Chiastophyllum Plant Growing & Care Guide for Gardeners

Article by Dean Ravenscroft, Ph.D. - Updated 22nd Nov 2023

In this Gardener's HQ guide, we'll explore cultivating Chiastophyllum plants in your garden, indoor spaces, and other settings.

At a Glance: Chiastophyllum

Plant Characteristics: Chiastophyllum plants are admired for their cascading, fleshy leaves and bright yellow, bell-shaped flowers. Their unique appearance adds an exotic touch to rock gardens and hanging baskets.
Ideal Growing Conditions: Thrives in well-drained soil and partial shade. These plants are particularly suited for rocky or sandy soils, making them ideal for challenging garden spots.
General Care: Requires minimal care, with occasional watering sufficient for most conditions. They are resilient to drought once established, simplifying maintenance.
Tips for New Gardeners: Lamb's Tail is a great starter plant due to its low maintenance needs and adaptability. It's important to avoid waterlogged conditions to prevent root rot. These plants are robust and can thrive with minimal intervention.

Golden Drop, Silver Crown, & Lamb's Tail: Cultivation & Garden Use

Chiastophyllum is a hardy perennial.

It flowers in the summer with sprays of yellow flowers at the end of wands.

It is an ideal plant for growing in rockeries.

Common names includeGolden drop and Silver crown.

Chiastophyllum
Chiastophyllum (Golden drop) - Public domain photograph

As a member of the Crassulaceae family, Golden drop is closly related to the Sedum plant genera.

Grow Your Paradise (Help to Support this Site)

Seed Success: Start Strong with this Ultimate Seed Starter Kit
Elevate your gardening game today by securing your Reusable Seed Starter Tray Kit. Get this must-have for any gardening enthusiast on Amazon and give your seedlings the head start they deserve. Embark on your journey to a bountiful harvest with confidence.
Garden Mastery: Unleash Your Potential with the Essential Tool Set
Boost your gardening with the CHRYZTAL Gardening Tool Set. Get this essential kit on Amazon for effortless gardening. A good set of tools is key to a thriving garden; make every cut count. Cultivate with ease and watch your garden flourish.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. When you buy through links on my site, it supports Gardener's HQ, my small independent gardening site. Your support enables me to continue providing top-notch gardening guides and tips. Thank you for helping this site grow!

Chiastophyllum Growing and Care Guide

Common Names: Golden drop, Silver Crown, Lamb’s Tail.
Life Cycle: Hardy perennial.
Height: 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm).
Native: Eastern Europe, Western Asia.
Growing Region: Zones 4 to 8.
Flowers: Summer.
Flower Details: Yellow. Tiny. Dangling racemes. Look like small yellow peas.
Foliage: Evergreen. Oval. Curved projections on leaf edges.
Sow Outside: Surface. Start of spring - before the last frost, or towards the end of autumn. Spacing 6 inches (15 cm).
Sow Inside: Germination time: two weeks to two months. Temperature 70°F (21°C). Mix seeds in a moist growing medium, place in a freezer bag, then stratify by refrigeration for three weeks. Sow stratified seeds about two months in advance. Transplant outdoors following the last frost or in autumn.
Requirements: Full sunlight or partial shade. Good drainage. Best results in light, moist soil. Regular watering whilst growing. Avoid watering at other times. Propagate: by taking Chiastophyllum cuttings in middle to late summer, or by dividing in the spring in cooler areas, or autumn elsewhere.
Family: Crassulaceae.
Miscellaneous: This plant is often referred to as Umbilicus oppositifolius but is usually classified by itself in the Chiastophyllum genus.

How to grow Chiastophyllum

If planning to grow Chiastophyllum plants outdoors then they should be planted on the soil surface in early spring before the last frost or towards the end of autumn.

Silver crown and other Chiastophyllum should be grown in a sunny part of the garden, though they do well in partly shaded conditions too.

The soil should have good drainage but slightly moist in composition.

When starting as seedlings first indoor then they should be prepared about two months before they are due to be transplanted outdoors in the middle of spring or in autumn.

Seeds should be chilled by placing the seeds (within soil) in a black bag, then placing in the fridge for two weeks.

Seeds should then be sown at a temperature of about 22-23 Celsius; they normally take from two to eight weeks to germinate.

Caring for Chiastophyllum

Chiastophyllum plant seedlings should be planted out with a spacing of around 15 cm. They require watering whilst growing, but can be left dry for the rest of the year.

If you require more plants then cuttings can be made towards the end of summer.

Common Questions

How many members does the Chiastophyllum genus have?

The Chiastophyllum genus includes just one species, Chiastophyllum oppositifolium, also known as Lamb's Tail.

Do members of Chiastophyllum make a good garden or landscaping plant?

Chiastophyllum oppositifolium is an excellent groundcover plant for shady spots in the garden, producing cascades of yellow flowers in spring.

Which Chiastophyllum species are most frequently grown by gardeners?

The most frequently grown is the only species in the genus: Chiastophyllum oppositifolium, commonly called Lamb's Tail.

Are members of the Chiastophyllum plant genus fragrant?

While Chiastophyllum oppositifolium offers charming yellow blooms, it isn't particularly known for a fragrance.

What is the perfect location to grow Chiastophyllum?

Chiastophyllum prefers shady to partially shaded spots and well-drained soil. It's perfect for rockeries or border fronts.

Is Chiastophyllum invasive in the USA?

Presently, Chiastophyllum is not considered invasive in the USA. It's often used as a low-maintenance ground cover in suitable climates.

How do I remove Chiastophyllum plants from my garden?

Chiastophyllum can be removed by digging out the plants, including the roots, to prevent regrowth.

Summary

The Chiastophyllum genus, part of the Crassulaceae family, is native to the Caucasus. The most known species, Chiastophyllum oppositifolium, is a perennial plant recognized for its succulent, opposite leaves and hanging clusters of yellow flowers that bloom in spring.

To grow Chiastophyllum, plant them in a shaded location with well-drained soil. They can be grown from seeds or cuttings. Regular watering is necessary, but they are relatively drought-tolerant once established. Due to their creeping habit and tolerance of shade, they are often used as ground cover or in rock gardens.

I hope that you enjoyed this guide on how to grow Chiastophyllum plants. You may also enjoy the following Gardener's HQ growing guides: How to grow sedum spurium and other Sedum plants.

Elevate Your Gardening Game

Weekly Growing & Care Guides for Your Inbox!