Hylotelephium populifolium

Here's one for the botanically curious: Hylotelephium populifolium is named for its poplar-like leaves — broad, toothed, and more decidedly leaf-shaped than most sedums, which tend toward the succulent and waxy. The result is a plant that has an almost herbaceous, woodland quality at a glance — until you pick up a leaf and feel that unmistakable succulent thickness. It grows upright to 12 to 18 inches and produces pink to white flowers in late summer, with a loose, open habit that's different from the more architectural forms in the genus.

Adaptable to a wide range of PNW conditions, H. populifolium brings textural variety to the rock garden or mixed border — that broad, scalloped leaf shape stands out clearly against fine-textured or needle-leaved companions. It's a good candidate for the middle of a mixed perennial border where some height is welcome. Full sun and decent drainage are the standard requirements. For gardeners who appreciate botanical oddity alongside good garden performance, this is one of the more interesting members of a diverse genus — a sedum that doesn't look quite like what you expect a sedum to look like, and is better for it.