Showy Stonecrop Hylotelephium sieboldii
Other Common Name(s):
Other plants called Showy Stonecrop:
Previously known as:
- Sedum sieboldii
- Phonetic Spelling
- hy-loh-teh-LEF-ee-um see-BOLD-ee-eye
- This plant has low severity poison characteristics.
- See below
- Description
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The scientific name refers to the German botanist Phillipp Franz von Sibold, while the native habitat of this plant leads to the common name, Japanese stonecrop. This short, perennial succulent is native to Japan, where it can be found growing along rocky outcrops and cliffs. It had formerly been included in the genus Sedum.
It grows best in light to moderate shade and well-drained to dry soil. Too much shade will result in weak, floppy plant growth. It has good drought tolerance, making it suitable for xeriscaping. When grown in a container, allow the soil to dry out before watering.
A plant for all seasons, springtime brings blue/green foliage. The foliage will display pink edges through the hot summer months. As fall approaches, and the flowers are in full bloom, the foliage will turn bright shades of orange and red, making a stunning sight.
A very low maintenance plant, even in containers. Repotting can be conducted when the plant outgrows its existing container. Ensure that the soil is dry when repotting. Springtime is ideal.
Insects, diseases, and other plant problems: Although no serious issues, slugs, aphids, mealybugs and some scale insects can visit this plant. Overwatering or wet sites can lead to root and crown rot.
VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Annuals, Perennials, Vines, and Groundcovers" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.
- Profile Video:
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- 'Nana'
- 'Nana'
- 'Nana'
- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- 'Nana'
- 'Nana'
- 'Nana'
- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Hylotelephium
- Species:
- sieboldii
- Family:
- Crassulaceae
- Uses (Ethnobotany):
- When planted in masses, makes a great ground cover in temperate locations.
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Division
- Seed
- Stem Cutting
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- Japan
- Wildlife Value:
- Butterflies are attracted to the flowers.
- Play Value:
- Attractive Flowers
- Attracts Pollinators
- Textural
- Edibility:
- If causes low toxicity if eaten. However, when very young and tender, the stems and leaves can be eaten raw. Later, until they flower, they may be briefly cooked.
- Dimensions:
- Height: 0 ft. 6 in. - 0 ft. 9 in.
- Width: 1 ft. 0 in. - 1 ft. 6 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Edible
- Ground Cover
- Perennial
- Habit/Form:
- Arching
- Horizontal
- Mounding
- Growth Rate:
- Medium
- Maintenance:
- Low
- Texture:
- Fine
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
- Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
- Soil Texture:
- Loam (Silt)
- Sand
- Soil pH:
- Alkaline (>8.0)
- Neutral (6.0-8.0)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Occasionally Dry
- Very Dry
- Available Space To Plant:
- Less than 12 inches
- 12 inches-3 feet
- NC Region:
- Coastal
- Mountains
- Piedmont
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
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Fruit:
- Fruit Type:
- Capsule
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Pink
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Showy
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Fall
- Flower Shape:
- Star
- Flower Size:
- < 1 inch
- Flower Description:
- In the fall, clusters of pink flowers form at the end of the stems.
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Leaves:
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Pink
- Leaf Feel:
- Fleshy
- Leaf Value To Gardener:
- Edible
- Showy
- Deciduous Leaf Fall Color:
- Pink
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Whorled
- Leaf Margin:
- Entire
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Length:
- < 1 inch
- Leaf Width:
- < 1 inch
- Leaf Description:
- This plant forms a perfect, circular mound of arching stems covered with fleshy, round, blue-green foliage in whorls of three. They are edged with a deep pink to reddish line. Turns pink in winter before dying.
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Stem:
- Stem Color:
- Green
- Red/Burgundy
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
- Stem Description:
- The ascending stem have a reddish tinge.
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Container
- Patio
- Recreational Play Area
- Slope/Bank
- Walkways
- Landscape Theme:
- Butterfly Garden
- Children's Garden
- Drought Tolerant Garden
- Pollinator Garden
- Rock Garden
- Design Feature:
- Border
- Mass Planting
- Small groups
- Attracts:
- Butterflies
- Pollinators
- Songbirds
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Drought
- Dry Soil
- Poor Soil
- Rabbits
- Problems:
- Poisonous to Humans
