Sedum Hylotelephium spectabile (Brilliant Group) 'Brilliant'
ABOUT
The plant commonly known as Stonecrop 'Brilliant' has a distinctive appearance characterized by its succulent leaves and upright habit. The foliage is fleshy with a frosted, gray-green hue that creates an attractive backdrop for the blooms. As the growing season progresses, the Stonecrop 'Brilliant' produces prominent, flat-topped clusters of flowers that are a vivid, eye-catching pink color. These clusters of small, star-shaped flowers emerge atop the sturdy stems, providing a rich source of nectar for pollinators such as bees and butterflies. The plant maintains a neat, clump-forming presence in the garden, with the floral display lasting from late summer into the fall, creating extended visual interest. The leaves may also turn a delightful reddish hue as the temperatures get cooler. Stonecrop 'Brilliant' is noted for its hardiness and drought tolerance, making it ideal for use in rock gardens, borders, and as groundcover. It offers a combination of structural foliage and bright floral sprays that make it a valued addition to any outdoor space.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Crassulaceae
Synonyms
Showy Stonecrop, Ice Plant, Butterfly Stonecrop, Brilliant Stonecrop
Common names
Sedum spectabile, Hylotelephium spectabile (Boreau) H. Ohba.
ToxicityTo humans
Stonecrop, which refers to various plants in the genus Sedum including Hylotelephium spectabile 'Brilliant', is generally considered non-toxic to humans. If ingested in large amounts, however, like many plants, it could potentially cause gastrointestinal discomfort, including nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
To pets
Stonecrop is also generally described as non-toxic to pets. However, as with human ingestion, the consumption of large quantities could potentially result in mild gastrointestinal upset for some animals, such as vomiting or diarrhea. It is always advisable to monitor your pets around plants and contact your veterinarian if you observe any unusual behavior or symptoms.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3-9
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Provides nectar and pollen for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, it requires minimal watering, which conserves water and reduces maintenance.
- Low Maintenance: Requires little care other than occasional deadheading and division to maintain its appearance and health.
- Winter Interest: The dried flower heads provide visual interest in the garden during the winter months.
- Easy to Propagate: Can be easily propagated by dividing the clumps, ensuring more plants for the garden or to share with others.
- Long Blooming: Offers a long period of blooming, typically from late summer into fall, which helps extend the garden's color display.
- Attractive Foliage: Has succulent leaves that add texture and interest to the garden even when the plant is not in bloom.
- Versatile: Works well in rock gardens, borders, and as a ground cover, providing flexibility in garden design.
- Non-Invasive: Unlike some perennials, it tends not to spread uncontrollably, making it a good neighbor in the garden.
- Tolerant of Poor Soil: Thrives in a variety of soil conditions, including those that are less than ideal for other plants.
- Frost Hardy: Capable of withstanding cold temperatures, making it suitable for gardens in cooler climates.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Sedum 'Brilliant', also known as Stonecrop, can be used as a living roof covering, providing insulation and attracting beneficial insects.
- Crushed leaves of Stonecrop can be used as a natural dye, producing subtle colors for textiles and crafts.
- The plant's sturdy stems can be incorporated into floral arrangements, adding a unique texture and visual interest.
- Stonecrop can serve as an educational tool in schools for projects on drought-resistant plants and xeriscaping.
- Due to its succulent nature, the leaves of Stonecrop can be used as a temporary water source for small insects.
- When dried, the flowers and stems can be used in potpourri mixes, offering a long-lasting, earthy aroma.
- Stonecrop's dense mat-like growth can be used in garden pathways to prevent soil erosion and manage foot traffic.
- Artists can use the geometric shapes and patterns of Stonecrop foliage as inspiration for designs in painting or sculpture.
- Its ability to thrive in rock crevices makes Stonecrop an ideal candidate for creating naturalistic scenes in model railways and dioramas.
- Stonecrop can be used in companion planting to help retain soil moisture for other plants in the garden that require more humid conditions.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Hylotelephium spectabile is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant Hylotelephium spectabile is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Perseverance and Resilience: Stonecrop, the most common name for Hylotelephium spectabile 'Brilliant', is known for its ability to withstand tough conditions and poor soil. It symbolizes the ability to persist and thrive despite challenges.
