Scientific Name
Sedum spathulifolium 'Purpureum'
Common Name(s)
Purple Broadleaf Stonecrop, Purple Spoon-leaved Stonecrop, Purple Stonecrop, Purpureum Stonecrop, Red Chalk Stonecrop
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sempervivoideae
Tribe: Sedeae
Genus: Sedum
Etymology
The cultivar name "Purpureum" (pronounced "pur-PUR-ee-um") means "purple" and refers to the color of the leaves of this plant.
Origin
Sedum spathulifolium 'Purpureum' is an attractive cultivar of Sedum spathulifolium.
Description
Sedum spathulifolium 'Purpureum' is a mat-forming succulent that forms cute rosettes of fleshy reddish-purple leaves with a waxy coating. The rosettes can reach a diameter of 1.5 inches (3.7 cm) and produce one to two offsets. The leaves can grow up to 0.8 inches (2 cm) long. The inner leaves of the rosettes are silvery-gray.
The bright yellow flowers appear in small, flattish terminal clusters in late spring and early summer.
How to Grow and Care for Sedum spathulifolium 'Purpureum'
Hardiness: USDA hardiness zone 3a to 9b: from -40°F (-40°C) to 30°F (1.1°C).
When growing Sedum, keep in mind that it needs very little attention or care. It will thrive in conditions that many other plants thrive in, but will do just as well in less hospitable areas. It is ideal for that part of your yard that gets too much sun or too little water, and for growing anything else. A common name for Sedum is Stonecrop because many gardeners joke that only stones need less care and live longer.
Sedum is easy to propagate. For shorter varieties, laying the plant on the ground where you want it to grow is usually enough to get it started there. They will send out roots from wherever the stem touches the ground and the root itself. If you would like to ensure the plant begins there, you can add a very thin covering of soil over it. You can break off a stem from taller Sedum 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.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Sedum.
Links
- Back to genus Sedum
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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