Scientific Name
Lenophyllum guttatum (Rose) Rose
Common Name(s)
Sharpleaf Lenophyllum
Synonym(s)
Sedum guttatum
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sedoideae
Tribe: Sedeae
Subtribe: Sedinae
Genus: Lenophyllum
Description
Lenophyllum guttatum is an attractive succulent subshrub with fleshy leaves crowded in opposite pairs on short stems. It can grow up to 8 inches (20 cm) tall, branching from the base. The leaves are boat-shaped and measure up to 1.6 inches (4 cm) in length and 0.8 inches (2 cm) in width. They are gray-green to pinkish-gray green and blotched with purplish-red.
In late summer and fall, the plant produces small flowers with sepals the same color as the leaves and a yellow corolla outside with red lines. The flowers are held in clusters on branched, pinkish, up to 8 inches (20 cm) tall stalks.
Origin
This species is native to Mexico (Coahuila and Nuevo León).
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 8a to 11b: from 10 °F (−12.2 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Like most desert plants, Lenophyllum is drought-tolerant and does not tolerate wet soils, especially in winter. Its small tufted habit makes Lenophyllum an excellent plant for a southwestern-themed rock garden or container. And, of course, they are great plants for green roofs. Once established, it will produce stalks with small yellow flowers.
Repotting is not very practiced because it is likely to lose the ornamental aspect of the plant. Being small plants, however, is generally not necessary. Pruning is usually limited to the elimination of damaged parts.
Plants of the genus Lenophyllum multiply well by seed, cuttings, or division of the bushes.
Lenophyllum is easy to propagate by simply sticking a leaf in a pot of soil. The leaf will root in and start growing with little care.
Sow at a temperature of 66 to 75 °F (19 to 24 °C), using a damp mix and damp sand in a shaded area, and be careful not to water too much until germination.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Lenophyllum.
Forms and Cultivars
Links
- Back to genus Lenophyllum
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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