What hardiness zones is Sedum spathifolium 'Cape Blanco' suitable for?

Sedum spathifolium 'Cape Blanco' is Cape Blanco sedum (Cape Blanco stonecrop), a low spreading succulent growing 2-6 inches (5-15 cm) tall (including flower stems) and 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) wide. Chalk-white to silver succulent rosettes 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm) across, densely packed and covered in a white waxy glaucous bloom — the whitest foliage selection of S. spathifolium. Bright yellow star-shaped flowers in flat-topped clusters 3-4 inches (7-10 cm) above the silver mat in spring (May-June). In the stonecrop family (Crassulaceae). The species name 'spathifolium' means 'spoon-leaved.' Collected from the Cape Blanco headlands on the southern Oregon coast. Native to coastal rocky bluffs and cliff faces of the Pacific coast of North America (British Columbia to California). Crown rot in wet winter soil — sharp drainage on lean mineral soil required. Do not touch the rosettes: fingerprints remove the waxy glaucous bloom that creates the silver-white color (the bloom reforms over several weeks). No fertilizer — rich soil reduces the white waxy coating and produces greener growth. Non-toxic. Deer-resistant. Drought-tolerant. Full sun. Native. Zones 5-9. Growth rate is slow to moderate.

Native Range

Native to the Pacific coast of North America (British Columbia south through Washington, Oregon, and California), growing on coastal rocky bluffs and cliff faces. 'Cape Blanco' was collected from Cape Blanco headlands, southern Oregon.

Suggested Uses

Planted in rock gardens, on walls, in green roofs, and in containers of at least 1 gallon (4 L) in zones 5-9. The chalk-white succulent rosettes and the bright yellow spring flowers. Sharp drainage. Do not touch the rosettes. Native (Pacific coast). Non-toxic. Deer-resistant.

How to Identify

Identified by densely packed chalk-white to silver succulent rosettes covered in a white waxy glaucous bloom forming a low mat. The whitest selection of S. spathifolium. Bright yellow flowers in spring. Do not touch (fingerprints remove the bloom). In Crassulaceae. Native.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height2" - 6"

Width/Spread1' - 1'6"

Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~5 weeks

Spring

Spring (May-June), lasting 4-5 weeks. Bright yellow star-shaped flowers in flat-topped clusters above the silver rosette mat. The chalk-white succulent rosettes are the year-round feature.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Bright yellow, small star-shaped, in flat-topped clusters 3-4 inches (7-10 cm) above the silver mat

Foliage Description

Chalk-white to silver; thick spoon-shaped fleshy rosettes 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm) across, covered in dense white waxy glaucous bloom; the whitest selection of the species

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun

Requires 6-10 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 - 8.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

sand rocky chalk

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Very Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

1-2 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Full sun. Sharp drainage on lean mineral soil. No fertilizer — rich soil reduces the white waxy coating. Crown rot in wet winter soil. Do not touch the rosettes (fingerprints remove the bloom). Non-toxic. Deer-resistant. Drought-tolerant. Native. Zones 5-9.

Pruning

Remove spent flower stems at the base after bloom (June). Remove dead rosettes in early spring (March). No division or fertilizer. Lift and replant sections to control spread.

Pruning Schedule

late springearly spring

Maintenance Level

very low

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 1 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic