Scientific Name
Sedum × rubrotinctum 'Aurora'
Synonym(s)
Sedum rubrotinctum 'Aurora'
Common Name(s)
Jelly Bean, Pink Jelly Bean, Pink Stonecrop
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sempervivoideae
Tribe: Sedeae
Genus: Sedum
Etymology
The generic name "Sedum" (pronounced "SEE-dum") means "sitting" or "low-growing" and refers to the low-growing habit of the plants of this genus, which appear to "sit" and spread over rocks, slopes, and ground surfaces.
The specific epithet "rubrotinctum" (pronounced "roo-broh-TINK-tum") means "red-tinged" or "suffused with red." It refers to the red color that the leaves of this species develop, especially when exposed to intense sunlight.
The cultivar epithet 'Aurora' most likely refers to the plant's soft, changing shades of pink, green, yellow, and cream, which resemble the luminous colors of the auroras seen in the polar regions.
Description
Sedum × rubrotinctum 'Aurora' is a striking succulent with sprawling stems densely covered with bean-shaped leaves that emerge bright green but darken to vibrant pink. This plant can reach up to 8 inches (20 cm) in height. While the leaves may sometimes fade to pale green or even white, they display their most vibrant colors in intense sunlight.
In spring, Sedum × rubrotinctum 'Aurora' produces small, yellow, star-shaped flowers that bloom in dense clusters.
Propagating this cultivar from leaves nearly always results in reversion to the normal form of Sedum × rubrotinctum.
Origin
Sedum × rubrotinctum 'Aurora' is a cultivar of Sedum × rubrotinctum.
How to Grow and Care for Sedum × rubrotinctum 'Aurora'
Hardiness: USDA hardiness zones 9a to 11b: from 20°F (-6.7°C) to 50°F (10°C).
When growing Sedums, keep in mind that these plants need very little attention or care. They thrive in conditions that many other plants do, but they also do just as well in less hospitable areas. They are ideal for parts of your yard that get too much sun or too little water to support other plants. Sedum is Commonly Called Stonecrop because many gardeners joke that only stones need less care and live longer.
Sedum is easily planted. For shorter varieties, lay the plant on the ground where you want it to grow to get it started. Roots will grow wherever the stem touches the ground. To help it start growing, you can add a very thin layer of soil over it.
You can break off a stem from taller varieties and push it into the ground where you want it to grow. The stem will root very easily, and a new plant will be established in a season or two.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Sedum.
Links
- Back to genus Sedum
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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