Scientific Name
Sedum tetractinum 'Coral Reef'
Common Name(s)
Chinese Sedum
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sempervivoideae
Tribe: Sedeae
Genus: Sedum
Origin
Sedum tetractinum 'Coral Reef' is a cultivar of Sedum tetractinum.
Description
Sedum tetractinum 'Coral Reef' is a mat-forming succulent with creeping stems that root at the nodes and fleshy, rounded, shiny green leaves that turn coppery pink when stressed by heat or cold. It can grow up to 3 inches (7.5 cm) tall but spreads up to 12 inches (30 cm) wide.
The tiny star-shaped flowers are yellow, 4-merous, about 0.8 inches (2 cm) across. In summer, they appear in lax clusters on stalks that can grow up to 5 inches (12.5 cm) long.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 5a to 8b: from −20 °F (−28.9 °C) to 20 °F (−6.7 °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 would like to ensure that the plant will start there, you can add a very thin covering of soil over the plant.
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
Photo Gallery
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