Sedum praealtum (Green Cockscomb)

Scientific Name

Sedum praealtum A.DC.

Common Names

Green Cockscomb

Synonyms

Sedum dendroideum subsp. praealtum, Sedum praealtum subsp. praealtum

Scientific Classification

Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sedoideae
Tribe: Sedeae
Subtribe: Sedinae
Genus: Sedum

Description

Sedum praealtum is a small, succulent shrub up to 3 feet (90 cm) tall, spreading up to 4 feet (1.2 m) wide and rooting along stems to form a large mass. The leaves are green, spathulate and up to 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) long. The large clusters of small, vivid yellow, star-like flowers appear above the foliage in late winter and early spring.

Photo via cangucuemcores.blogspot.com

Hardiness

USDA hardiness zones 7a to 11b: from 0 °F (−17.8 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).

How to Grow and Care

When growing Sedums, keep in mind that this plants need very little attention or care. They will thrive in conditions that many other plants thrive in, but will 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, due to the fact that 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 normally enough to get the plant started there. They will send out roots from wherever the stem is touching the ground and root itself. If you would like to further ensure that the plant will start there, you can add a very thin covering of soil over the plant.

For taller varieties, you can break off one of the stems and push it into the ground where you would like 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.