Rhodiola tibetica
At a glance
- Lifecycle
- Perennial (hardy)
- Exposure
- Full sun
- Frost limit
- −23.3 °C
Cultivation
Prefers a fertile well-drained soil in a sunny position. This species is closely related to R. quadrifida. The flowers of this species are dark purple. Dioecious, male and female plants must be grown if seed is required.
Propagation
Seed - surface sow 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, and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant out in early summer of the following year. Division in spring or early summer. Very easy, larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is better to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a cold frame until they are well established before planting them out in late spring or early summer.
Edible uses
Leaves - raw or cooked.
Habitat
Alpine meadows with occasional summer rain, but under snow for much of the year.
Native range
E. Asia - Himalayas.