Ogon Golden Japanese Stonecrop (Sedum makinoi 'Ogon')
Brilliant Golden Foliage for Containers, Rock Gardens, and Low-Maintenance Landscapes
Plant Overview
Common Name: Ogon Golden Japanese Stonecrop
Botanical Name: Sedum makinoi 'Ogon'
Plant Type: Groundcover Perennial Succulent
Family: Crassulaceae
Native Range: Japan
USDA Hardiness Zones: 7–9
Ogon Golden Japanese Stonecrop is a colorful, low-growing sedum prized for its vibrant golden-yellow foliage and spreading groundcover habit. Unlike many flowering sedums, this variety is grown primarily for its striking foliage, which creates a bright carpet of color throughout the growing season.
Its cheerful golden leaves contrast beautifully with darker foliage plants, stones, and containers, making it an excellent choice for rock gardens, pathways, trough gardens, and mixed container plantings.
Quick Facts
Height: 2–4 inches
Spread: 6–10 inches
Bloom Time: Grown primarily for foliage
Flower Color: Insignificant
Foliage Color: Golden Yellow
Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Part Sun
Water Needs: Low
Maintenance: Very Low
Growth Habit: Mat-Forming, Mounded
Growth Rate: Moderate
Drought Tolerant: Excellent
Heat Tolerant: Excellent
Growing Conditions
Light
Ogon Stonecrop performs best in:
Full Sun
Part Sun
The brightest golden foliage develops in sunny locations. In hotter climates, some afternoon shade may help prevent leaf scorch.
Soil
Prefers:
Sandy soils
Gravelly soils
Rocky soils
Well-drained garden soils
Excellent drainage is essential for healthy growth.
Water
Once established, Ogon Stonecrop requires very little supplemental watering.
Drought tolerant
Avoid soggy soils
Allow soil to dry between watering
Foliage Characteristics
The foliage is the true star of this plant.
Foliage Features
Brilliant golden-yellow leaves
Tiny rounded succulent foliage
Attractive red stems
Dense carpet-forming habit
Colorful from spring through frost
The bright foliage acts like a living groundcover, illuminating darker areas of the garden and softening the edges of pathways, walls, and containers.
Garden Uses
Ogon Stonecrop is incredibly versatile.
Recommended Uses
Rock Gardens
Alpine Gardens
Fairy Gardens
Container Gardens
Border Edging
Groundcovers
Trough Gardens
Crevice Gardens
Retaining Wall Plantings
Xeriscape Gardens
Its compact size makes it particularly valuable for small spaces where larger perennials would overwhelm the design.
Companion Plants
At 19 Birch Lane, Ogon Stonecrop pairs beautifully with:
Blue Fescue
Japanese Forest Grass
Hosta
Heuchera
Artemisia
Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’
Lavender
Creeping Thyme
Dwarf Conifers
The golden foliage provides excellent contrast against blue, purple, burgundy, and dark green foliage plants.
Care & Maintenance
Ogon Stonecrop is one of the easiest plants to grow.
Maintenance Tips
No deadheading required
Minimal pruning needed
Divide every few years if desired
Remove winter-damaged foliage in spring
Avoid excessive fertilizer
Overly rich soils can reduce foliage color and encourage weak growth.
Landscape Benefits
Drought Tolerant
Once established, Ogon thrives in dry conditions and requires very little irrigation.
Heat Tolerant
Performs exceptionally well during summer heat.
Low Maintenance
Ideal for gardeners seeking beauty with minimal upkeep.
Container Friendly
Excellent as a filler or spiller in mixed containers and decorative planters.
Problems
Ogon Stonecrop is generally trouble-free.
Potential issues include:
Root rot in poorly drained soils
Winter damage in wet locations
Reduced color in excessive shade
Good drainage prevents nearly all problems.
Why We Grow It at 19 Birch Lane
At 19 Birch Lane, Ogon Golden Japanese Stonecrop is valued for its ability to brighten garden spaces with vivid color while requiring almost no maintenance. Its golden foliage creates striking contrast among perennials, shrubs, and hardscape features while thriving in sunny, dry locations.
This cheerful groundcover demonstrates how foliage alone can provide season-long interest and beauty in the landscape.
Plant Finder Details
Botanical Name: Sedum makinoi 'Ogon'
Common Name: Ogon Golden Japanese Stonecrop
Plant Type: Perennial Groundcover
Family: Crassulaceae
Zones: 7–9
Height: 2–4 inches
Spread: 6–10 inches
Bloom Time: Grown for Foliage
Foliage Color: Golden Yellow
Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Part Sun
Water Requirements: Low
Maintenance: Easy
Growth Habit: Mounded, Spreading
Drought Tolerant: Yes
Heat Tolerant: Yes
Container Friendly: Yes
Ogon Golden Japanese Stonecrop (Sedum makinoi 'Ogon')
Brilliant Golden Foliage for Containers, Rock Gardens, and Low-Maintenance Landscapes