Cliff Stonecrop 'Lidakense'

'Lidakense' is a superb, compact deciduous succulent that is highly regarded by UK gardeners for its late-season colour and hardiness. It forms low mounds of arching, purple-tinted stems clothed in rounded, fleshy, blue-grey leaves with narrow red margins. In late summer and early autumn, the plant is covered in flat clusters of rose-pink, star-shaped flowers that are a magnet for bees and late-season butterflies. Its trailing habit makes it perfect for the edges of raised beds, rock gardens, or as a specimen in a small alpine container. Unlike many other succulents, it is fully hardy (H5) and survives the winter without special care, though its stems die back to a central crown before emerging again in spring. It thrives in poor, well-drained soil in a sunny position. Its combination of steel-blue foliage and vibrant flowers provides a wonderful contrast to the greens and yellows of the mid-summer garden.

Sun: Full sun.

Soil: Moderately fertile, well-drained soil.

Hardiness: H5 — down to −15°C.

Flowering: Aug, Sep, Oct.