Scientific Name
Sedum humifusum Rose
Common Name(s)
Creeping Stonecrop
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sempervivoideae
Tribe: Sedeae
Genus: Sedum
Etymology
The specific epithet "humifusum" (pronounced "hew-mih-FEW-sum") means "prostrate" or "spread out on the ground" and refers to the growth habit of this species.
Origin
This species is native to Mexico (Queretaro).
Description
Sedum humifusum is a mat-forming succulent with many small branches densely covered with overlapping, deep green leaves that turn bright red in full sun and cold. It can grow up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) tall. The leaves are fleshy, obovate to nearly orbicular, strongly ciliate at the margins, and can measure only 0.15 inches (0.4 cm) long.
The star-shaped flowers can reach a diameter of 0.4 inches (1 cm) and have five bright yellow petals. They appear on short, erect stalks in early summer.
Hybrids of Sedum humifusum
How to Grow and Care for Sedum humifusum
Hardiness: USDA hardiness zone 4a to 10b: from -30°F (-34.4°C) to 40°F (4.4°C).
When growing Sedum, keep in mind that it needs very little attention or care. They will thrive in conditions where many other plants do, 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. Simply laying the plant on the ground for shorter varieties, where you want it to grow, is usually enough to get it started. 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, you can add a very thin layer of soil over the plant. You can break off a stem from taller Sedum 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.
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
Photo Gallery
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