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Thick-leaved Stonecrop

Sedum dasyphyllum

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Contents

Plant Profile

Flowering Months:
JAN  FEB  MAR  APR  MAY  JUN  JUL  AUG  SEP  OCT  NOV  DEC
Order:
Saxifragales
Family:
Crassulaceae (Stonecrop)
Also in this family:
Biting Stonecrop, Caucasian Stonecrop, Common House-leek, English Stonecrop, Ice Plant, Kamchatka Stonecrop, Lamb's-tail, Large Rock Stonecrop, Mossy Stonecrop, Navelwort, New Zealand Pigmyweed, Orpine, Pigmyweed, Pink Stonecrop, Rock Stonecrop, Roseroot, Tasteless Stonecrop, White Stonecrop
Type:
Flower
Life Cycle:
Perennial
Maximum Size:
10 centimetres tall
Habitats:
Cliffs, gardens, rocky places, walls, wasteland.

Flower:
֍
Pink, 5 petals
 
The flowers are white and pink beneath. 5 or 6 petals. The petals are covered in fine black dots. Flowers measure between 5 and 7mm across.
Fruit:
Many-seeded fruits called follicles.
Leaves:
An alpine, succulent, evergreen flower with bluish-green or greyish-green leaves. The stubby leaves are covered in minute green or red spots. A garden escape species, usually found on walls. Mat-forming perennial.
Other Names:
Corsican Stonecrop.
Frequency (UK):
Unusual  

Similar Species

English Stonecrop
English Stonecrop

White Stonecrop
White Stonecrop

Other Information

Summary

Sedum dasyphyllum, also known as thick-leaved stonecrop, is a species of the flowering succulent plant in the genus Sedum. It is native to the Mediterranean region, and it commonly found growing on rocky outcroppings or in crevices of limestone cliffs. The plant has fleshy, green leaves that are arranged in opposite pairs on the stem. It produces small, yellow flowers in the summer. It is hardy in USDA zones 7-9 and it can be grown in rock gardens, or as a ground cover in well-drained soils and is tolerant of dry conditions.

Blog

Thick-leaved Stonecrop, also known as Sedum dasyphyllum, is a low-growing succulent plant that is native to Europe and North Africa. With its dense mat of tiny, green leaves and delicate pink or white flowers, it is a popular choice for rock gardens, groundcovers, and living walls.

In this blog, we'll explore the characteristics and growing requirements of this charming plant.

Characteristics of Thick-leaved Stonecrop

Thick-leaved Stonecrop is a small, spreading plant that typically grows to only a few inches in height. Its leaves are small, rounded, and fleshy, with a glossy surface that makes them appear almost translucent. They are a vibrant green color, which can take on a reddish tint in bright sunlight. The plant blooms in late spring or early summer, producing small, star-shaped flowers that are typically pink or white in color.

One of the most distinctive features of Thick-leaved Stonecrop is its ability to spread rapidly, forming a dense mat of foliage that is perfect for groundcovers and rock gardens. It is also an excellent choice for vertical gardens and living walls, where its low-growing habit and drought tolerance make it an ideal candidate for planting in small crevices and pockets.

Growing Requirements for Thick-leaved Stonecrop

Thick-leaved Stonecrop is an easy plant to grow and care for, making it a popular choice for gardeners of all skill levels. Here are some tips for growing and caring for this charming succulent:

  1. Light: Thick-leaved Stonecrop prefers full sun to partial shade. If you're growing it indoors, make sure to place it in a bright, sunny spot.

  2. Soil: This plant thrives in well-drained soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. If you're growing it in a container, make sure the pot has drainage holes to prevent water from accumulating around the roots.

  3. Water: Thick-leaved Stonecrop is drought-tolerant and does not require frequent watering. Water the plant deeply once every two to three weeks during the growing season, and reduce watering in the winter months.

  4. Temperature: This plant is hardy to USDA zones 5 to 8, which means it can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. It prefers cooler temperatures in the winter months, with daytime temperatures around 60 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit.

  5. Propagation: Thick-leaved Stonecrop can be propagated from stem cuttings or by dividing the plant in the spring. Simply cut a stem from the plant, let it dry for a few days, and then plant it in well-draining soil.

In conclusion, Thick-leaved Stonecrop is a charming and easy-to-grow succulent that is perfect for rock gardens, groundcovers, and living walls. Its low-growing habit, drought tolerance, and rapid spreading make it a popular choice for gardeners of all skill levels.

Benefits of Growing Thick-leaved Stonecrop

In addition to being an attractive and low-maintenance plant, Thick-leaved Stonecrop has several benefits for your garden and the environment. Here are some of the benefits of growing this charming succulent:

  1. Erosion control: Thick-leaved Stonecrop has a dense mat of foliage that helps to prevent soil erosion on steep slopes and hillsides. Its shallow roots hold soil in place and reduce the risk of landslides.

  2. Air purification: Like all plants, Thick-leaved Stonecrop absorbs carbon dioxide and releases oxygen, which helps to purify the air around it. This can be especially beneficial in urban environments where air pollution is a concern.

  3. Habitat creation: The dense foliage of Thick-leaved Stonecrop provides a habitat for a variety of small animals and insects, including spiders, bees, and butterflies. These creatures play an important role in pollination and pest control in your garden.

  4. Water conservation: Thick-leaved Stonecrop is drought-tolerant and requires minimal watering, which makes it an ideal plant for water conservation. It also helps to reduce water runoff and erosion by absorbing water and holding it in the soil.

  5. Aesthetic appeal: With its vibrant green foliage and delicate flowers, Thick-leaved Stonecrop adds a touch of charm and beauty to your garden. It can be used to create a variety of interesting and eye-catching arrangements, from groundcovers to living walls.

In summary, Thick-leaved Stonecrop is not only a charming and easy-to-grow plant, but it also has several benefits for your garden and the environment. By planting this succulent, you can create a beautiful and sustainable landscape that is both functional and aesthetically appealing.

Potential Uses of Thick-leaved Stonecrop

In addition to being an excellent choice for rock gardens, groundcovers, and living walls, Thick-leaved Stonecrop has several other potential uses. Here are a few ideas for incorporating this charming plant into your landscape:

  1. Green roofs: Thick-leaved Stonecrop is a popular choice for green roofs, which are becoming increasingly popular in urban environments. Its low-growing habit and drought tolerance make it an ideal plant for rooftop gardens, where space and water are often limited.

  2. Container gardens: Thick-leaved Stonecrop can be grown in containers and used to create interesting and eye-catching arrangements. Its small size and low-growing habit make it an ideal candidate for hanging baskets and window boxes.

  3. Border edging: The dense mat of foliage created by Thick-leaved Stonecrop makes it an excellent choice for border edging in your garden. Its low profile helps to create a neat and tidy appearance, while also preventing soil erosion and weed growth.

  4. Terrariums: Thick-leaved Stonecrop is an excellent plant for terrariums, which are miniature ecosystems enclosed in glass containers. Its small size and drought tolerance make it an ideal plant for these low-maintenance environments.

  5. Herbal remedies: Some species of Sedum have been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including digestive issues and skin conditions. While more research is needed to determine the efficacy of Thick-leaved Stonecrop as a medicinal plant, it is possible that it may have some potential uses in herbal remedies.

In conclusion, Thick-leaved Stonecrop is a versatile and attractive plant that can be used in a variety of ways in your landscape.

Distribution Map

Reproduced by kind permission of the BSBI.

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