Sedum rupestre 'Angelina'

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.  

Sedum rupestry 'Angelina' is a cultivar of the Sedum species rupestry and is mainly grown for its striking spiky yellow leaves that turn an attractive red-orange color with cold weather in the fall. In the wild, this plant is often found along walls, shingle and warm grassy places on sandy soils. It avoids acid soils. Plant in the full sun, although it tolerates light shade, and in a site that provides good drainage. Gardeners often use the plant as a groundcover in a rock garden, draping over a rock wall, or hanging basket. It is a mat-forming plant that spreads rapidly. It looks best in small groups or mass planted as a border front or lining a walkway or patio.  This plant is resistant to damage by deer and rabbits and tolerates drought, air pollution, and dry rocky soils. The leaves tend to fall off easily; however, the fallen leaves can be used to propagate new plants. Stems and leaves may be eaten raw when very young and tender. As the stems and leaves age, but before the plants flower, the edible parts may still be eaten if they are briefly cooked. The sap can irritate the skin of some people and the leaves, eaten in quantity, can cause stomach upsets.

A good ground cover plant for a sunny position. The plant is used on 'green roof' and 'green wall' systems in Korea where plants are incorporated into the structure of the building to provide habitats for wildlife and insulate the building, helping to improve the environment.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: 

No serious diseases or insect problems, except for occasional slugs and snails. Avoid wet or poorly drained conditions.

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