Showy Stonecrop Hylotelephium spectabile 'Stardust'
ABOUT
The Hylotelephium spectabile 'Stardust', also commonly known as the Sedum 'Stardust', is an attractive perennial plant characterized by its succulent features. It bears fleshy, green leaves that are typically spoon-shaped and may have a slight frosted or whitish appearance that provides a unique texture to its foliage. The leaves are arranged in a whorled pattern, encircling sturdy, upright stems that contribute to the plant's robust structure. As its name 'Stardust' suggests, the plant is particularly noted for its impressive clusters of star-shaped flowers. These flowers are usually a brilliant, pure white color and form dense, flattened heads that create a vivid contrast against the greenery. Blooming occurs from late summer to early fall, during which the plant becomes a hub of activity for pollinators such as bees and butterflies, drawn to its nectar-rich blossoms. The Sedum 'Stardust' is a popular choice for gardeners not only for its ornamental appeal but also for its hardiness and low maintenance requirements. It is often used in rock gardens, borders, and as a groundcover, where it can spread gracefully to fill the space with its foliage and flowers. It has a clumping habit and is adaptable to a variety of soil types, though it thrives best in well-drained conditions. The plant's resilience and distinct appearance make it a versatile and attractive addition to any garden setting.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Crassulaceae
Synonyms
Showy Stonecrop, Ice Plant, Butterfly Stonecrop, Live Forever
Common names
Sedum spectabile 'Stardust'.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as Stonecrop is generally considered non-toxic to humans. Ingesting parts of the Stonecrop typically does not result in serious poisoning. However, as with any plant, individual allergies or sensitivities are possible, and consuming large quantities could cause stomach upset or discomfort.
To pets
Stonecrop is also generally regarded as non-toxic to pets. While it is not known to cause serious harm if ingested by pets such as dogs or cats, individual animals might experience mild gastrointestinal symptoms, like vomiting or diarrhea, if they consume a significant amount of the plant. It is always best to prevent pets from ingesting plants to avoid any potential issues.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Succulent
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Low Maintenance: Hylotelephium spectabile 'Stardust' requires minimal care once established, making it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Drought Tolerant: It is highly drought-resistant, needing only occasional watering and thriving in dry conditions.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers provide nectar and pollen for bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects, supporting biodiversity.
- Long Blooming: This plant offers a long blooming period, with flowers often lasting from late summer into fall.
- Winter Interest: Even after the blooms have faded, the seed heads provide visual interest during winter months.
- Soil Adaptability: It can grow in a variety of soil types, though it prefers well-drained soil.
- Aesthetic Appeal: With its star-shaped blooms and attractive foliage, it adds beauty to gardens and landscapes.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Crafts and Decorations: The sturdy, dried flower heads of Sedum 'Stardust' can be used in floral arrangements, wreaths, or as natural decor in craft projects due to their enduring structure and unique texture.
- Garden Borders: Sedum 'Stardust' can be planted as a low, dense border along garden paths or flower beds, providing a visually appealing edge that requires minimal maintenance.
- Pollinator Garden Additions: The flowers of Sedum 'Stardust' attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, making it an ideal choice for adding biodiversity to a pollinator-friendly garden.
- Fairy Gardens: This plant's compact, dome-like growth habit makes it a whimsical addition to fairy gardens, providing a lush backdrop for miniature settings.
- Green Roofing: Sedum 'Stardust' can be used in green roofing projects due to its drought tolerance, low maintenance, and ability to thrive in shallow soil, helping to reduce urban heat islands.
- Photography: The intricate clusters of flowers can serve as an excellent subject for macro photography, inviting photographers to capture the detailed beauty of each tiny bloom.
- Living Mulch: Planting Sedum 'Stardust' in garden beds can act as living mulch, helping to retain soil moisture and suppress weed growth with its dense foliage.
- Educational Tool: Educators can use Sedum 'Stardust' in lessons about xeriscaping and sustainable gardening practices due to its drought-resistant nature.
- Seasonal Interest: In autumn, the leaves of Sedum 'Stardust' take on a reddish tinge, providing a splash of color to gardens when many other plants are starting to fade.
