Skill Level: Intermediate
Chiastophyllum oppositifolium, sometimes called Lamb’s Tail, is a graceful, shade-leaning alpine from the Caucasus, valued for its arching stems of soft, dangling yellow flowers in late spring. It thrives in partial shade, cool roots, and moist but well drained soils, settling beautifully into rock gardens, woodland edges, and the shadier corners of coastal gardens. Hardy to roughly USDA Zone 6–8, it forms low, spreading evergreen rosettes of fleshy, blue green leaves that become a welcomed living mulch in time.
Our Seed Germinating Experience:
Seeds are very fine, almost dust-like which require surface sowing and exposure to light. Keep medium moist but not waterlogged. Seeds are best started in late fall to take advantage of moderate winter temperatures in our Zone 8 garden. After a brief warm phase at about 15-20°C, move seeds outside where they can experience fluctuating temperatures around 4°F. Germination takes place at these temperatures in 6–7 weeks.
Once seedlings appear, protect them from any hard freezes—newly germinated Chiastophyllum is surprisingly tender, and a sharp cold snap can wipe out a whole tray. Keep them cool, bright, and lightly moist as they establish.
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