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Large Rock Stonecrop

Sedum rupestre

Please keep in mind that it is illegal to uproot a plant without the landowner's consent and care should be taken at all times not to damage wild plants. Wild plants should never be picked for pleasure and some plants are protected by law.
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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)
Type:
Flower
Life Cycle:
Perennial
Maximum Size:
30 centimetres tall
Habitats:
Gardens, meadows, mountains, roadsides, rocky places, walls, wasteland.

Flower:
֍
Yellow, 7 petals
 
Yellow, star-shaped flowers. 14 stamens. 7 pistils.
Fruit:
The fruits are dry and many-seeded. The seeds mature in August and September.
Leaves:
Bluish-grey with succulent stems and leaves. Similar to Rock Stonecrop (Sedum forsterianum) but not flattened above or pointed. It is an evergreen, mat-forming perennial flower, larger and more stout than Rock Stonecrop. The leaves are stalkless.
Other Names:
Blue Stonecrop, Crooked Yellow Stonecrop, Jenny's Stonecrop, Prick-madam, Rock Stonecrop, Rocky Stonecrop, Stone Orpine, Trip-madam.
Frequency (UK):
Common  

Similar Species

Other Information

Summary

Sedum rupestre, also known as "rock stonecrop," is a low-growing perennial succulent plant native to Europe and Asia. It has small, round, blue-green leaves and produces clusters of small, star-shaped pink, white, or yellow flowers in late summer to early fall. The plant is drought-tolerant and can be grown in rock gardens, as a ground cover, or in containers. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Sedum rupestre is hardy in USDA zones 3-9. It's a versatile plant that can grow up to 30 cm in height. It's great for rocky or gravelly soil, walls, and roofs. The variety 'Blue Spruce' is a popular cultivar known for its blue-green leaves that resemble a spruce tree.

Blog

Large rock stonecrop, also known as Sedum rupestre, is a perennial plant species that belongs to the family Crassulaceae. This plant is native to Europe and Asia, but it has been naturalized in other parts of the world, including North America. Large rock stonecrop is a popular plant for rock gardens, as it is very hardy and drought-tolerant. In this blog, we will explore the features of this plant, its growing requirements, and some of its uses in landscaping.

Features of Large Rock Stonecrop

Large rock stonecrop is a low-growing plant that typically reaches a height of 10 to 30 cm (4 to 12 inches). It has fleshy, succulent leaves that are a blue-green color and grow in rosettes. The leaves are cylindrical in shape and can be up to 3 cm (1.2 inches) long. The plant also produces small yellow flowers in clusters that bloom in the summer. The flowers are star-shaped and measure about 5 mm (0.2 inches) across. After blooming, the plant produces seeds in small capsules.

Growing Requirements

Large rock stonecrop is a very easy plant to grow, as it is very adaptable to a wide range of growing conditions. It prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate poor soil, but it will not grow well in soil that is constantly moist or waterlogged. The plant also prefers full sun to partial shade and is very drought-tolerant. It can grow in USDA hardiness zones 5 to 8.

Uses in Landscaping

Large rock stonecrop is a popular plant for rock gardens, as it is very hardy and requires little maintenance. It is also used in container gardens and as a ground cover. Its fleshy leaves and bright yellow flowers make it an attractive addition to any garden. It is also useful for erosion control on slopes and in areas with poor soil. In addition, large rock stonecrop is a good plant for attracting pollinators, such as bees and butterflies.

Large rock stonecrop is a versatile and hardy plant that is easy to grow and maintain. Its succulent leaves and bright yellow flowers make it an attractive addition to any garden. Whether you're looking to create a rock garden, a container garden, or just want to add some color and texture to your landscape, large rock stonecrop is a great plant to consider. With its low-growing habit, drought-tolerance, and adaptability, it is a plant that is sure to thrive in a variety of growing conditions.

More Information

Large rock stonecrop is also commonly used as a groundcover due to its spreading habit. It can quickly fill in spaces in a garden or landscape and help prevent weed growth. Its low-growing habit also makes it useful as a border plant or as a filler between taller plants.

In addition to its aesthetic and practical uses, large rock stonecrop is also used in traditional medicine. Its leaves are edible and have a slightly sour taste, and are sometimes used in salads or as a garnish. The plant is also used in traditional herbal medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including digestive issues, respiratory problems, and skin conditions.

When it comes to maintenance, large rock stonecrop is a very low-maintenance plant. It requires very little watering once established, and pruning is only necessary to control its spread or to remove any dead or damaged foliage. The plant is also very resistant to pests and diseases, making it an easy and worry-free addition to any garden.

Large rock stonecrop is a versatile and useful plant that is easy to grow, maintain, and incorporate into a variety of landscaping projects. Its hardiness, adaptability, and low-maintenance requirements make it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced gardeners.

Another benefit of large rock stonecrop is that it can help to reduce soil erosion. Its root system is extensive, and the plant is able to hold soil in place, making it useful in areas where erosion is a concern. In addition, the plant's ability to tolerate dry conditions and poor soil make it a good option for xeriscaping, or designing landscapes that require minimal watering and maintenance.

Large rock stonecrop can also be propagated easily, making it a cost-effective option for gardeners looking to expand their plantings. The plant can be propagated from stem cuttings or by dividing clumps in the spring or fall. This makes it easy to create new plants and fill in gaps in a garden or landscape.

Large rock stonecrop is an excellent plant to consider for any garden or landscape project. Its attractive foliage and bright yellow flowers, combined with its ease of care and adaptability, make it a versatile and valuable addition to any outdoor space.

Large rock stonecrop is also a great plant for attracting pollinators, such as bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. The plant's nectar-rich flowers are a good source of food for these creatures, which can help to support a healthy ecosystem in the garden. This can be especially important for gardeners looking to support the health of their local environment and protect pollinators in their area.

Additionally, large rock stonecrop can be used in various types of landscaping designs. It can be used as a filler in rock gardens, in containers, or in mixed borders. It can also be used as a groundcover in larger areas, and can be combined with other low-growing plants to create a visually interesting and diverse landscape.

In terms of design, large rock stonecrop can also be used to create texture and contrast in a garden. Its succulent leaves provide a unique texture that can be combined with other foliage, such as grasses or other succulents, to create a dynamic visual effect. Its yellow flowers can also be used to add a pop of color to the garden and draw the eye to different areas.

In conclusion, large rock stonecrop is a highly versatile plant that offers a variety of benefits for gardeners and landscapers. Whether you're looking for a low-maintenance groundcover, an attractive filler for a rock garden, or a plant to support local pollinators, large rock stonecrop is an excellent choice. Its adaptability, low-maintenance requirements, and attractive features make it a valuable addition to any garden or landscape.


Distribution Map

Reproduced by kind permission of the BSBI.

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