This species is often treated as being in a more loosely defined definitition of the genus Sedum as Sedum hybridum L. We are following the treatment in the Flora of China[] and the Flora of N. America[] which treat the genus Sedum in a stricter sense and move various species from there into a number of other species, including Phedimus[].

Common Name:

General Information

Phedimus hybridus is an evergreen, creeping, perennial plant; it spreads by means of long, branching, woody, cordlike rhizomes to form a mat of growth with profusely-branching stems, the sterile stems short and prostrate, flowering stems ascending 15 - 20cm long, occasionally to 30cm[, ].
The plant is grown commercially for use in 'green roof' systems, designed to insulate buildings whilst also providing wildlife habitats and improving the environment. It is also grown as an ornamental.

Known Hazards

All species in the genus Sedum (including the closely allied genera such as Hylotelephium and Phedimus) have more or less edible leaves and young flowering stems, though they are not always totally desireable with several species having bitter, acrid or peppery flavours!
However, the plants contain various alkaloids including sedine and sedamine. These can sometimes cause gastric upsets, usually of a mild nature[]. This is most likely to happen with species that have yellow flowers, though eating large quantities of any species could be problematic[, ].

Botanical References

,

Range

Eastern Europe - Russia; Asia - Eastern and western Siberia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, western China (Xinjiang)

Habitat

Rock crevices on forested slopes; at elevations from 1,400 - 2,500 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Perennial
Height	0.20 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Species in this genus generally grow best in a sunny position, but they also tolerate partial shade[, ]. They succeed in most soils[] but prefer one that is fertile and well-drained soil[]. Established plants are usually drought tolerant[].
All members of this genus are said to have edible leaves, though those species, such as this one[], that have yellow flowers can cause stomach upsets if they are eaten in quantity[, ].
Plants in this genus seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits[].

Edible Uses

We have no specific mention of edibility for this species but, in general, the leaves of all members of this genus are edible, though not always very desirable[, ]. Some caution should be employed however, particularly if the plant has yellow flowers - see the notes above on toxicity[].

Medicinal

We have seen no specific reports on medicinal uses for this species, but Sedum species (including Hylotelephium and Phedimus) generally contain various medicinally active compounds including alkaloids, tannins, cyanogenic compounds and, in particular, a range of flavanoids with anti-inflammatory and pain relieving properties Many Sedum species are used medicinally to treat pain and inflammation – in addition a poultice made from the crushed, succulent leaves and young stems can be applied topically to cuts, wounds, burns and various skin disorders[].

Agroforestry Uses:

The plant is grown in 'green roof' and 'green wall' systems. These systems are incorporated into the structure of the building, providing habitats for wildlife as well as insulating the building and helping to improve the environment. The cultivar 'Czar's Gold' has been specificaly mentioned.

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - surface sow in spring in well-drained soil in a sunny position in a greenhouse. Do not allow the soil to dry out. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle. If sufficient growth is made, it is possible to plant them out during the summer, otherwise keep them in a cold-frame or greenhouse for their first winter and plant them out in early summer of the following year[].
Division is very easy and can be carried out at almost any time in the growing season, though is probably best done in spring or early summer. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found it best to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in a lightly shaded position in a cold frame, planting them out once they are well established in the summer.