Cliff Stonecrop Hylotelephium cauticola
ABOUT
The plant commonly known as cliff stonecrop is an attractive perennial notable for its succulent leaves and striking flower displays. Resembling a dense mat or cushion-like structure, it boasts plump, rounded leaves that often have a glaucous blue-green hue, giving it a frosted appearance. The leaves can sometimes take on a pinkish tint in response to sunlight or cold, adding to its visual appeal. During its blooming season, it produces clusters of small, star-shaped flowers. These blooms tend to be a bright and cheerful pink color, and they typically cover the plant in a profuse and showy display that can add a splash of color to any setting. The flowers are a magnet for pollinators like bees and butterflies, which are attracted to its nectar and contribute to the local ecosystem by aiding in pollination. The cliff stonecrop's compact and attractive habit makes it a popular choice for rock gardens, borders, and groundcovers, where its textural foliage and vivid blooms can be appreciated up close. Its drought tolerance also makes it a favored plant for xeriscaping and low-maintenance gardens, as it can thrive in dry, poor soil conditions where other plants might struggle.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Crassulaceae
Synonyms
Cliff Stonecrop, October Daphne, October Stonecrop, Pink Stonecrop, Showy Stonecrop
Common names
Sedum cauticola, Hylotelephium cauticola 'Lidakense', Sedum 'Lidakense', Sedum cauticola 'Lidakense'.
ToxicityTo humans
Hylotelephium cauticola, commonly known as cliff stonecrop, is not widely reported to be toxic to humans. In general, stonecrops are considered non-toxic and are sometimes even used in salads and as a vegetable in some regions. However, as with any plant, individual allergic reactions or sensitivities are possible. If ingested in large quantities, they might cause mild gastrointestinal upset, but incidents of human poisoning from stonecrops are rare and typically not severe.
To pets
Cliff stonecrop is not typically listed as toxic to pets. It is considered non-toxic to cats, dogs, and other animals. However, as with any non-food plant, consumption in large amounts could potentially cause vomiting or diarrhea due to the novelty and fiber content, rather than true toxicity. Generally, ingestion of cliff stonecrop by pets should not result in serious poisoning or long-term consequences. However, it is always best to monitor pets and keep them from ingesting large amounts of any non-food plants.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Varies
Flower color
Pink
Height
6-12 inches (15-30 cm)
Spread
12-24 inches (30-61 cm)
Plant type
Succulent
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Japan
Benefits
General Benefits- Drought Tolerance: Hylotelephium cauticola, commonly known as cliff stonecrop, is highly drought-resistant, making it suitable for xeriscaping and low-water gardens.
- Easy Maintenance: This plant requires minimal care once established, making it ideal for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Attracts Pollinators: Cliff stonecrop produces flowers that attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, enhancing biodiversity in the garden.
- Seasonal Interest: With its succulent leaves and late summer to fall blooming period, cliff stonecrop adds visual interest throughout multiple seasons.
- Soil Erosion Control: The plant's mat-forming growth habit makes it effective at preventing soil erosion on slopes and in rock gardens.
- Cold Hardy: It is capable of withstanding cold temperatures, making it a robust choice for temperate gardens.
- Versatile Landscaping: Cliff stonecrop can be used in various landscape designs including rock gardens, borders, and as ground cover.
- Edible Qualities: Some parts of the plant are edible and can be used in salads, although it is not commonly consumed.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Hylotelephium cauticola, commonly known as cliff stonecrop, can be used as a living mulch in gardens, due to its dense, ground-covering growth habit, which suppresses weeds and conserves soil moisture.
- Cliff stonecrop can serve as a natural firebreak because of its succulent leaves, which have high water content and can resist ignition during minor fire outbreaks in the landscape.
- The plant can be incorporated into green roofing designs, where it contributes to thermal insulation due to its succulent nature and ability to withstand harsh roof conditions.
- Cliff stonecrop's drought-resistant characteristics make it ideal for xeriscaping, which reduces the need for supplemental water from irrigation in dry climates.
- The fibrous root system of cliff stonecrop can help stabilize slopes and prevent soil erosion on banks, cliffs, or other steep terrains.
- Gardeners can use cliff stonecrop in fairy gardens and miniature landscapes because of its small size and attractive leaves, creating a whimsical aesthetic.
- It can be placed in hanging baskets and container gardens where its trailing stems and foliage will cascade over the edges, providing an eye-catching display.
