Scientific Name
Sedum divergens S.Watson
Common Name(s)
Cascade Stonecrop, Old Man's Bones Stonecrop, Pacific Stonecrop, Spreading Stonecrop
Synonym(s)
Amerosedum divergens, Sedum umbellatum
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sempervivoideae
Tribe: Sedeae
Genus: Sedum
Etymology
The specific epithet "divergens (div-VER-jens)" means "goes in different directions" and refers to the branching of the stems.
Origin
Sedum divergens is native to the Pacific Northwest.
Description
Sedum divergens is a sprawling succulent plant with branched stems that root at the nodes and glossy green or reddish-green leaves. It can grow up to 4 inches (10 cm) tall and spread several feet across. The leaves are thick, fleshy, rounded, and arranged neatly in opposite pairs. They can grow up to 0.4 inches (1 cm) long.
The flowers are yellow, star-shaped, usually 5-merous, and appear in terminal clusters in summer.
How to Grow and Care for Sedum divergens
Light: These succulents grow best in locations where they will enjoy the full sun for at least six hours daily. Most species will tolerate partial shade but will not thrive in deep shade.
Soil: Sedums do not like to sit in waterlogged soil, so drainage is essential to prevent root rot. Choose a gritty, well-draining soil.
Hardiness: Sedum divergens can withstand temperatures as low as -30 to 30 °F (-33.4 to -1.1 °C), USDA hardiness zones 4a to 9b.
Watering: Sedum plants are drought-tolerant but do need some water. They do their best with regular watering from spring through fall. Water thoroughly and wait for the soil to dry out before watering again.
Fertilizing: A balanced organic fertilizer each spring is generally all Sedums require. Feeding is unnecessary as long as the plants are divided annually and provided with fresh soil.
Repotting: Sedums in containers require little more care than those in gardens. Repot your plants when they outgrow their current pot by moving them to a larger container to hold the plant better.
Propagation: Once you have one Sedum, it is easy to make more by taking stems or leaf cuttings and dividing the plant. Sedums are also easy to grow from seed.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Sedum.
Toxicity of Sedum divergens
Sedum divergens is a non-toxic plant. It is used as a vegetable by the Haida and the Nisga'a people.
Links
- Back to genus Sedum
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
Photo Gallery
Click on a photo to see a larger version.
