Ice Plant

Hylotelephium spectabile (hy-loh-te-LEH-fee-um speck-TAB-ih-lee)

Family: Crassulaceae Non-native Herbaceous (1-3 ft)

Stonecrop is a clumping, perennial succulent in the stonecrop family (Crassulaceae) and is native to China and Korea. It forms a mound 1 to 2 feet high and wide. Stonecrop requires full sun or partial shade and well-drained or gravelly soil with average to low fertility. It can suffer in overly moist or fertile soils. To maintain a bushy shape and thick stems, cut or pinch back the stems in early spring. If pruned in summer, the showy blooms may be delayed. It is drought- and salt-tolerant, resistant to browsing by rabbits (but not by deer), and requires little attention. It is easily rooted from stem cuttings. Plant as a specimen or in small groups in rock, crevice, or drought-tolerant gardens. It also works well in containers (outside), in borders, along a foundation, near a patio or pool hardscape, or along a walkway. The showy flowers, succulent leaves, and the fact that it attracts songbirds and butterflies make stonecrop a welcome addition to a children's or pollinator garden or a recreational play area. Insects, Diseases and Other Plant Problems: Aphids, mealybugs, nematodes, scale, slugs and weevils can be problematic. Wet soils cause rot. VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Annuals, Perennials, Vines, and Groundcovers," a plant identification course developed in partnership with Longwood Gardens. More information on Hylotelephium .

Source: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox ↗ NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, 74 attributes.