Cliff-dwelling stonecrop

Hylotelephium cauticola (hy-loh-te-LEH-fee-um kaw-tih-KOL-uh)

Family: Crassulaceae Non-native Groundcover (<1 ft)

Stonecrop is an herbaceous perennial ground cover with a horizontal, creeping habit. It grows 2 to 4 inches tall and 8 to 12 inches wide. It is native to Japan and a member of the stonecrop family (Crassulaceae). The word cauticola means “growing on cliffs” and refers to the plant’s native habitat. It should be grown in full sun to partial shade and in sandy or loamy soil with neutral to alkaline pH. When insufficient sunlight is provided, the plant will produce weak, floppy growth. The soil should have good drainage and be allowed to dry out completely between watering. The plant may be trimmed after flowering to maintain its shape. Stonecrop spreads by underground stolons. Propagate it by division, stem cutting, or seed. Stonecrop is suitable for coastal, butterfly, children’s, cottage, rock and pollinator gardens. Use it as a border or in a mass planting. If you choose to grow it in a container, choose a pot that is unglazed clay or terracotta to avoid water retention, which could cause root rot. Bees, butterflies, moths, and songbirds are attracted to stonecrop. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Slugs, snails, mealybugs, vine weevil, and root rot can be found. 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, 66 attributes.