Scientific Name
Sedum caeruleum L.
Common Name(s)
Azure Stonecrop, Baby Blue Stonecrop, Barbary Stones, Blue Stonecrop, Red Leaf, Sky Stone Crop
Synonym(s)
Anacampseros caerulescens, Oreosedum caeruleum, Sedum coeruleum, Sedum telephium var. caerulescens
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sempervivoideae
Tribe: Sedeae
Genus: Sedum
Etymology
The specific epithet "caeruleum" (pronounced "see-ROO-lee-um") means "dyed or colored blue" and refers to the color of the flowers of this species.
Origin
Sedum caeruleum is native to the western-central Mediterranean Region. It grows on cliffs and in rock crevices in France (Corsica), Italy (Sardinia and Sicily), Malta, and North Africa (Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia).
Description
Sedum caeruleum is an annual succulent shrub that grows either simple or highly branched from the base. It can grow up to 8 inches (20 cm) tall, and its erect, slender branches bear ovate to narrowly oblong or almost linear leaves. The leaves are shiny green, often suffused with red. They are thick, fleshy, and can measure up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) long.
The flowers are star-shaped, usually 7-merous, blue, pale blue, or white, rarely pinkish, and appear in lax cymes in summer.
How to Grow and Care for Sedum caeruleum
Hardiness: USDA hardiness zones 8a to 10b: from 10°F (-12.2°C) to 40°F (4.4°C).
When growing Sedums, keep in mind that these plants need very little attention or care. They will thrive in conditions where many other plants thrive, but 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. Sedum's common name is Stonecrop because many gardeners joke that only stones need less care and live longer.
Sedum is easily planted. For shorter varieties, laying the plant on the ground where you want it to grow is usually enough to start it there. They will send out roots from wherever the stem touches the ground and the root itself. If you would like to ensure further 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 want 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.
Links
- Back to genus Sedum
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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