Sedum Eline - Autumn Stonecrop

Sedum 'Eline', often called Orpine, is a recent creation. It is a fleshy perennial with rare shades. Its foliage is adorned with numerous nuances: grey-green in spring, it is veined with purple during the summer season and multiplies the shimmering reflections with the arrival of autumn. Its strong and upright stems take on the same purple colour, contrasting with its beautiful cream-yellow flowering. Durable in bouquets, as well as in beds, it appreciates the sun and dry soils, and is accommodating.

Orpines are proof that poor soil can grow beautiful specimens with generous flowering. You can benefit from these hardy perennials if your soil is poor, rather dry, even rocky or slightly chalky. They resist temperatures below -15°C (5°F), require no maintenance, and promise to animate the garden with visits from butterflies. These succulents are easy to grow and have flowers and foliage with varied hues that can create dazzling displays, whether in beds or pots. On the other hand, you can also adopt them in rich, moist and heavy soil, by taking some necessary precautions. They will acclimatise without any problem if you take care to add gravel and place them in full sun. They should not be subjected to excess moisture in winter.

The 'Eline' variety presents a bushy clump spreading over 40cm (16in) in width, composed of solid and fleshy purple stems that rise up to 35cm (14in) in height. They bear deciduous, ovate, thick and flat leaves, which are arranged alternately and are sessile (without petioles). These have multiple colours: the base colour is rather bluish-grey, with some remnants of green, the veins are red, and the whole palette darkens further during the seasons. All these nuances vary, like most of its cousins in the same genus, depending on climatic conditions: the amount of light and water will either lighten or accentuate its tendencies. It is therefore a permanent spectacle. Its long-lasting flowering is perfect for both fresh and dried bouquets. The beautiful inflorescences in dense, rounded corymbs are made up of multiple small star-shaped flowers, highly prized by insects that constantly pollinate them. Pink in bud, they then evolve and open into a cream-yellow shade that slowly turns russet.

Sedum 'Eline' is a novelty that sweeps a wide range of colours. It fits into all scenarios and easily blends with shades of carmine, cream, and chocolate. It is particularly suitable for poetic and charming atmospheres. Alongside its cousins with equally shimmering hues, it adds its personal touch. Among grasses, it adds structure and colour. Plant it with asters for a beautiful transition into autumn.