Scientific Name
Sedum commixtum Moran & Hutchison
Synonym(s)
Sedum 'Comic Tom'
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sempervivoideae
Tribe: Sedeae
Genus: Sedum
Description
Sedum commixtum is a succulent subshrub that forms lax rosettes at the ends of the branches. The branches are initially fleshy, blue glaucous, become purplish-red or brownish and woody with age, and can grow up to 1 foot (30 cm) long and 0.15 inches (0.3 cm) in diameter. The leaves are obovate-spatulate, blue glaucous, often purplish-red at the tips, and measure up to 1.2 inches (3 cm) long, 0.7 inches (1.7 cm) wide, and 0.4 inches (1 cm) thick. They are scattered over 1.6 to 2 inches (4 to 5 cm) of the branches, and only smaller upper ones are crowded.
The flowers are urn-shaped, 5-merous, with unequal sepals and recurved petals, and appear in the fall. The petals are green-yellow, prominently marked with red-brown.
This succulent is also sold as Sedum 'Comic Tom', which is how someone heard the name of the species Sedum commixtum.
Origin
Sedum commixtum is native to Mexico. It occurs in the mountains of Oaxaca at elevations that range from 8,530 to 9,840 feet (2,600 to 3,000 m).
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 8a to 10b: from 10 °F (−12.2 °C) to 40 °F (+4.4 °C).
How to Grow and Care
When growing Sedum, keep in mind that Sedum plants need very little attention or care. They will thrive in conditions many other plants thrive in 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. A common name for Sedum 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 the Sedum plant there. They will send out roots from wherever the stem touches the ground and root itself. If you want to ensure that the plant will start there, add a very thin covering of soil. You can break off one of the stems for taller Sedum varieties 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.
See 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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