This is a Genus of about 33 species of succulent herbaceous perennials distributed across temperate North America, Europe, and Asia. The species have historically been included in the genus Sedum but are now regarded as comprising a distinct genus. Many hybrids are available. The genus name, Hylotelephium , is Greek in origin. " Hylo -" means forest or woodland and telephium may honor Telephus, son of Hercules and King of Mysia. Stonecrops are known for their heat and drought tolerance as well as their attractiveness to butterflies and other pollinators. Many prefer full sun in well-drained soils. The flowers can vary but often occur in clusters of small star-shaped flowers in various colors. The leaves are fleshy, gray-green, purplish or variegated in color. Stems are generally upright with flower clusters at the tips. Fall color varies per species. Consider them for use in rock gardens, pollinator gardens, and perennial borders. They can be grown in containers, on slopes or used for edging an area or as groundcovers. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Generally problem-free. May have root rot in poorly drained soils. VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Annuals, Perennials, Vines, and Groundcovers," a plant identification course developed in partnership with Longwood Gardens.
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
Sessile, succulent leaves with a waxy bloom. Color varies depending on the species and cultivar.They can be alternate, opposite or whorled. Some have orange to red fall color.
Fall color
Orange; Red/Burgundy
Flower color
Pink; Purple/Lavender; Red/Burgundy
Flower value
Showy
Flower form
Cyme
Flower shape
Star
Flower size
< 1 inch
Flower detail
Cymes of small, yellow to pink to red-ish, star-shaped flowers. May bloom in summer or fall.