Prefers a fertile well drained open loam in a sunny position. Tolerates fairly damp conditions but prefers a raised well-drained spot. Established plants are drought resistant. This species is extremely polymorphic. Plants often self-sows when they are growing in a suitable position. They can self-sow to the point of nuisance. The dried root has a rose scent. Dioecious. Male and female plants must be grown if seed is required.

The young succulent leaves and shoots are eaten raw or cooked like spinach. A slightly bitter taste, we find them unpleasant on their own though they can be used as a small part of a mixed salad. They can be made into a sauerkraut. Stems - cooked and eaten like asparagus. Root - raw or cooked. It was fermented before being eaten by the N. American Indians.

Seed - surface sow in a sunny position in a greenhouse in spring. Do not let the compost dry out. The seed usually germinates in 2 - 4 weeks at 10°c. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle, and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant out in early summer of the following year. Division in August to October. Very easy, larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is better to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a cold frame until they are well established before planting them out in late spring or early summer. 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 - 10cm above the ground. Pot them up into individual pots and keep them in light shade in a cold frame or greenhouse until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the summer.

Crevices of mountain rocks and on sea cliffs.