Petrosedum sediforme
Petrosedum sediforme · Crassulaceae
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around petrosedum sediforme and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Foliage
- Evergreen, fleshy and greyish
- Flowering
- Summer (June to August), white or pink flowers
- Mature size
- 10 to 20 cm tall, spreading and compact form
- Growth rate
- Slow
- Hardiness
- Down to −10 °C depending on conditions
- Origin
- Mediterranean Basin and North Africa
- Soil type
- Very well-draining, poor, rocky
Care
Watering
Water moderately during the growing season (spring-summer), allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. In autumn and winter, drastically reduce watering or stop altogether. This plant fears excess moisture far more than drought.
Light exposure
Place Petrosedum sediforme in full sun to achieve intense colors and a compact form. It tolerates partial shade but risks becoming leggy. Favor a south or west-facing exposure, especially in temperate climates.
Soil and drainage
Use a substrate specifically for succulents: a blend of light potting soil, coarse sand and perlite or pumice in equal proportions. Drainage must be excellent to prevent root rot, the main cause of failure.
Fertilizing
A light application of succulent-specific fertilizer in early spring is more than enough. Avoid over-feeding, which promotes soft, less resilient growth. A plant in poor soil often produces more intense colors.
Pruning and shaping
No strict pruning is necessary. Simply remove dead or withered leaves at the base, and cut off segments that grow too long to propagate them. It naturally maintains a very attractive spreading form.
Pests and diseases
Root rot remains the main risk if you overwater or use poorly drained soil. Watch for mealybugs indoors. Good drainage and air circulation are usually enough to prevent any problems.
Did you know?
Petrosedum sediforme is often confused with Aeonium but stands out for its superior hardiness and fleshier leaves. This little Mediterranean gem naturally colonizes rocks and old walls where it creates pale yellow or white-pink flowering carpets, and has inspired contemporary urban succulent gardens.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring, once all risk of frost has gone. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: from April to June.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Biting stonecropSedum acre
- Cobweb HouseleekSempervivum arachnoideum
- Pacific stonecropSedum spathulifolium
- Pig's earCotyledon orbiculata
- Tree roofleek, Tree aeoniumAeonium arboreum
- Autumn stonecropHylotelephium spectabile
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.