Phedimus spurius 'Dr. John Creech'

This one's got a good story behind it. Phedimus spurius 'Dr. John Creech' is named after the legendary USDA plant explorer who spent decades tracking down remarkable plants in Asia and beyond — and this sedum is a fitting tribute to someone who appreciated tough, beautiful plants in difficult places. It forms a dense, low mat that spreads to 24 inches or more, with rosy-pink flowers that put on a cheerful show in summer. The foliage is the classic spurius style: rounded, scalloped leaves that stay attractive from spring through fall.

It's hardy to Zone 3, which means it can handle conditions that would send lesser plants packing. On the wet side of the Cascades, it handles our mild winters with ease; on the dry east side, it shrugs off summer heat and drought once established. Full sun is ideal, and drainage is the main thing to get right — plant it in soggy, poorly drained soil and it won't be happy, but get that part right and you've got a groundcover that practically takes care of itself. Use it on slopes, in rock gardens, between stones, or anywhere you need reliable coverage from a plant with proven toughness. Naming a plant after a botanist who spent a career finding great plants sets a high bar. This one clears it easily.