Sedum × rubrotinctum
Christmas cheer
Cultivated hybrid; parent species native to Mexico
Overview
Sedum × rubrotinctum is a low, evergreen succulent of hybrid origin in the stonecrop family, grown for its plump, bean-shaped leaves. Stems sprawl and root where they touch the ground, building loose mats 4–8 inches (10–20 cm) tall and spreading 10–16 inches (25–40 cm) wide. The cylindrical leaves are 0.5–0.8 inch (12–20 mm) long, green in shade and flushing bronze-red to deep red in full sun, drought, or cold. Leaves detach easily, and each fallen leaf can root and form a new plant. Star-shaped yellow flowers open on short upright stems in late winter and spring, though plants flower only sparingly. The succulent needs sharp drainage and full sun to colour well, and it rots quickly in wet or poorly drained soil. It is tender, damaged below about 28°F (-2°C), and is grown outdoors only in USDA zones 9–11 or as a container plant elsewhere. The brittle leaves drop at the lightest touch, so plants set near paths shed readily.
Native Range
The plant is a cultivated hybrid with no wild range of its own. Its presumed parent species are native to Mexico, the source of its heat and drought tolerance.Suggested Uses
Grown in shallow containers, rock gardens, green roofs, and the edges of succulent plantings where trailing stems spill over the rims. Used as a groundcover in frost-free, dry climates.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height4" - 8"
Width/Spread10" - 1'4"
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Green, flushing bronze-red to red in sun, drought, or coldGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 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
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grows in full sun to part sun on gritty, sharply drained soil or cactus mix with a pH from 6.0 to 7.5. Needs little water; soak only when the soil is fully dry and reduce watering further in winter. Wet or poorly drained soil causes rapid stem and root rot. Full sun deepens the red leaf colour, while shade keeps leaves green and stems lax. It is tender below about 28°F (-2°C) and is moved under cover or grown indoors where winters are cold. Mealybugs and aphids are the main pests.Pruning
Leggy or sparse stems are pinched or cut back in spring to encourage denser growth. Cuttings and fallen leaves root readily to make new plants. No seasonal pruning is otherwise needed.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
early spring
Container Growing
Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 1 gallons