Golden Root, Rhodiola rosea

Description for Golden Root, Rhodiola rosea
Plant height: 9 – 15 inches
Plant spread:
Rhodiola rosea is a succulent herb up to 16 inches tall with several stems growing from a short, scaly rootstock. Flowers have 4 sepals and 4 petals, yellow to greenish-yellow in color sometimes tipped with red and blooming in summer. Several shoots growing from the same thick root may reach up to 14 inches (35 cm) in height. It is dioecious plant having separate female and male plants.
Common name(s): Golden Root, Rose Root, Aaron’s Rod, Arctic Root, King’s Crown, Orpin Rose
Flower colours: Yellow
Bloom time: May-August
Max reachable height: 16 inches
Difficulty to grow: Easy to grow
Planting and care
Rhodiola rosea can easily be propagated from seeds and cutting.
Sow seeds on the surface of the soil. Tamp seeds down and cover lightly with soil. Do not bury the seeds deeply, as this will prevent their germination. Keep the soil moist, do not let it dry out before the seeds germinate. Mist the soil with a spray bottle to avoid dislodging the seeds. Expose seedlings to more direct sunlight when stalks begin to form, usually one or two months after germination.
Cuttings taken in the growing season. Basal shoots in early summer are easiest. Harvest the shoots with plenty of underground stem when they are about 8 – 10 cm above the ground. Pot them up into individual pots and keep them in light shade in a shade until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the summer.
Sunlight: Full sun
Soil: Well drained and fertile soil
Water: Moderately
Temperature: 10-25 degree C
Fertilizer: Apply any organic fertilizer
Caring for Golden Root
Do not grow the plant in shade, provide full sun to the plant.
Overwatering and overfertilizing can hurt the plants far worse than not watering or fertilizing.
Water the plant only when the upper layer of soil becomes completely dry.
Do not ever pour water on the foliage of plant.
Fertilize the plant once a year with organic fertilizer during spring and rainy season.
Typical uses of Golden Root
Special features: An extract of the root is used in cosmetic preparations as an antioxidant, astringent and skin conditioner.
The dried root smells strongly of roses. They may be used to distill rose-water.
Culinary use: The leaves and shoots are eaten raw or cooked like spinach, and are sometimes added to salads.
Ornamental use: The plant is also grown as an ornamental, where it can be used as a ground cover.
Medicinal use: The roots of Rhodiola are used as medicine. It is most commonly used for increasing energy, endurance, strength, and mental capacity.
Use as per doctor’s prescription.