Scientific Name
Sedum multiceps Coss. & Durieu
Common Name(s)
Baby Joshua Tree, Little Joshua Tree, Miniature Joshua Tree
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sempervivoideae
Tribe: Sedeae
Genus: Sedum
Origin
This species is native to Algeria but cultivated in many Mediterranean areas. It occurs in Kabylia and the surrounding of Constantine, growing on limestone rocks from sea level to an elevation of 4,900 feet (1,500 m).
Description
Sedum multiceps is a small succulent shrub with much-branched, erect or ascending stems topped with tufts of linear papillate leaves. It grows up to 6 inches (15 cm) tall. The stems are succulent, quite sturdy, and shaggy below with dead leaves. Leaves are up to 0.4 inches (1 cm) long and about 0.1 inches (0.2 cm) wide. Flowers are yellow, star-shaped, 5- to 7-merous, up to 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) across, and appear in clusters in summer.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 8a to 10b: from 10 °F (−12.2 °C) to 40 °F (+4.4 °C).
How to Grow and Care
When growing Sedums, keep in mind that these 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, simply laying the plant on the ground where you want it to grow is usually enough to get the plant started there. They will send out roots from wherever the stem touches the ground and root itself. If you want to ensure that the plant will start there, you can add a very thin soil covering.
You can break off one of the stems for taller 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.
Learn 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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