How to Grow Ogon
Wikimedia Commons
Ogon
Sedum japonicum 'Ogon'
succulentOgon is a golden-leafed Japanese stonecrop succulent prized for its vibrant chartreuse to golden-yellow foliage that intensifies in cooler temperatures and bright light. This low-growing, spreading groundcover produces delicate pink or white flowers in summer and is extremely hardy and drought-tolerant. It's ideal for rock gardens, containers, green roofs, and xeriscape landscapes.
When should you plant Ogon in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Ogon timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Ogon
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
Harvest Ogon
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Ogon dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 4-8; cold-hardy to zone 3 with winter protection
Sign up free to see if Ogon grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Ogon timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
2-4 weeksYoung rosette with small golden leaves, slowly developing roots and new shoots
Water lightly after planting, then allow soil to dry. Avoid overwatering. Ensure excellent drainage.
Vegetative Growth
4-8 weeksRosettes expand, spreading stems develop, leaf color deepens to golden-yellow, especially with cooler temps and full sun
Water sparingly only when soil is completely dry. Provide maximum sunlight. No fertilizing needed; can inhibit hardiness.
Spreading & Maturation
2-3 months onwardsPlant fills in designated area with dense, spreading mats of golden foliage forming a groundcover
Minimal care required. Occasionally remove dead leaves. Allow natural spreading; thin if overcrowded.
Flowering
4-6 weeksSmall pink, white, or pale yellow star-shaped flowers appear in tight clusters atop short stems above the foliage
Flowers typically appear in summer (June-August). No special care needed. Flowers are secondary to foliage appeal.
Dormancy
November-March depending on climateIn cold climates, growth slows in fall; foliage may take on reddish or orange tones before winter dormancy; plant appears brown or bronze
Withhold water almost entirely. No fertilizer or pruning. Foliage color change is normal and indicates cold hardiness at work.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; improve air circulation; remove affected leaves
-
Increase humidity slightly; spray with water; apply neem oil if severe
-
Remove by hand; apply horticultural oil; isolate infested plants
-
Reduce watering frequency; allow soil surface to dry; use yellow sticky traps
Uses
Groundcover & Garden Design
OrnamentalOgon's bright golden foliage provides year-round color contrast in rock gardens, borders, and xeriscape designs. It creates striking visual interest in containers, living roofs, and alpine troughs. [source]
Low-Maintenance Containers & Arrangements
HouseholdIdeal for succulent terrariums, dish gardens, and container combinations where minimal watering is desired. Its compact growth and color make it a favorite in living wall systems and decorative planters. [source]
Living Wreaths & Floral Arrangements
CraftOgon foliage can be used in living wreaths and succulent corsages for special events, providing texture, color, and longevity without frequent watering. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeSummer flowers attract bees and small beneficial insects, supporting local pollinator populations while remaining untouched by herbivores. [source]
Green Roof & Erosion Control
HouseholdHardy, spreading nature makes Ogon ideal for extensive green roofs and slope stabilization where drought tolerance and minimal maintenance are essential. [source]
Harvest Tips
Ogon is not harvested for food or material yield. Cut stems can be propagated year-round by laying on moist soil—roots develop in 1-2 weeks. Prune lightly in spring to maintain shape or divide established clumps every 2-3 years.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Ogon means 'gold' in Japanese, referring to the plant's luminous chartreuse-to-golden foliage that glows almost neon yellow in full sun.
- 🌱 Unlike most sedums, Ogon retains its golden color year-round in mild climates; in cold zones, it develops striking bronze, red, or copper tones as temperatures drop, effectively offering two distinct seasonal looks.
- 🌱 Ogon is a leaf succulent with extraordinary drought tolerance—it can survive weeks without water and actually thrives on neglect, making it nearly impossible to kill with underwater conditions.
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Ogon planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Ogon seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Ogon timeline →