Showy Stonecrop (Hylotelephium spectabile): Classic Upright Sedum

Overview

Showy Stonecrop (Hylotelephium spectabile, syn. Sedum spectabile) is the classic upright sedum that has graced gardens for generations. Thick, gray-green leaves clothe sturdy stems. In late summer, broad, flat-topped clusters of tiny pink stars mature to deep rose, then copper, providing months of color. The seed heads persist through winter. Bees and butterflies adore it. Extremely tough, drought-tolerant, and cold hardy. The parent of many popular cultivars ('Neon', 'Brilliant', 'Frosty Morn'). A staple for perennial borders and pollinator gardens.

Key Features

• Foliage: Gray-green, thick, oval; sturdy stems.
• Flowers: Pink to rose to copper; large corymbs; late summer–fall.
• Habit: Upright, clumping; 18–24 in tall.
• Winter: Persistent seed heads.

Care Guidelines

Light

Full sun.

Water

Low once established.

Soil

Average, well-drained.

Maintenance

Cut back late winter. Divide spring.

Taxonomy

Family:	Crassulaceae
Genus:	Hylotelephium (hy-loh-te-LEE-fee-um)
Species:	spectabile (speck-TAB-ih-lee)
Synonym:	Sedum spectabile