How we pick our products
The 2023 perennial of the year can be found in many gardens, as it is very easy to grow and the flowers sometimes start to form as early as June and last optimally until autumn. During this long flowering period, the plant often becomes a magnet for butterflies and various other insects.
Since there are almost 400 different varieties, we will explain in this article what exactly you have to look out for.
Summary
- Buttercups are mainly used for garden design.
- In total, there are almost 400 different species of stonecrops.
- Stonecrops come from different regions of the world, which is why they each have preferred locations.
The Best Fat Hen: Our Picks
Guide: Questions you should ask yourself before buying a stonecrop
What is a stonecrop?
The German name Fetthenne or fat leaf usually refers to the species that grow in a horst.
Stonecrops, also known as sedums, belong to the thick-leaf family. There are over 400 different species in total, which are mainly found in the subtropical and temperate zones of the northern hemisphere.
However, certain species can also be found in South America and Central Africa, but the greatest diversity of buttercups is found in North America, followed by Asia.
The leaves serve the plants as water reservoirs, which is why they are found in the wild almost exclusively in steppes, dry mountain regions, rough grasslands or on dunes. The plants prefer the sun, but some also prefer partial shade.
What can stonecrop be used for?
In the following table we have clearly presented the areas of use of the different species.
| Creeping stonecrop species | use |
|---|---|
| Carpet-forming species | dry stone walls, green roofs, rock gardens and grave design |
| Tall stonecrops | bedding perennials for gardens |
| Tall stonecrop | pot planting, excellent cut flowers and autumn wreaths |
When is the flowering time of stonecrops?
| Stonecrop species | flowering time |
|---|---|
| Beautiful stonecrop | July to September |
| Golden stonecrop | June to July |
| Purple stonecrop | August to October |
| Caucasian stonecrop | June to August |
How do you care for a stonecrop properly?
Fertilising the plant can be dispensed with all year round and should only be used when urgently needed. The plant should be provided with a little fresh compost in autumn.
Another important tip is that the plant should not be cut back until spring, as it is a hardy perennial.
Which locations are suitable for stonecrops?
| Stonecrop species | location | soil |
|---|---|---|
| Beautiful stonecrop | sunny | moderately moist, nutrient-rich |
| Golden stonecrop | full sun | moderately moist, normal |
| Purple stonecrop | sunny | moderately moist, nutrient-rich |
| Caucasian stonecrop | sunny | moderately nutrient-rich |
Decision: What types of stonecrops are there and which is the right one for you?
Basically, you can distinguish between four different types of stonecrops:
- Beautiful stonecrop (Sedum spectabile)
- Golden stonecrop (Sedum floriferum)
- Caucasus stonecrop (Sedum spurium)
- Purple stonecrop (Sedum telephium)
The different types of stonecrops differ mainly in their flowering, flowering time, growth height and shape and their preferred locations.
What are the characteristics of the Sedum spectabile and what are its advantages and disadvantages?
The beautiful stonecrop is the best-known plant among the stonecrops. Its long flowering period from July to September makes it perfect for the foreground of borders and beds. It is also possible to grow the plant in containers and pots.
The late-flowering summer perennial is richly covered with star-shaped and pink flowers in summer, but they retract in winter. The preferred location for this tall species is in a sunny spot.
What are the characteristics of a golden stonecrop (Sedum floriferum) and what are its advantages and disadvantages?
The golden stonecrop is a mat-forming species that is always green and only grows about 15 cm high. The plant is absolutely easy to care for and tolerates moisture very well, but it prefers a full sun location.
The flowering time of this plant is very short compared to other species, as it is only from June to July.
What distinguishes Caucasus stonecrop (Sedum spurium) and what are its advantages and disadvantages?
Caucasus stonecrop is perfect as a ground cover because it is an evergreen, mat-forming plant. The perennial grows to a maximum height of 10 cm, but it develops very quickly in width. It is also very vigorous and easy to care for.
A big plus is the plant’s long flowering period, from June to August. However, it always needs a sunny location, which can sometimes be very difficult, especially in Germany or Austria.
What are the characteristics of a purple stonecrop (Sedum telephium) and what are its advantages and disadvantages?
The purple stonecrop, or Sedum telephium, is perfect as a foreground plant for borders and raised beds. The plant is very structuring and stands out especially because of its purple leaves.
A minus point is the unfortunately very short flowering period from August to October and that it retracts in winter.
Buying criteria: Use these factors to compare and evaluate stonecrops
In the following, we will show you which aspects you can use to decide between the many possible stonecrops.
The criteria you can use to compare the stonecrops with each other include:
In the following paragraphs we will explain what each criterion means.
Flowering time
One of the most important criteria when buying a stonecrop is the flowering time. Depending on the type of plant, the flowering time ranges from July to September or June to August, some have a shorter flowering time and others a longer one.
In the table below, we have listed the most popular species and their flowering time for you.
| Stonecrop species | flowering time |
|---|---|
| Beautiful stonecrop | July to September |
| Golden stonecrop | June to July |
| Purple stonecrop | August to October |
| Caucasian stonecrop | June to August |
Planting location
Another consideration should be the planting location. As the different species come from different regions of the world, they also prefer diverse locations. Some species prefer rather full-sun locations and others rather less.
In the table below we have listed several popular species and their preferred locations.
| Stonecrop Species | Location | Soil |
|---|---|---|
| Beautiful stonecrop | sunny | moderately moist, nutrient-rich |
| Golden stonecrop | full sun | moderately moist, normal |
| Purple stonecrop | sunny | moderately moist, nutrient-rich |
| Caucasian stonecrop | sunny | moderately nutrient-rich |
Size & dimensions
As already mentioned above, the different species of stonecrops also grow to different sizes. The smallest species only grow up to 10 cm, while others grow over 45 cm. It is also important to consider what the plant is to be used for. For example, carpet-forming species that do not grow so high are more suitable for grave design.
Picture source: pixabay.com / zimt2003
Why you can trust me?
Most popular
Related posts
