Sedum reflexum - Stonecrop

Sedum reflexum, also known as rock stonecrop, is a small low-growing succulent plant that colonises the poorest and driest terrains through long stems that easily root in crevices. Its bluish-green foliage becomes more silvery in summer and persists in winter, even in harsh climates. This sedum quickly forms a dense carpet that comes alive in summer with a cheerful yellow flowering, like a myriad of stars, highly visited by insects. 

From the Crassulaceae family, stonecrops are proof that poor soil can grow pretty specimens with subtle shades. You can still benefit from hardy perennials if your soil is poor, rather dry, even rocky or slightly chalky. They withstand temperatures below -15°C (5°F), require no maintenance, and promise to enliven the garden with a constant dance of butterflies. These succulents are easy-going and offer flowers and foliage in various shades to create dazzling displays in flower beds or containers. They should not be exposed to excess humidity in winter, nor covered with dead leaves (as they may wither). It prefers a sunny, even scorching, exposure, and will thrive in a few millimetres of substrate.

Sedum reflexum naturally occurs in rocky or sandy meadow-like landscapes in central European to Mediterranean areas. It has a creeping habit that can reach a spread of 40cm (16in) with its stoloniferous stems. They end their creeping course by arching to a height of 10cm (4in). They bear small, oblong, tapering, cylindrical and fleshy leaves, measuring only 3 to 5mm. They are arranged alternately and densely. This foliage somewhat changes its shade with each season, in a range of green, bluish, grey, and silver. These nuances vary according to the climatic conditions: the amount of light and water will either lighten or intensify its colours. From this carpet, a radiant flowering stands out, in June-July. Its inflorescences in miniature corymbs consist of multiple yellow star-shaped flowers, highly prized by insects. The flowers can double the height of this little carpet. 

Sedum reflexum is an asset for landscaping rockeries and all sunny corners around the house. Place it along the edge of a patio, at the base of a wall, or in pots that you can move according to the seasons. It easily combines with all rockery plants, requires no maintenance, and colonises abandoned spaces. It is also suitable for green roofs. For a long-lasting flowering, plant it with Iberis sempervirens (spring flowering) and Erigeron karvinskianus (from May to September). Vary the foliage effects by colour or shape with other sedums: S. spurium 'Variegatum', S. 'Album Superbum' and S. reflexum 'Angelina'.