Hylotelephium spectabile (Showy
Stonecrop)
Michael's Opinion
Originally known and
still referred to by the name of Sedum spectabile, it was recently reclassified
as a unique genus in its own right. As
its species name implies, it is a spectacular plant when it comes to large long
lasting flowers. This longevity is
extended even as a cut flower. Just as
plants like Asters and Chrysanthemums are associated with autumn so is Hylotelephium spectabile. It is an
excellent late season attracting plant for bees and butterflies. This succulent
plant has flowers that come in hues of red, pink, or white. Some cultivars tend
to get top heavy due to their large flower heads and end up looking floppy and
messy. Its seed heads persist during the winter months. Showy stonecrop is
considered as an old tried and true perennial for its ease of cultivation.
Botanical Information
Family
|
Crassulaceae
|
Genus
|
Hylotelephium
|
Species
|
spectabile
|
Synonyms
|
Sedum
|
Category
|
Perennials
|
Origin
|
Southern Asia
|
Details
USDA Hardiness Zone
|
3 - 9
|
(Hylotelephium Spectabile)
|
|
RHS Hardiness Zone
|
H7
|
(Sedum Spectabile)
|
|
Temperature (°C)
|
-34.4°C
|
Height
|
0.3 – 0.5 m
|
Spread
|
0.3 – 0.5 m
|
Growth
|
0.1 – 0.5 m
|
Flowering Period
|
August - October
|
Description and Growing Information
General Description
|
It is an herbaceous clumping perennial
with thick erect stems that support elliptical shaped, gray-green leaves. Masses of starry flowers are clustered at
the terminal of the stems.
|
Shape
|
It has a rounded softly clumped
shape.
|
Propagation
|
In spring, propagate by
division. In the early summer, stem
cutting of non-flowering shoots can be placed into growing medium.
|
Cultivation
|
It performs well in full sun to partial shade. Although it prefers well-drained soil, it
does well in heavy clay. It grows well in neutral to slightly alkaline soils.
After it has been established, it is drought tolerant.
|
Pests
|
It has no serious insect problems.
|
Leaf Description
|
The alternate leaves are serrated
with oval edges. They are waxy light
green to gray in colour, although some cultivars, such as “Orange Zennox”,
have purple-brown leaves.
|
Flower Description
|
Tiny star-shaped flowers are massed
in flatten 7.6-15.2 cm wide cymes. The
flowers range in colour from dark red, pink, or white. Bloom time is long
ranging from August to October.
|
Colour Description
|
The leaves range from light green to
gray with some cultivars such as “Orange Zenox” having purple to brown leaves. It has dark red, to pink, to white flowers
with brown seed heads.
|
Texture Description
|
It has smooth waxy leaves and stems
with soft fluffy flower heads.
|