- Cliff stonecrop can be used in cut flower arrangements, where the long-lasting leaves and stems add texture and a unique succulent element to bouquets.
- The nectar-rich flowers of cliff stonecrop can be planted to attract and support pollinators such as bees and butterflies, enhancing biodiversity in gardens.
- Cliff stonecrop can be used in educational projects and botanical studies to demonstrate survival adaptations in plants, such as water storage in leaves and drought tolerance.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Hylotelephium cauticola, commonly known as October Daphne or Cliff Stonecrop, is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe October Daphne is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: Hylotelephium cauticola, commonly known as 'Cliff Stonecrop,' often grows in rocky, challenging conditions, symbolizing the ability to thrive despite hardships.
- Adaptability: Cliff Stonecrop is adaptable to varying environments, signifying flexibility and the capacity to adjust to changing circumstances.
- Survival: This plant's succulent nature enables it to conserve water, denoting survival skills and self-sufficiency in difficult situations.
- Enduring Love: As a perennial, Cliff Stonecrop returns year after year, representing long-lasting affection and eternal bonds.
- Healing: Traditionally, some species of the Hylotelephium genus have been used for their medicinal properties, connoting healing and restoration.
WaterFor the Cliff Stonecrop, water thoroughly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. During the active growing season in spring and summer, water approximately once every 1 to 2 weeks, depending on the climate. In winter, reduce watering to once a month or when the soil is completely dry. Be cautious not to overwater, as this plant is drought-tolerant and susceptible to root rot. Generally, use about one gallon of water per watering for an established plant in a medium-sized pot.
LightThe Cliff Stonecrop thrives in full sun to partial shade conditions. It prefers a spot where it can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. However, in extremely hot climates, it can benefit from light afternoon shade to prevent scorching.
TemperatureThe Cliff Stonecrop can tolerate a wide range of temperatures but thrives best between 60°F and 75°F. It can withstand temperatures as low as 30°F but should be protected from frost. The ideal growing conditions do not exceed 85°F during the daytime.
PruningPruning the Cliff Stonecrop is necessary to maintain its shape and to remove any dead or damaged foliage. Prune in early spring before new growth begins. Pruning can be done annually, or as needed if the plant becomes leggy or overgrown, to encourage a fuller, healthier plant.
CleaningAs needed
SoilCliff Stonecrop, the common name for Hylotelephium cauticola, thrives in well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. A mix of one part potting soil, one part coarse sand, and one part perlite or pumice provides the ideal drainage and aeration this plant prefers.
RepottingCliff Stonecrop should be repotted every two to three years. This helps replenish nutrients in the soil and provides room for growth. Always repot in the spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Humidity & MistingCliff Stonecrop is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels, preferring average to dry conditions. This succulent-type plant does not require high humidity environments and can thrive in the typical humidity found in most homes.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Cliff Stonecrop in bright light indoors.
Outdoor
Plant Cliff Stonecrop in full sun to partial shade.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleHylotelephium cauticola, commonly known as cliff stonecrop, begins its life cycle as a seed, which germinates in spring when soil temperatures rise and moisture is available. As a succulent, it develops a shallow root system and rosettes of fleshy leaves that store water, enabling it to withstand periods of drought as it matures through the growing season. In late summer to early fall, it enters its flowering stage, producing clusters of small, star-shaped flowers that attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. After pollination, the flowers develop into seed capsules, which release seeds to complete the reproductive cycle. The parent plant is perennial and can survive through winter, with leaves dying back in colder climates, only to regrow from the base in the following spring. Some plants also propagate vegetatively through offsets or leaf cuttings that root and grow into new individuals, gradually forming dense clumps over time.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method for propagating Hylotelephium cauticola, commonly known as cliff stonecrop, is by division or stem cuttings. The ideal time for this is in the spring as the plant emerges from dormancy or in the early fall, avoiding the more extreme temperatures of high summer or deep winter. For division, simply dig up a clump of the plant and gently pull or cut it apart into smaller pieces, each with a healthy section of roots attached, and replant these divisions. To propagate from stem cuttings, snip a 2 to 4-inch (5 to 10 cm) portion of the stem and remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting. Allow the cut end to callous over for a day or two, then stick the stripped end into a well-draining soil mix. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and the cutting should root in a few weeks.
