Scientific Name
Sedum acre L.
Common Names
Goldmoss Stonecrop, Mossy Stonecrop, Biting Stonecrop, Stonecrop, Goldmoss Sedum, Wall Pepper, Wall Grass
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sedoideae
Tribe: Sedeae
Subtribe: Sedinae
Genus: Sedum
Description
Sedum acre is a tufted or mat-forming succulent that grows up to 5 inches (12.5 cm) tall. Much of the year, the stems are short, semi prostrate, and densely clad in leaves. The stems lengthen and are erect, somewhat limp, and often pinkish-brown, with the leaves further apart at the flowering time. Leaves are fleshy, green, sometimes tinged with red, and shortly cylindrical with a rounded tip. Flowers are star-shaped and bright yellow.
Photo via summitpost.org
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 4a to 9b: from -30 °F (−34.4 °C) to 30 °F (-1.1 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Once established Palmer's Sedum is a very easy to care plant. Like all succulents, it demands porous soil and rapid drainage. Grow in rock gardens, mounds, small slopes, and natural cliff faces and at the top edge of retaining walls and curbs. This is a great plant for a soil pocket on a wall, a container specimen, or a hanging basket.
Palmer's Sedum is noted as one of the most shade-tolerant of Sedums, but if grown in bright light, the green leaves blush with pink. Water during the growing season only if the soil dries out completely. It is hardy to 20 °F (-7 °C), and some say it can handle temperatures closer to 0°F (-17.8°C).
Irrigate more or repot when plants drop lower leaves. You can prune back any errant runners, usually just by breaking them off. You can also cut back in spring to keep the growth habit a little more compact.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Sedum.
Origin
Native to Europe, but also naturalized in North America, Japan, and New Zealand.
Links
- Back to genus Sedum
- Succulentopedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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