Sedum makinoi 'Ogon' (Golden Japanese Sedum): Brilliant Gold Groundcover

Sedum makinoi 'Ogon' (Golden Japanese Sedum)

Perhaps the brightest gold of all groundcover sedums, Sedum makinoi 'Ogon' forms a luminous mat of tiny, rounded, yellow-chartreuse leaves that glow in the garden. The color is most intense in spring and fall, shifting to lime-green in summer heat. Tiny yellow star flowers appear in summer. Perfect for rock gardens, containers, and desert plantings where a brilliant gold carpet is desired.

Luminous Foliage

The leaves are small (1/4–1/2 inch), rounded, and densely packed on trailing stems. The yellow-chartreuse color is startlingly bright—like a gold coin carpet. In shade, it becomes more lime-green; in full sun, it can bleach slightly. Plants form a mat 2–4 inches tall, spreading 12–18 inches. The trailing habit makes it lovely spilling over edges.

Growing Requirements

• Light: Full sun to partial shade. Best color in morning sun/afternoon shade.
• Height: 2–4 inches (2 feet or less).
• Spread: 12–18 inches.
• Soil: Well-drained, average. Tolerates poor soil.
• Water: Low to moderate. More moisture-tolerant than many sedums.

Garden Applications

Stunning as a gold accent in rock gardens, between pavers, spilling from containers, and in fairy gardens. Pair with dark purple foliage (heuchera, aeonium) or blue succulents for high contrast. The trailing habit suits hanging baskets and wall plantings. More shade-tolerant than most sedums.

Maintenance

Very low. Trim if it overruns neighbors. Divide in spring to propagate. Deer resistant. Tolerates light foot traffic.

Sedum makinoi 'Ogon'—the brightest gold groundcover sedum for luminous accents in rock gardens and containers.