous blue-green, adding to the plant’s ornamental value. Showy Stonecrop blooms in late summer to early fall, producing dense clusters of tiny, star-shaped flowers in shades of pink, red, or white that are highly attractive to pollinators.

The plant is valued for its ease of maintenance, drought tolerance, and striking flower heads that add late-season color to gardens. It is commonly used in rock gardens, as ground cover, in borders, and in containers. Showy Stonecrop thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers well-drained soil. It is cold-hardy down to -15°C (5°F) once established and can be propagated by division in spring. The species and the cultivar ’Brilliant’ have received the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit, indicating their exceptional performance in gardens. Potential problems include root rot if overwatered and susceptibility to mealybugs and slugs.CC BY-SA 4.0