Scientific Name
×Graptosedum 'Francesco Baldi'
Synonym(s)
×Graptosedum 'Blue Pearl', ×Graptosedum 'Darley Sunshine', ×Graptosedum 'Edelfrau', ×Graptoveria 'Frostbite', ×Graptosedum 'Pink Beauty', ×Graptoveria 'Van Keppel', ×Sedeveria 'Doinet', ×Sedeveria 'Starburst'
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sempervivoideae
Tribe: Sedeae
Nothogenus: ×Graptosedum
Origin
×Graptosedum 'Francesco Baldi' is a hybrid that results from a cross between Graptopetalum paraguayense and Sedum pachyphyllum. It was named by Ray Stephenson after Francesco Baldi (1917-2003), the founding member of the Sedum Society. The origin of this hybrid is unknown.
Description
×Graptosedum 'Francesco Baldi', also sold as ×Graptosedum 'Darley Sunshine', is a popular succulent that forms rosettes at the tips of hanging, ever-lengthening stems, creating a spreading colony. It can grow up to 6 inches (15 cm) tall, while the rosettes can reach up to 5 inches (12.5 cm) in diameter. The leaves are thick, fleshy, glaucous, and lance-shaped, and can grow up to 3 inches (7.5 cm) long. In partial shade, the leaves tend to be blue-grey, while in full sun, they are pinkish-grey. During the winter, they take on a brownish-purple tinge.
The flowers are yellow, star-shaped, and can reach up to 0.8 inches (2 cm) in diameter. They appear on stalks with 2 to 6 branches, each with 3 to 14 flowers. The flower stalks can grow up to 6 inches (15 cm) long.
Forms of ×Graptosedum 'Francesco Baldi'
How to Grow and Care for ×Graptosedum 'Francesco Baldi'
Hardiness: USDA hardiness zones 9a to 11b: from 20°F (-6.7°C) to 50°F (10°C).
The rules for Graptopetalums care are similar to those for most succulents. All require lots of sunlight to look their best. They need gritty, well-drained soil. Water regularly over the summer, letting the soil dry out between waterings. Minimal water is required over winter. Overwatering is a cause of root rots, and the plant can get several pest infestations. Fertilize once during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer diluted to 1/4 strength.
Graptopetalums are generally easily propagated by seeds, leaf cuttings, or offsets. Any rosette that breaks off can root and form a new plant. Even a leaf that drops off will quickly root below the parent plant and produce a new rosette. The new plant feeds off the leaf until it shrivels and falls off. By then, the new little plant had rooted and sprouted new leaves.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Graptopetalum.
Links
- Back to nothogenus ×Graptosedum
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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