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Sedum spectabile
sedum
Northeastern China (Liaoning, Jilin provinces) and Korea; rocky slopes and hillsidesLearn more
Overview
Sedum spectabile (syn. Hylotelephium spectabile) is the showy stonecrop, a deciduous succulent perennial growing 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) tall and wide. Large flat-topped cymes 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) of pink to rose-pink tiny star-shaped flowers in late summer to fall (August-September) — among the most visited late-season butterfly nectar sources in temperate gardens. Glaucous blue-green to gray-green broadly ovate fleshy leaves 2-3 inches (5-7 cm) on thick erect succulent stems. The cymes dry to russet-brown and persist through winter. Finches feed on the seeds. In the stonecrop family (Crassulaceae). Reclassified as Hylotelephium spectabile. 'Brilliant' (deep rose-pink), 'Autumn Joy' (syn. 'Herbstfreude' — a hybrid with S. telephium), and 'Neon' (vivid pink) are common cultivars. The stems flop outward in rich moist soil — lean dry soil or the Chelsea Chop (cutting all stems by half in late May) prevents flopping. Stems root where they touch soil. Native to northeastern China (Liaoning, Jilin) and Korea. Non-toxic. Deer-resistant. Drought-tolerant. Full sun. Zones 3-9. Growth rate is moderate.
Native Range
Native to northeastern China (Liaoning, Jilin provinces) and Korea, growing on rocky slopes and hillsides.Suggested Uses
Planted in borders, rock gardens, and containers of at least 3 gallons (11 L) in zones 3-9. Late-season butterfly nectar source. Dried cymes for winter structure. Lean soil. Chelsea Chop to prevent flopping. Non-toxic. Deer-resistant.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1'6" - 2'
Width/Spread1'6" - 2'
Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years
Bloom Information
Late summer to fall (August-September), lasting 5-6 weeks. Pink flat-topped cymes 4-6 inches (10-15 cm). The cymes dry to russet-brown and persist through winter. Late-season butterfly nectar source.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Pink to rose-pink; large flat-topped cymes 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) of masses of tiny 5-petaled star-shaped flowers; fading to russet-brown seed headsFoliage Description
Glaucous blue-green to gray-green; broadly ovate, fleshy, 2-3 inches (5-7 cm), with scalloped margins; thick erect succulent stemsGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
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
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Full sun. Lean dry well-drained soil. Flopping in rich moist soil — use the Chelsea Chop (cut by half in late May) to prevent. Leave dried cymes for winter structure. Non-toxic. Deer-resistant. Drought-tolerant. Zones 3-9.Pruning
Leave the dried russet-brown cymes through winter. Cut all stems to 3-4 inches (7-10 cm) in late winter (February-March). Chelsea Chop: cut by half in late May for shorter sturdier stems. Divide every 3-4 years in spring.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
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D
early spring
Maintenance Level
very lowContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons