Sedum pachyphyllum (Jelly Beans)

Scientific Name

Sedum pachyphyllum Rose

Common Name(s)

Blue Jelly Bean, Jelly Beans, Jelly Bean Plant, Many Fingers, Silver Jelly Beans, Succulent Beans,

Scientific Classification

Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sempervivoideae
Tribe: Sedeae
Genus: Sedum

Description

Sedum pachyphyllum is a small succulent shrub that branches freely and spreads over time by rooting stems and fallen leaves. It grows up to 1 foot (30 cm) tall. The fleshy erect branches become prostrate, trailing, and woody as it grows. Leaves are club-shaped, up to 1.6 inches (4 cm) long, and up to 0.4 inches (1 cm) in diameter. They are glaucous silvery-green, often tipped with red.

In summer, yellow star-shaped flowers appear in clusters on erect or reflexed flower stalks.

Etymology

The specific epithet "pachyphyllum (pak-ee-FIL-um)" means "thick-leafed" and refers to the thick fleshy leaves.

Hardiness

USDA hardiness zones 9a to 11b: from 20 °F (−6.7 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °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, 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 root itself. If you want to ensure that the plant will start there, add a very thin covering of soil.

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.

Origin

This succulent is native to Mexico (Sierra Mixta, San Luis, and Oaxaca).

Forms and Hybrids

Photo Gallery

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