Scientific: Sedum makinoi
Common: stone crop
Family: Crassulaceae
Origin: Shady moist forests in low mountain valleys of China and south Japan.
Pronounciation: SEE-dum ma-KIN-o-eye
Hardiness zones
Sunset 8-10, 12-24
USDA 7-11 (can be damaged by intense summer heat in Phoenix)
Landscape Use: In Phoenix, stone crop is used in container gardens and partial sun succulent gardens and rock gardens. In less hostile environments, stone crop is used also as a ground cover for landscape surfaces and green roofs.
Form & Character: Prostrate, fleshy, bright, delicate, vulnerable, clean.
Growth Habit: Evergreen, succulent perennial, moderately spreading to 5-feet wide, but only about 2- to 4-inches tall.
Foliage/Texture: Opposite, succulent rounded to ovate shaped leaves, 1/4- to 1/2-inch wide and long, color ranging from deep green to yellowish green, stems sometimes reddened; fine texture.
Flowers & Fruits: Starry yellow, small, terminal flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and self fertile, pollinated by insects. Fruit inconspicuous.
Seasonal Color: Yellow flowers during late winter.
Temperature: Tolerant to 10oF, but is damaged if temperatures exceeds 115oF.
Light: Full sun to partial shade, not for full shade, eastern exposure best in Phoenix.
Soil: Well-drained to sandy soil is best.
Watering: Moderately drought tolerant in less arid areas. In Phoenix, stone crop might need applications of supplemental water from time to time to maintain dense cover and aesthetic appeal.
Pruning: Little to none.
Propagation: Easily propagated by vegetative cutting. Roots easily.
Disease and Pests: None
Additional comments: Stone crop is able to grow in full sun in southern California, but in Phoenix it requires special care to avoid planting in sites that are exposed to the gloriously high summer heat and intense sunlight of the Arizona desert.
Some noteable cultivars and varieties of this delicate succulent include:
Horticultural tip: The genus Sedum a is a diverse genus of over 600 sepcies that are found throughout the northern hemisphere ranging from prostrate succulents to shrubs. If you're fascinated by plants in the genus Sedum, then you better think about joining the Sedum Society.
