Scientific Name
Sedum greggii Hemsl.
Synonym(s)
Sedum diversifolium, Sedum greggii subsp. angustifolium
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sempervivoideae
Tribe: Sedeae
Genus: Sedum
Etymology
The specific epithet "greggii" (pronounced "GREG-ee-eye") honors Josiah Gregg (1806-1850), an American merchant, explorer, naturalist, and author, who found and collected this species in Texas, United States.
Origin
Sedum greggii is native to the United States and Mexico. It occurs in a long, narrow area from southwestern Texas through the Chihuahuan Desert and into the Mexican state of San Luis Potosí, typically growing in rocky soils at elevations from 5,000 to 9,000 feet (1,520 to 2,740 m).
Description
Sedum greggii is a small succulent that forms cone-shaped rosettes at the base of the flowering stems. The leaves are alternate, oblanceolate or elliptical, rounded to obtuse, and can measure up to 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) long and 0.2 inches (0.5 cm) wide.
The star-shaped flowers have sulfur-yellow petals, sometimes with a red-speckled keel, and appear in summer on stalks that can grow up to 6 inches (15 cm) tall. After the flowers are spent in midsummer, the tightly packed, imbricate leaves form rosettes at the base of stems. These buds elongate the following winter. By spring, the stems are first seen as simple terminal inflorescences of several flowers that rise above still relatively tightly packed, elongated tufts.
Hybrids of Sedum greggii
How to Grow and Care for Sedum greggii
Hardiness: USDA hardiness zones 10a to 11b: from 30°F (-1.1°C) to 50°F (10°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. 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 the root itself. If you want to ensure the plant starts there, add a very thin layer of soil.
For taller varieties, you can break off a stem 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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