Petrosedum forsterianum (Rock Stonecrop)

Scientific Name

Petrosedum forsterianum (Sm.) V. Grulich

Common Names

Rock Stonecrop

Synonyms

Sedum forsterianum (basionym), Petrosedum rupestre subsp. elegans, Sedum aureum, Sedum elegans, Sedum forsterianum subsp. elegans, Sedum reflexum var. aureum, Sedum rupestre subsp. elegans

Scientific Classification

Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sedoideae
Tribe: Sedeae
Subtribe: Sedinae
Genus: Petrosedum

Description

Petrosedum forsterianum is a succulent perennial, up to 8 inches (20 cm) tall, with heads of yellow, star-shaped flowers on the ends of the upright branches. The non-flowering shoots terminate in clusters of linear leaves (with old dead leaves persisting on the stem below). Often mistaken for Sedum rupestre, which is a similar but more robust species found in identical habitats and differing in having no dead leaves below the terminal clusters.

Photo via davefenwick.com

Hardiness

USDA hardiness zones 4a to 9b: from −30 °F (−34.4 °C) to 30 °F (−1.1 °C).

How to Grow and Care

When growing Sedums, keep in mind that this plants need very little attention or care. They will thrive in conditions that many other plants thrive in, but will do just as well in less hospitable areas. They are ideal for that part of your yard that gets too much sun or too little water to grow anything else. A common name for Sedum is Stonecrop, due to the fact that many gardeners joke that only stones need less care and live longer.

Sedum is easily planted. For shorter varieties, simply laying the plant on the ground where you want it to grow is normally enough to get the plant started there. They will send out roots from wherever the stem is touching the ground and root itself. If you would like to further ensure that the plant will start there, you can add a very thin covering of soil over the plant.

For taller varieties, you can break off one of the stems and push it into the ground where you would like to grow it. 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.