Scientific Name
Sedum pulchellum Michx.
Common Names
Widow's Cross, Widowscross, Sea Star
Synonyms
Aectyson sagittatum, Chetyson vigilmontis, Sedum pulchrum, Sedum vigilimontis
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sedoideae
Tribe: Sedeae
Subtribe: Sedinae
Genus: Sedum
Description
Sedum pulchellum is an annual or evergreen perennial with ascending to spreading, pink to light green stems that typically rise to 12 inches (30 cm) tall. The leaves are pale green to lime green, cylindrical, up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) long, and densely arranged along the stem. The stems are topped by a horizontally branched cyme of tiny, pink-white flowers that bloom in late spring.
Photo by Wayne Fagerlund
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 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 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 Sedum plant started there. They will send out roots from wherever the stem is touching 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. For taller Sedum 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 anew plant will be established in a season or two. See more at How to Grow and Care for Sedum.
Origin
Native to calcareous areas of the South-Central and Southeastern United States.
Links
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