Umbilicus oppositifolius
Lamb's tail
Also known as Cotyledon simplicifolia, Cotyledon oppositolia, Chiastophyllum oppositifolium, Chiastophyllum simplicifolium
- Height × spread
- 0.15m × 0.3m
- Position
- Tolerates full sun, likes part shade, likes light shade
- Hardiness
- Cold to -15C (RHS H5)
- Flowers
- Summer
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
This is generally grown in a rock garden or can be used to hang over the wall of a raised bed. The plant forms clumps of rather rounded green leaves that are smooth and shiny looking with scalloped edges, held on smooth stems coloured a rosy shade of brown. The foliage may take on bronze tints during winter. In summer it produces delightful pendulous flowers. These are bright yellow and look like so many slim-line catkins, held on branching stems above the foliage but hanging downwards. Give this charmer some space and a cool position where there is always some moisture available.
- Flower colour
- Yellow
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Prostrate
- Height
- 0.15m
- Spread
- 0.3m
- Spread in 10 years
- 0m
- Season of interest
- Summer
- Flowers in
- Summer
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Garden style
- Shady court
- Sun or shade
- Tolerates full sun, likes part shade, likes light shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Damp and wet soil, Well drained soil
- Hardiness
- Cold to -15C (RHS H5)
- Borders & containers
- Borders and containers
- Hazards
- No
- Pet safe
- Yes – listed in our pet-safe plants
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed with slow release fertiliser
Apply a general purpose slow release fertiliser, spreading it around the root area of the plant as it is coming into growth. (Or apply a liquid feed at regular intervals throughout the growing season.)
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost as a single annual procedure.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water to keep the soil moist
For best results, this plant needs soil that is always moist. Water deeply and regularly as soon as soil appears dry. Even for established plants in the ground, a dry week can cause problems with some soils. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather. Or install an automatic irrigation system which will do the hard work for you, even when you are away on holiday.
Without regular watering some plants never fully regain their beauty.