- Container Gardening: This versatile succulent can be grown in pots, making it suitable for balcony gardens, patios, or as indoor decor in bright, sunny rooms.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Sedum 'Stardust' is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Sedum 'Stardust' is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: The Hylotelephium spectabile 'Stardust', commonly known as "Stardust Sedum," symbolizes resilience due to its ability to withstand harsh conditions and still produce beautiful star-shaped flowers.
- Strength: Sedum represents strength as these plants have sturdy stems and succulent leaves that retain water, signifying the ability to endure and thrive.
- Enduring Love: As sedums bloom from late summer into fall, they are often associated with enduring love that lasts through the changing seasons and times.
- Tranquility: The subtle hues and the way it complements other plants in gardens make Stardust Sedum a symbol of tranquility and peace.
- Adaptability: Sedum's ability to adapt to various soil types and its drought tolerance also make it symbolic of adaptability in life's conditions.
WaterThe Showy Stonecrop, prefers even moisture with a thorough watering where the soil is allowed to dry out between watering sessions. Generally, this means watering approximately once a week with about 1 gallon of water for larger outdoor plants, adjusting for rainfall and less frequently for smaller potted specimens. It's crucial not to overwater, as the plant is drought-tolerant and susceptible to root rot in soggy soil. During the growing season, spring through fall, you may need to water more frequently, especially if conditions are very dry; however, in winter, reduce watering significantly as the plant enters dormancy.
LightFor the Showy Stonecrop, the best light condition is full sun to partial shade. Ideally, place it in a spot where it receives at least six hours of sunlight a day. While it can handle some shade, too much will cause the plant to become leggy and affect its flowering.
TemperatureThe Showy Stonecrop thrives in temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit but can withstand temperatures down to 20 degrees Fahrenheit and as high as 90 degrees Fahrenheit. It's cold-hardy and can survive frost without issue, making it a good choice for many climates.
PruningPrune the Showy Stonecrop to maintain its shape and health, cutting back the plants in early spring to encourage robust new growth. Pruning is also necessary after flowering, generally in late fall or early winter, to remove spent blooms and prevent self-seeding if desired. It's not needed to prune annually, but doing so can help maintain a more compact, tidy appearance.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for the plant commonly known as 'Stardust' Sedum is one that is well-draining with a gritty composition, like a cactus or succulent mix. The addition of perlite or coarse sand can improve drainage. The soil pH should ideally be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from about 6.0 to 7.0 for optimal growth.
Repotting'Stardust' Sedum should be repotted every 2-3 years to refresh the soil and accommodate the growth of the plant. Repotting is best done during the spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Humidity & Misting'Stardust' Sedum prefers low to average humidity levels and is quite tolerant of dry conditions. It does not need any special humidity requirements and is well-suited for typical indoor air.
Suitable locationsIndoor
For 'Stardust' Sedum, place in bright sunlight and ensure good air flow.
Outdoor
Grow 'Stardust' Sedum in full sun and in well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleHylotelephium spectabile 'Stardust', also known as Sedum 'Stardust', begins its life cycle as seeds that germinate in early spring, requiring well-drained soil and full to partial sun exposure for optimal growth. The seedlings quickly establish a root system and produce fleshy, succulent leaves that form a dense mat across the planting area. As the plant matures in late spring to early summer, it develops sturdy, upright stems which eventually bear clusters of starry white flowers by late summer to early fall, attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies. After blooming, the flowers fade, and the plant produces seed heads that persist through winter, providing visual interest and the potential for self-seeding. During the winter months, Sedum 'Stardust' enters a dormancy period, with above-ground foliage often dying back, especially in colder climates. With the return of spring, the plant will resume growth from the rootstock, repeating its life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Early spring
Propogation: The most popular method of propagating Hylotelephium spectabile 'Stardust', commonly known as Stonecrop, is by division. This typically occurs during the spring, when the plant is just emerging from dormancy and has not yet begun its rapid summer growth. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the entire clump of Stonecrop and gently separate it into smaller sections, ensuring that each section has a portion of the root system. These divisions can then be immediately replanted at the same depth they were growing originally, spaced about 12 to 15 inches (approximately 30 to 38 centimeters) apart to allow for growth. Water the new divisions thoroughly to help establish them. This propagation method is fast, maintains the characteristics of the parent plant, and can help rejuvenate older clumps that may have become woody or overgrown.
