Scientific Name
Sedum lucidum R.T. Clausen
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sempervivoideae
Tribe: Sedeae
Genus: Sedum
Origin
This species is native to Mexico. It grows on rocky soils in the Sierra Madre del Sur mountain range.
Description
Sedum lucidum is a succulent subshrub with much-branched stems bearing distinctive rosettes of glossy, green leaves edged in red when exposed to direct sunlight. It can grow up to 18 inches (45 cm) tall. The stems are green when young, becoming grey or reddish as they age. They are erect to prostrate, reaching up to 18 inches (45 cm) in length and 0.2 inches (0.5 cm) in diameter. The leaves can be obovate or oblanceolate to elliptic, measuring up to 2.2 inches (5.5 cm) long, up to 0.9 inches (2.3 cm) wide, and 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) thick.
The flowers are small, star-shaped, with five white, rarely pinkish petals and yellow anthers in the center. They appear in dense clusters on ascending stalks in winter.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 9a to 11b: from 20 °F (−6.7 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
When growing Sedum, keep in mind that Sedum plants need very little attention or care. They will thrive in conditions many other plants thrive in 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 get the Sedum plant started there. They will send out roots from wherever the stem touches the ground and root itself. If you would like to ensure further that the plant will start there, you can add a very thin covering of soil over the plant. You can break off one of the stems for 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.
Cultivars and Hybrids
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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