- Vitality and Longevity: With its long-lasting blooms and succulent leaves, stonecrop represents life force and enduring nature, suggesting that health and vigor can be maintained over time.
- Peace and Tranquility: The soft hues and clustered flowers of stonecrop can evoke a sense of calm and serenity, symbolizing a peaceful existence and the importance of relaxation.
WaterSedum 'Brilliant' should be watered deeply but infrequently, as it prefers well-drained soil and does not tolerate wet feet. During the active growing season in the spring and summer, watering once a week with roughly one gallon of water per plant should suffice, depending on the weather conditions and soil type. Reduce watering in the cooler fall months, and during winter dormancy, watering may only be necessary once a month if there is no natural precipitation. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot.
LightSedum 'Brilliant' thrives in full sun, so it should be placed in a location where it will receive at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. The bright light will ensure strong growth and promote the development of the plant’s characteristic vibrant pink flowers. Partial shade is tolerated, but full sun exposure is ideal for the healthiest plants.
TemperatureSedum 'Brilliant' is a hardy plant that can withstand a wide range of temperatures, from winter lows of around 20 degrees Fahrenheit to summer highs of 90 degrees Fahrenheit or more. The ideal temperature for this succulent to flourish is within the range of 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive brief periods of colder weather, but prolonged exposure to temperatures below 20 degrees Fahrenheit may damage the plant.
PruningSedum 'Brilliant' should be pruned to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove any damaged or dead stems. The best time for pruning is in the early spring before new growth starts. Cut back the plant by one-third to stimulate new growth. Additionally, deadheading spent flowers after blooming will encourage a second bloom and prevent the plant from self-seeding extensively.
CleaningAs needed
SoilSedum 'Brilliant' thrives in well-draining, sandy or gravelly soil, enriched with organic matter, with an optimal pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. A mixture of one part potting soil, one part coarse sand, and a handful of peat moss or compost is ideal. Ensure adequate drainage to prevent root rot.
RepottingSedum 'Brilliant' typically does not require frequent repotting and can often be left undisturbed for several years. Generally, repotting every 3-4 years or when the plant outgrows its current container is sufficient. Repot in late winter or early spring, just before the growing season begins.
Humidity & MistingSedum 'Brilliant' is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and does well in the average humidity found in most homes and gardens. They do not require any special humidity adjustments, thriving in dry air conditions typically found indoors or in arid outdoor climates.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright light, water sparingly.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-drained soil, water sparingly.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleSedum 'Brilliant', also known as Hylotelephium spectabile ‘Brilliant’, begins its life cycle when seeds germinate in spring, emerging as small seedlings in favorable conditions of warmth and moisture. The plant then enters a vegetative stage, producing fleshy leaves and stout stems during spring and early summer. As the season progresses, Sedum 'Brilliant' enters the budding phase where flower clusters start to appear atop the stems. By late summer into early fall, the plant reaches the flowering stage, displaying clusters of star-shaped, pink flowers that attract pollinators. After flowering, the plant sets seeds, which are then dispersed by wind, birds, or other mechanisms. Finally, in preparation for winter, Sedum 'Brilliant' enters dormancy, with the above-ground foliage dying back and the plant surviving as rootstock or as dormant buds at the soil surface, ready to begin the cycle anew come spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: Hylotelephium spectabile 'Brilliant', commonly known as Stonecrop, is most popularly propagated through stem or leaf cuttings. For stem cuttings, a section of stem about 2 to 4 inches (approximately 5 to 10 cm) long is cut just above a leaf node. The cut end is allowed to callous over for a few days to prevent rotting when planted. Once calloused, the cutting is placed in well-draining soil and kept moist until roots develop, which usually takes about 2 to 3 weeks. During this time, the cuttings should be kept in indirect sunlight. This method is simple and effective, often resulting in a high success rate, and is best performed in the spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
