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Sedum, Genus, kimnachii, Species,

Genus & species

Kimnach's stonecrop

Crassulaceae Mexico (Guerrero and Oaxaca)

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Butterflies Deer Resistant Drought Tolerant Container Friendly

SunFull Sun – Part Shade

WaterVery Low · drought-tolerant

HardinessZones 7–10

Overview

Sedum kimnachii is an evergreen succulent perennial reaching 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) tall with a spread of 12–18 inches (30–45 cm). Habit is low, mounding, and mat-forming, built from rosette-tipped stems. Leaves are club-shaped to spatulate, glossy bright green, 0.5–0.75 inch (1–2 cm) long, densely arranged in tight rosettes 0.75–1.25 inch (2–3 cm) across. Leaf tips redden to burgundy or orange under cold temperatures or high sun exposure. Clusters of small star-shaped bright yellow flowers appear in May–June on short stems held above the rosettes. Growth rate is moderate. Hardy to zone 7; the species is of Mexican origin and has less cold tolerance than temperate sedums. The glossy leaf surface and year-round green rosettes separate it from species that go dormant or develop glaucous silver coatings. Wet winter soils cause root rot, which is the principal cause of plant loss in climates with significant winter rainfall.

Native Range

Sedum kimnachii is native to Mexico, in the states of Guerrero and Oaxaca. It occurs on rocky outcrops and cliff faces at moderate elevations. The species is named after Myron Kimnach, former curator at the Huntington Botanical Gardens.

Suggested Uses

Used in rock gardens, on green roofs, in trough gardens, and as edging at 10–12 inch (25–30 cm) spacing. Grows in containers of at least 1 gallon (4 L) with gritty mix and sharp drainage. Hardiness limited to zone 7 restricts in-ground use in colder regions; wet winter soils cause loss.

How to Identify

Rosettes are glossy bright green at 0.75–1.25 inch (2–3 cm) across, versus the dull green of S. oreganum that reddens across whole leaves rather than just the tips. Foliage is glaucous-free, versus the silver-grey glaucous bloom of S. spathulifolium. Foliage persists year-round as evergreen rosettes, versus the semi-evergreen or deciduous habit of most temperate sedums. Mexican origin and hardiness only to zone 7 together with the glossy green rosettes identify the species.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height4" - 6"

Width/Spread1' - 1'6"

Colors

Flower Colors

yellow

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~4 weeks

Flowers: May–June

Spring

Clusters of small star-shaped bright yellow flowers 5–8 mm across open on short stems held just above the rosettes in May–June. Bloom duration is 3–4 weeks. Flowers are visited by bees and butterflies. Glossy evergreen rosettes carry visual interest the rest of the year.

Detailed Descriptions

Foliage Description

Glossy bright green; club-shaped to spatulate rosettes 0.5-0.75 inch (1-2 cm); reddening at the tips under cold or high sun

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun SunPartial Shade

Requires 4-10 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.5 (Neutral to alkaline)

3579

Soil Types

sand rocky

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Very Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plant in full sun to partial shade in lean, gritty, sharply drained soil (pH 6.0–7.5). Sharp drainage is essential — Mexican origin means the plant tolerates heat better than prolonged wet winter cold. Hardy to zone 7; in zones 5–6 the species declines or dies back. Drought-tolerant once established. Rosettes redden at the tips under cold or high-sun stress, shifting green to burgundy or orange. Wet winter soils cause root rot; container culture in pure gritty mix extends the useful range.