P. spurius occurs naturally in the rocky subalpine meadows of Georgia, northern Iran, and northeastern Turkey.

It has naturalized in Europe, often found along roadsides, walls, and waste areas, escaping cultivation to form persistent colonies.

[3] Phedimus spurius is a stonecrop with numerous stems that either sprawl along the ground or creep, often taking root as they grow.

[3] Flowering stems, which can lie along the ground or grow at an angle, reach 10–30 cm and have a rough texture[2] and reddish color.

White-flowered varieties of P. spurius are generally less floriferous, yet all forms spread vigorously, with tangled stems extending beyond 30 cm over time—behavior uncommon in related species.

The species is distributed in Georgia, northern Iran, and northeastern Turkey, where it inhabits cool, rocky sites and subalpine meadows at elevations ranging from 1,250 to 3,000 meters.

[2][4] Phedimus spurius has become naturalized in many parts of Europe,[2] especially in various disturbed habitats, such as walls, rocky areas, roadsides, refuse sites, and waste ground.

[4] It thrives in well-drained, acidic to neutral soils with dry to moderate moisture levels and prefers full sun, though it can handle some light shade.

It grows well in sandy or gravelly soil, adapts to nutrient-poor conditions, and requires proper drainage to stay healthy.

[3] Due to its vigorous spreading habit, it is unsuitable for small rock gardens but excels as a fast-growing ground cover.

[4] The typical form has pink-purple flowers and green foliage that acquires a reddish hue in full sun.