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 generic name "Sedum" (pronounced "SEE-dum") means "sitting" or "low-growing" and refers to the low-growing habit of the plants in this genus, which appear to "sit" and spread over rocks, slopes, and ground surfaces.
The specific epithet "tetractinum" (pronounced "te-TRAK-tee-num") means "having parts arranged in fours" or " four-rayed" and refers to the 4-merous flowers of this species, which, unlike most Sedum species, typically have 5-merous flowers.
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 1 foot (30 cm) wide. The leaves are bright green, turning dark bronze, and often deciduous in winter. They can measure up to 1.2 inches (3 cm) long and 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) wide.
Tiny, star-shaped yellow flowers appear in spikes above the shiny foliage during summer.
Origin
Sedum tetractinum is native to China.
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. They thrive in conditions where many other plants do, but they also do just as well in less hospitable areas. They are ideal for parts of your yard that get too much sun or too little water to support other plants. Sedum is commonly called Stonecrop because many gardeners joke that only stones need less care and live longer.
Sedum is easy to propagate. For shorter varieties, lay the plant on the ground where you want it to grow; that's usually enough to get it started. It will send roots from wherever the stem touches the ground. To help the plant start well, add a very thin layer of soil on the surface.
For taller varieties, you can break off a stem and push it into the ground where you want it to grow. The stem will root easily, and a new plant will establish 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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