Showy Stonecrop Hylotelephium spectabile

Sedum is one of the most dependable and lovely succulent perennial flowers belonging to the family Crassulaceae (stonecrop) tracing its origins to China.  They grow in a clumping form at a medium rate 1 to 2 feet tall and wide.

Stonecrop is a succulent perennial requiring well-drained or gravelly soil with average to low fertility.  While the plant does well in full sun, morning or afternoon shade is desirable as well. It can suffer in overly-moist or fertile soils. To maintain the bushy shape and thick stems, plants should be cut or pinched back in early spring.  The stems can be pruned in summer to obtain a shorter bushier plant but will delay bloom time.  This plant is drought and salt tolerant, resistant to browsing by rabbits, and requires little attention. It is easily rooted from stem cuttings. 

The fleshy foliage grows with a mounding habit and is attractive even without blooms. The showy light pink flowers appear mid to late summer into fall and attract bees and butterflies. Leaving the brown seed heads on the plant will add some winter interest. 

Plant as a specimen or in small groups, in rock or crevice gardens. It also works well in containers (indoors or outside), planted in the middle of borders, along a foundation or near a patio or walkway.  The attractive flowers succulent leaves and the fact that it attracts pollinators make stonecrop a welcome addition to a children's garden.  

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Aphids, mealybugs, nematodes, scale, slugs, and weevils can be problematic. Wet soils cause rot. 

VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Annuals, Perennials, Vines, and Groundcovers" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens. 

More information on Hylotelephium.