Scientific Name
Phedimus spurius (M. Bieb.) 't Hart
Common Name(s)
Caucasian Stonecrop, Creeping Stonecrop, False Stonecrop, Large Fringed Stonecrop, Two-row Sedum, Two-row Stonecrop
Synonym(s)
Anacampseros spuria, Asterosedum spurium, Phedimus spurius subsp. spurius, Sedum spurium, Spathulata spuria
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sempervivoideae
Tribe: Umbiliceae
Genus: Phedimus
Etymology
The specific epithet "spurius" means "false, spurious," and its use here is unclear.
Origin
Phedimus spurius is native to the Caucasus, Iran, and Turkey.
Description
Phedimus spurius, formerly known as Sedum spurium, is a mat-forming succulent that spreads by creeping stems that root at the nodes. It can reach up to 4 inches (10 cm) in height and 2 feet (60 cm) in diameter. The branching stems can grow up to 6 inches (15 cm) long. The leaves are opposite, flat, fleshy, toothed along the tip, and can measure up to 1.4 inches (3.5 cm) long and 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) wide. They are green, often with red-tinged margins.
The flowers are star-shaped, pure white, pink to crimson, and appear in dense inflorescences with 3 to 5 branches from late spring to mid-summer.
How to Grow and Care for Phedimus spurius
Light: These light-loving plants will tolerate light or partial shade but prefer full sun and grow best in warmer environments.
Soil: Phedimus thrive in any well-drained soil. Good drainage is critical for preventing root rot or fungal diseases.
Hardiness: Phedimus spurius can withstand temperatures as low as -30 to 30 °F (-34.4 to -1.1 °C), USDA hardiness zones 4a to 9b.
Watering: The best way to water your Phedimus is to use the "soak and dry" method. Get the soil completely wet, and then wait until the soil is dry before watering again.
Fertilizing: Feed with low-balanced fertilizer to keep your plants happy and healthy. Use a diluted dose of half the strength recommended on the package.
Repotting: Repot your plants when they outgrow their current pot by moving them to a larger container to hold the plant better.
Propagation: Phedimus can be grown from seeds, division, or stem cuttings.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Phedimus.
Toxicity of Phedimus spurius
Phedimus plants can be mildly toxic to humans and animals.
Cultivars of Phedimus spurius
- Phedimus spurius 'Album Superbum'
- Phedimus spurius 'Dragon's Blood'
- Phedimus spurius 'Fuldaglut'
- Phedimus spurius 'John Creech'
- Phedimus spurius 'Tricolor'
- Phedimus spurius 'Voodoo'
Links
- Back to genus Phedimus
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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