Scientific Name
Sedum tetractinum Fröd.
Common Name(s)
Chinese Sedum, Chinese Stonecrop, Fish-scale Sedum
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sempervivoideae
Tribe: Sedeae
Genus: Sedum
Etymology
The specific epithet "tetractinum" (pronounced "te-TRAK-tee-num") means "having parts or arrangement in fours" and refers to the 4-merous flowers of this species, unlike most Sedum species, which typically have 5-merous flowers.
Origin
Sedum tetractinum is native to China.
Description
Sedum tetractinum is a low-growing succulent that forms a mat of overlapping, rounded leaves that resemble fish scales. It can grow to 4 inches tall and spread by runners to a width of 1 foot (30 cm). The leaves are bright green, turning dark bronze, and often deciduous in winter. They can measure up to 1.2 inches (3 cm) in length and 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) in width.
The flower spikes of tiny, star-shaped, yellow flowers appear over the shiny foliage during summer.
Cultivars of Sedum tetractinum
How to Grow and Care for Sedum tetractinum
Hardiness: USDA hardiness zones 5a to 8b: from -20°F (-28.9°C) to 20°F (-6.7°C).
When growing Sedums, keep in mind that these plants need very little attention or care. They will thrive in conditions where many other plants thrive, but also do just as well in less hospitable areas. They are ideal for that part of your yard that receives too much sun or too little water to support the growth of other plants. 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 there. They will send out roots from wherever the stem touches the ground and the root itself. To ensure the plant starts well, add a very thin layer of 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.
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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