Scientific Name
Sedum palmeri S. Watson
Common Name(s)
Palmer's Sedum, Palmer's Stonecrop
Synonym(s)
Sedum compressum, Sedum palmeri subsp. emarginatum, Sedum palmeri subsp. rubromarginatum
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sempervivoideae
Tribe: Sedeae
Genus: Sedum
Origin
This species is native to Mexico.
Description
Sedum palmeri is an attractive succulent subshrub with rosettes of thick fleshy pale green leaves at the ends of flexuous stems. It grows up to 10 inches (25 cm) tall with a spread of 20 inches (50 cm). The rosettes are usually about 1.6 inches (4 cm) in diameter. Leaves are narrowly spatulate, sometimes slightly pointed, and grow up to 1.2 inches (3 cm) long. They turn reddish-pink in winter or if grown in strong sunlight. Flowers are golden yellow, star-shaped and appear in late winter or early spring.
Etymology
The specific epithet "palmeri" honors the self-taught British botanist Edward Palmer (1829-1911).
How to Grow and Care for Sedum palmeri
Light: These succulents grow best in locations where they will enjoy the full sun for at least six or more hours per day. Most species will tolerate partial shade but will not thrive in deep shade.
Soil: Sedums do not like to sit in waterlogged soil, so drainage is essential to prevent root rot. Choose a gritty, well-draining soil.
Hardiness: Sedum palmeri can withstand temperatures as low as 0 to 40 °F (-17.8 to 4.4 °C), USDA hardiness zones 7a to 10b.
Watering: Sedum plants are drought-tolerant but do need some water. They do their best with regular watering from spring through fall. Water thoroughly and wait for the soil to dry out before watering again.
Fertilizing: A balanced organic fertilizer each spring is generally all Sedums require. As long as the plants are divided annually and provided with fresh soil, feeding is unnecessary.
Repotting: Sedums in containers require little more care than those in gardens. Repot your plants when they outgrow their current pot by moving them out to a larger container to hold the plant better.
Propagation: Once you have one Sedum, it is easy to make more by taking stems or leaf cuttings and dividing the plant. Sedums are also easy to grow from seed.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Sedum.
Toxicity of Sedum palmeri
Sedums are not listed as toxic for people but can be mildly toxic to pets and children.
Cultivars and Hybrids of Sedum palmeri
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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