Sedum cuspidatum | World of Succulents

Scientific Name

Sedum cuspidatum E.J. Alexander

Scientific Classification

Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sedoideae
Tribe: Sedeae
Subtribe: Sedinae
Genus: Sedum

Description

Sedum cuspidatum is a small, succulent shrub with fleshy, branching, up to 10 inches (25 cm) long stems, more or less erect when young, becoming decumbent with age. Lower halves of stems are bare with leaf scars. The leaves are green with red edges and up to 0.8 inch (2 cm) long. Bare inflorescences carry a terminal cluster with a few star-shaped, white flowers with yellow centers.

Hardiness

USDA hardiness zones 9a to 11b: from 20 °F (−6.7 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).

Photo via plantegrassefrontignan.fr

How to Grow and Care

When growing Sedums, keep in mind that this plants need very little attention or care. They will thrive in conditions that many other plants thrive in, but will 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, due to the fact that many gardeners joke that only stones need less care and live longer.

Sedum is easily planted. For shorter varieties, simply laying the plant on the ground where you want it to grow is normally enough to get the plant started there. They will send out roots from wherever the stem is touching the ground and root itself. If you would like to further ensure 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 would like 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.