Sedum spectabile Boreau
Showy Stonecrop
Sedum spectabile, now reclassified as Hylotelephium spectabile (Boreau) H. Ohba, is a herbaceous succulent in the family Crassulaceae native to China and Korea, highly valued in ornamental gardening in temperate zones. Its erect, robust stems 30–45 cm tall are crowned in autumn with large, flat, dense inflorescences of pink to lilac flowers that are genuine magnets for butterflies and bees, earning it the names 'butterfly stonecrop' or 'ice plant'. The leaves are broad, fleshy, and pale grey-green.
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Overview
| Category | Classification |
|---|---|
| Family | Crassulaceae |
| Genus | Sedum |
| Growth Habit | Perennial geophytic herb; aerial stems die back in winter and vigorously resprout in spring from the underground woody stock. Forms dense clumps of erect stems 30–45 cm tall. Tolerates cold much better than most sedums of tropical origin. |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern (LC). Extensively cultivated in temperate horticulture worldwide. Wild populations in China and Korea are stable. |
| pH Target | 6.0 – 7.5 |
| Type | Moderately fertile soil with good drainage. Tolerates slightly clay soils better than other sedums. Avoid permanent waterlogging. |
Origin & Habitat
Morphology
Opposite to whorled leaves, fleshy, ovate to elliptic, 5–10 cm long, pale grey-green. Margins slightly toothed or scalloped. No significant pruina; surface somewhat glaucous.
ecoInflorescence a flat, dense corymb 10–15 cm in diameter. Individual flowers small, star-shaped, pink to deep pink or lilac, with 5 petals and prominent stamens. Blooms August–October. Exceptionally attractive to lepidopterans (butterflies) and honeybees.
ecoErect and fleshy aerial stems, 30–45 cm, greyish-green, with prominent nodes. Die back to the base in winter. The basal stock is woody and persistent.
ecoRobust, fibrous root system with fleshy storage roots. Withstands deep frosts thanks to root reserves. Tolerates clay soils better than other sedums.
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Requirements
Soil & Substrate
Type
Moderately fertile soil with good drainage. Tolerates slightly clay soils better than other sedums. Avoid permanent waterlogging.
groups Beneficial Associations
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Propagation Strategy
- 1 Divide the clump in spring when shoots begin to emerge.
- 2 Separate portions with roots and stock using a spade or knife.
- 3 Transplant to the final location and water well.
- 1 Cut stems 10–15 cm in spring–summer.
- 2 Insert directly into moist, fertile substrate.
- 3 Keep moist and in shade until rooted (2–4 weeks).
Cut the dried winter stems to ground level in March to stimulate regrowth.
Not cutting the old stems in winter, resulting in weak regrowth.
In containers, every 3 years in spring. In the garden, divide and replant every 3–4 years.
Balanced slow-release granular fertilizer in spring at the standard dose for perennials. A second application in June is optional.
Uses & Applications
Precautions / Toxicity
Non-toxic according to major registries. Safe for humans and pets. The leaves are edible in small amounts in Asian cuisine (slightly acidic).
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Plant Health
Aphid (Aphididae): occasional on spring shoots; control with potassium soap or a strong water spray.
Crown rot from prolonged winter waterlogging; ensure adequate drainage.
Powdery mildew (Erysiphe sp.): in hot humid conditions; treat with wettable sulfur or potassium bicarbonate.
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"The reclassification of Sedum spectabile to the genus Hylotelephium by H. Ohba in 1977 was based on key molecular and morphological differences: Hylotelephium is distinguished from Sedum by its more numerous stamens (10 instead of 5), its opposite or whorled leaves, and its biennial-perennial cycle with winter dormancy. This species is considered a 'biodiversity indicator' in European urban gardens due to the large number of lepidopteran species that depend on its autumn flowers as a nectar source before hibernation."
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Scientific Integrity
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Sources
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Discussion
Disclaimer
This species record is provided for educational and informational purposes only. Jardín Roca Negra does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the data. Content is community-curated and may be subject to revision; it should not replace advice from a qualified botanist. This species may be toxic, invasive, or subject to legal restrictions — verify before handling or cultivating. Jardín Roca Negra accepts no liability for any harm arising from reliance on this information. Images are reproduced under Creative Commons or equivalent free licenses; credits are noted below each image.