The true Sedum hintonii is rarely found in cultivation. Most plants labeled as Sedum hintonii are actually Sedum mocinianum. This confusion arose because Sedum mocinianum was incorrectly distributed by International Succulent Introductions (ISI), the plant distribution program of the Huntington Botanical Gardens, under the name Sedum hintonii twice: first as ISI 174 in 1959 and again as ISI 91-60 in 1991. Although the two species are closely related and very similar in appearance, they differ in several characteristics. Sedum hintonii has significantly longer inflorescences compared to those of Sedum mocinianum, despite their foliage being quite alike.
Taxonomy of Sedum hintonii
Scientific Name
Sedum hintonii R.T. Clausen
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sempervivoideae
Tribe: Sedeae
Genus: Sedum
Etymology
The generic name "Sedum" (pronounced "SEE-dum") means "that which sits," referring to the low-growing habit of the plants of this genus, which appear to "sit" and spread over rocks, slopes, and ground surfaces.
The specific epithet "hintonii" (pronounced "HIN-ton-ee-eye") honors George Boole Hinton (1882-1943), a British-born Mexican mining engineer, botanist, and plant collector.
Description of Sedum hintonii
Sedum hintonii is a low-growing succulent with a stout, prostrate rootstock and several dense rosettes of leaves densely covered with white hairs. The leaves are narrowly oblong or elliptical and can measure up to 2 inches (5 cm) long and 0.4 inches (1 cm) wide. They are green, turning yellowish-brown as they dry.
In late winter and early spring, Sedum hintonii produces small, white, star-shaped flowers in inflorescences with broadly spreading branches. The inflorescences can reach up to 9.6 inches (24 cm) in length.
Origin of Sedum hintonii
Sedum hintonii is native to Mexico, where it grows on rocky cliffs that are shaded from direct sunlight. This species is found along the Pacific coast, specifically in the deep regions of the Sierra Madre del Sur and Sierra Madre Occidental, within the states of Michoacán, Jalisco, and Durango.
How to Grow and Care for Sedum hintonii
Light: Sufficient light is most important for growing a healthy plant. Sedum hintonii grows best in locations that receive full sun for at least six hours a day but will tolerate some shade. Place the plant near a sunny window or use artificial lights when growing indoors.
Soil: This plant does not tolerate waterlogged soil, so good drainage is essential to prevent root rot. Use a commercially available succulent mix, or create your own.
Temperature: Sedum hintonii has a good tolerance to heat and low temperatures. It grows best in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 9b to 11b, with average minimum winter temperatures ranging from 25°F to 50°F (-3.9°C to 10°C).
Watering: From spring to fall, water thoroughly and let the soil dry out before watering again. During the winter, water the plant only enough to prevent shriveling. When watering, avoid wetting the leaves, stems, and flowers.
Fertilizing: Feed a water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half the recommended strength during the growing season. However, feeding is unnecessary if you provide the plant with fresh soil annually.
Repotting: When Sedum hintonii outgrows its current pot, repot it into a larger one during the spring. Make sure the soil is dry before you begin repotting.
Propagation: It is easy to propagate Sedum hintonii by taking leaf or stem cuttings during the growing season or by sowing seeds in spring or summer.
Learn more in "How to Grow and Care for Sedum."
Toxicity of Sedum hintonii
Sedum hintonii is not considered toxic to humans, but it may be mildly toxic to pets and children.
Photo Gallery
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Internal Links
- Explore all plants within the genus Sedum.
- Explore all plants within the family Crassulaceae.
References
- Kidyoo, M. (2016). Hoya phuwuaensis (Apocynaceae: Asclepiadoideae), a new species from Northeastern Thailand. Phytotaxa 282(3): 218–224.
- Hoya phuwuaensis Kidyoo🡕. Plants of the World Online. Kew Science. Retrieved January 21, 2026.