Sedum mexicanum 'Lemon Coral'

Sedum is a genus of succulent, herbaceous, evergreen, perennials with fleshy, flat or rounded leaves depending on the species. In general, the plant is upright and spreads along the ground. The genus has over 300 species, though many have been moved to the genus Hylotelephium. The genus name comes from the Latin word sedeo meaning to sit, in reference to the habit of many of the sedums species to sit and sprawl over rocks.  

Lemon Coral Sedum is a low-growing succulent with lime-green leaves and small star-shaped summer-blooming flowers. It tolerates heat and drought in full sun to light shade and does best in dry to medium well-drained sandy to rocky soils as a ground cover, in rock gardens, mass plantings in the border or cascading over planters, rocks or walls. It seldom needs watering, but will grow in moist soils with good drainage. Plants grown in overly rich soils or in too much shade will produce weak, floppy growth. Plants slowly spread over time. Like many of its genus, Lemon Coral tolerates only occassional foot traffic. The leaves tend to fall off easily; however, the fallen leaves can be used to propagate new plants.

Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems:

No serious diseases or insect problems, except for occasional slugs and snails. Avoid wet or poorly drained conditions. Susceptible to flopping, which can be avoided by siting in full sun in soils that are not too moist or rich. Pinching in spring can also force stems to grow thicker and bushier.

VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Houseplants, Succulents, and Cacti", a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.