Scientific Name
Sedum cuspidatum E.J. Alexander
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sempervivoideae
Tribe: Sedeae
Genus: Sedum
Origin
Sedum cuspidatum is native to Mexico (Chiapas).
Description
Sedum cuspidatum is a small succulent shrub with branching stems and fleshy, yellow-green leaves with red edges. The stems are fleshy, more or less erect when young, becoming decumbent with age, and grow up to 10 inches (25 cm) long. Leaves are narrowly obovate, up to 0.8 inches (2 cm) long, and up to 0.4 inches (1 cm) wide. They are usually on the upper half of the stems.
The flowers are white, star-shaped, and 5-merous and appear in a terminal cluster on erect bare talks in spring.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 9a to 11b: from 20 °F (−6.7 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
When growing Sedums, keep in mind that these 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 it there. They will send out roots from wherever the stem touches the ground and root itself. If you want to ensure the plant starts there, add a very thin soil covering.
You can break off one of the stems for taller 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.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Sedum.
Hybrids
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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