Hylotelephium pluricaule (formerly Sedum pluricaule) is a low-growing succulent native to Eastern Siberia, specifically from Amur to Sakhalin in Russia, as well as northern Japan. This plant is valued for its compact growth habit and remarkable cold hardiness. It forms dense, low cushions, making it a sought-after choice for alpine rock gardens and gravel beds.
Taxonomy of Hylotelephium pluricaule
Scientific Name
Hylotelephium pluricaule (Maxim.) H. Ohba
Synonym(s)
Hylotelephium triphyllum var. pluricaule, Sedum pluricaule, Sedum telephium var. pluricaule
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sempervivoideae
Tribe: Telephieae
Genus: Hylotelephium
Etymology
The generic name "Hylotelephium" (pronounced "KRASS-oo-la") means "woodland Telephium" and possibly refers to the woodland habitats of the type species Hylotelephium telephium.
The specific epithet "pluricaule" (pronounced "ploo-ree-KAW-lee") means "many-stemmed; having several stems" and refers to the plant's growth habit.
Description
Hylotelephium pluricaule, formerly known as Sedum pluricaule, is a small succulent with erect, ascending, or sometimes pendulous stems with ovate, densely arranged leaves. It can grow up to 2.4 inches (6 cm) tall and forms a low mound as it ages. Stems can reach up to 4 inches (10 cm) long. The leaves are fleshy, blue-green, and flushed with pink, measuring up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) long and 0.4 inches (1 cm) wide.
The flowers are star-shaped, pink with reddish-purple anthers, and appear in terminal clusters from late summer to fall. The foliage dies back to the ground in the winter. In the spring, new stems arise from the base of the old stems.
Origin
Hylotelephium pluricaule is native to Russia (Amur to Sakhalin in the North Pacific) and Japan. It grows on mountain slopes, in rock crevices, and on sea cliffs.
How to Grow and Care for Hylotelephium pluricaule
Light: This succulent prefers full sun. It tolerates light to partial shade in hot summer climates but produces weak, floppy growth in too much shade. Plant your Hylotelephium pluricaule in an area of your garden with 6 hours of sunlight daily.
Soil: H. pluricaule does not need rich soil, but it does require excellent drainage. Use a commercial succulent potting mix, or make your own.
Temperature: This plant is cold-hardy and tolerant of heat and drought, making it a popular choice for outdoor succulent cultivation. Hylotelephium pluricaule can withstand temperatures as low as -20°F (-28.9°C). USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 5a to 9b, -20°F to 30°F (-28.9°C to -1.1°C).
Watering: The best method for watering Hylotelephium pluricaule is the "soak and dry." Water thoroughly, then wait until the soil is dry before watering again.
Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer annually. Follow the package directions and apply fertilizer to the soil in spring as new growth appears.
Repotting: Container plants need little more care than garden plants. Repot your Hylotelephium pluricaule when it outgrows its current pot by moving it to a larger one to provide better support for the plant. Spring is the best time to repot this plant. Make sure the soil is dry before you start repotting.
Propagation: You can grow this succulent from seeds, division, or stem cuttings. Sow the seeds in spring. Dividing your Hylotelephium pluricaule is easy and can be done at almost any time in the growing season, though it is probably best in spring or early summer. Propagate by stem cuttings in summer.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Hylotelephium.
Toxicity of Hylotelephium pluricaule
Hylotelephium pluricaule can be mildly toxic to humans and animals.
Photo Gallery
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Internal Links
- Explore all plants within the genus Hylotelephium.
- Explore all plants within the family Crassulaceae.