Synonyms: Umbilicus
Family: Crassulaceae

From North Africa, southern Europe and Central Asia, these succulents form rosettes of crowded, hairy, pale green leaves, with sprays of red or yellow summer flowers. Offsets at the base form small clumps.

Species

R. aizoon (Synonym: R. pallida), from Turkey, has very hairy leaves and large, whitish yellow flowers.

R. paniculata, from Iran, has 4 cm (1½ in) long leaves and white to pink flowers, borne on very long stems.

R. platyphylla, from Russia, has very hairy leaves and stems and cream flowers.

R. serrata, from the eastern Mediterranean, has gray-green, toothed leaves and white or light pink flowers.

Cultivation

Plant in a moderately rich, well-drained soil and give winter protection. Water in summer during growth and flowering, but keep fairly dry in winter. Propagate from seed or offsets, or by division of the roots in spring.

Climate

Zone 7.