Caucasian stonecrop
Phedimus spurius · Crassulaceae
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around caucasian stonecrop and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Family
- Crassulaceae
- Foliage
- Evergreen, fleshy and succulent
- Flowering
- July to September, pink or red flowers
- Adult size
- 15 to 25 cm tall, spreading habit
- Growth
- Fast
- Hardiness
- Down to approximately -15 °C
- Origin
- Central and southern Europe
- Soil type
- Well-draining, poor to moderately fertile
Care
Watering
Water moderately during the growing season (spring-summer), allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. In autumn and winter, reduce watering drastically: once a month is sufficient. This succulent fears excess moisture and waterlogging, which promote root rot.
Light
Choose a very sunny location (6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight) for optimal coloring and a compact plant. Bastard stonecrop tolerates partial shade, but loses density and color intensity. Avoid prolonged deep shade.
Soil and drainage
Use well-draining substrate, made of cactus potting mix or a homemade blend (soil + sand + fine gravel). Excellent drainage is crucial: add sand or clay pellets if needed. This plant dreads compact and wet soils.
Fertilizer
Apply a low-nitrogen fertilizer, rich in potassium and phosphorus, once or twice in summer. Succulents need few nutrients; too much fertilizer promotes soft growth. Stop feeding in winter.
Pruning and maintenance
No obligatory pruning. Remove dead or damaged stems or leaves to maintain aesthetics. You can divide rosettes or take cuttings to rejuvenate or propagate the plant very easily.
Diseases and pests
Generally robust, bastard stonecrop mainly fears root rot (excessive watering) and mealybugs in humid conditions. Also watch for aphids in spring. Ensure good ventilation and respect watering schedules to prevent most issues.
Did you know?
Bastard stonecrop was once cultivated on the roofs of peasant houses in central Europe, as its ability to survive without watering and its compact structure made it a natural insulating and aesthetic covering. Its common name 'bastard' refers to its relationship with white stonecrop (Sedum album), which it resembles without being a true form. During water stress, its leaves turn spectacular red-purple, transforming the plant into a true succulent jewel.
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.