Scientific Name
Sedum × rubrotinctum R.T.Clausen
Common Name(s)
Jelly Bean Plant, Jelly Bean, Pork and Beans, Brown Beans, Christmas Cheer, Banana Cactus
Synonym(s)
Sedum rubrotinctum
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sempervivoideae
Tribe: Sedeae
Genus: Sedum
Description
Sedum × rubrotinctum is a popular succulent with sprawling stems covered with tightly packed, glossy green leaves strongly flushed with bright red when exposed to full sun. It can grow up to 8 inches (20 cm) tall. The leaves are bean-shaped, up to 0.8 inches (2 cm) long, and arranged spirally around the fleshy stems.
The small yellow flowers are star-shaped and appear in clusters during the spring.
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, simply laying the plant on the ground where you want it to grow is usually enough to get it started. The plant will send out roots from wherever the stem touches the ground and root itself. If you want to ensure the plant starts there, 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.
Origin
Sedum × rubrotinctum originates in Mexico. It is known only in cultivation and appears to be a garden hybrid of Sedum stahlii as one of the parents, and the other parent is most likely Sedum pachyphyllum.
Cultivars
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
Click on a photo to see a larger version.