Stonecrop Hylotelephium telephium subsp. maximum 'Gooseberry Fool'
ABOUT
Gooseberry Fool is a perennial plant known for its robust, succulent leaves and attractive flowering clusters. It has a bushy appearance with fleshy, rounded leaves that are typically grey-green in color, giving the plant a somewhat muted, yet lush, appearance. The edges of the leaves can be slightly toothed or scalloped, adding some texture to the overall look of the foliage. During its blooming period, the plant produces clusters of tiny, star-shaped flowers. These blossoms are often a soft, pastel pink, which contrasts nicely against the greenish-grey backdrop of the leaves. The flowers are grouped together in an attractive, domed shape that tends to be quite dense, adding to the visual impact of the plant when in full bloom. This plant conveys a sense of fullness and opulence due to its leafy nature and generous flower clusters. Gooseberry Fool is often admired for its durability and ability to bring a splash of understated elegance to garden spaces. The overall visual effect of the plant is one of lushness and soft, inviting textures, making it a favorite among gardeners looking for reliable and beautiful succulent perennials.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Crassulaceae
Synonyms
Orpine, Livelong, Frog's-stomach, Harping Johnny, Life-everlasting, Live-forever, Midsummer-men, Orphan John, Witch's Moneybags
Common names
Sedum telephium 'Gooseberry Fool', Hylotelephium 'Gooseberry Fool'.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as Live Forever is not generally considered toxic to humans. However, ingestion of any plant material can cause gastrointestinal discomfort in some individuals, including symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. It is always advisable to exercise caution and avoid eating ornamental plants as they are not intended for consumption, and individual sensitivities can vary.
To pets
The plant commonly referred to as Live Forever is not known to be highly toxic to pets. However, as with humans, the consumption of plant material by pets can potentially result in mild gastrointestinal upset, which may manifest as symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea. It is recommended to keep a close eye on pets that tend to chew on plants and to discourage them from doing so to prevent any possible discomfort.
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
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Sedum 'Gooseberry Fool' has attractive, fleshy leaves and clusters of star-shaped flowers, adding visual interest to gardens and landscapes.
- Drought Tolerance: Being a succulent, it is exceptionally drought-resistant, requiring minimal watering and conserving water resources.
- Low Maintenance: It requires minimal care, making it ideal for gardeners looking for low-maintenance plants.
- Hardiness: This plant is hardy and can survive in tough environmental conditions, including cold temperatures and poor soil quality.
- Wildlife Attraction: The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, supporting local ecosystems and biodiversity.
- Soil Erosion Control: Its root system helps stabilize soil and prevent erosion in sloped or disturbed garden areas.
- Long Blooming Period: Sedum 'Gooseberry Fool' typically has a long flowering period, providing color in the garden from summer through fall.
- Versatility in Landscaping: Suitable for rock gardens, borders, ground cover, and container gardening, making it versatile for various garden designs.
- Edible Qualities: While generally not grown for consumption, some sedum species are edible and used in salads. (This benefit is general to some sedum species and may not specifically apply to 'Gooseberry Fool').
- Companion Planting: Sedum 'Gooseberry Fool' works well when planted with other drought-tolerant species, assisting in the creation of a water-wise garden.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography Prop: Hylotelephium telephium can be used as a backdrop or feature in garden photography due to its attractive foliage and flowers.
- Floral Arrangements: Cut stems of the plant can be incorporated into floral arrangements or bouquets for its aesthetic appeal.
- Edging Plants: They can serve as natural edging along paths or garden beds, as they have a neat, clumping habit.
- Fauna Attraction: The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, thus promoting pollination in the garden.
- Dye Production: Certain parts of the plant can potentially be used to create natural dyes for fabrics or art projects.
- Soil Erosion Control: Their extensive root system can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slopes or banks.
- Mood Enhancer: The presence of the plant in a garden or workspace can help improve mood and create a peaceful environment with its verdant display.
- Insect Repellant: When planted in specific arrangements, they can naturally deter certain pests from the garden or outdoor living spaces.
- Artistic Inspiration: The plant's form and color can serve as an artistic muse for painters, illustrators, and other visual artists.
- Seasonal Interest: This perennial can provide visual interest across seasons with changing colors from spring to fall.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Liveforever is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Liveforever is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Longevity: The hylotelephium genus, known commonly as 'Sedum', is a succulent which often symbolizes longevity due to its hardy and resilient nature, surviving in challenging conditions.
- Strength: As a robust plant that can thrive in sparse environments, sedum is often associated with strength and the ability to withstand adversity.
- Peace: The ease of care and the serene appearance of the sedum's foliage and blooms can represent tranquility and peace.
- Endurance: Reflecting its drought-tolerant characteristics, sedum symbolizes the capacity to endure and persist, similar to its ability to persevere in arid climates.
WaterThe Autumn Joy Sedum, as Hylotelephium telephium 'Gooseberry Fool' is commonly known, should be watered deeply but infrequently to mimic its natural drought-prone habitat. During the growing season, typically from spring to fall, water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry, approximately every 7 to 10 days, providing around 0.5 gallons per square foot each time. Over winter, reduce watering to once a month or less, as the plant is dormant and needs minimal moisture. Always avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. It's best to water in the morning, allowing the soil to fully absorb moisture and excess to evaporate.
LightAutumn Joy Sedum prefers full sun conditions to thrive, ideally receiving at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. When choosing a spot for this plant, select an area that is exposed to ample sunshine and is not shaded by trees or buildings. In warmer climates, some afternoon shade can be beneficial to prevent potential leaf scorch.
TemperatureAutumn Joy Sedum is hardy and tolerates a wide range of temperatures, but it thrives in temperatures between 65°F to 75°F. It can survive in temperatures as low as 0°F and as high as 90°F, but extreme temperatures may cause growth to slow or the plant to go dormant. For optimal growth, avoid placing your Sedum in spots where temperature fluctuations are severe.
PruningPruning Autumn Joy Sedum can help maintain its shape and encourage the growth of thicker, more robust stems. It's best to prune in early spring, cutting back the dead top growth from the previous season. Pruning can be done again lightly after the first bloom to stimulate a second round of flowers. Pruning is typically not needed more than twice a year.
CleaningAs needed
SoilHylotelephium telephium 'Gooseberry Fool' thrives best in well-draining soil with a good mix of organic matter, such as a blend of loam, compost, and coarse sand or perlite. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.5. Ensure the soil allows for adequate drainage to prevent root rot.
RepottingHylotelephium telephium 'Gooseberry Fool' should be repotted every 2 to 3 years or when it outgrows its current pot. It's best to repot in the spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Humidity & MistingHylotelephium telephium 'Gooseberry Fool' is drought-tolerant and prefers low to moderate humidity levels. It does not require high humidity and is well suited to the typical indoor environment.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright light, water sparingly.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-drained soil, space 12” apart.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleHylotelephium telephium subsp. maximum 'Gooseberry Fool', commonly known as 'Gooseberry Fool' Stonecrop, begins its life cycle when seeds germinate in spring, preferring well-draining soil and some sunlight. Seedlings emerge and establish a root system, soon developing fleshy leaves that store water, making the plant drought-tolerant. During late spring to summer, the plant enters its vegetative growth phase, producing robust stems and further foliage. By late summer to early autumn, the plant blooms, displaying dense clusters of small, star-shaped pink flowers attractive to pollinators such as bees and butterflies. After pollination, flowers give way to seed capsules which mature by late autumn, when the plant starts to go dormant, with foliage dying back in response to cooler temperatures and shorter days. The life cycle can continue the following spring from new seeds or from the surviving rootstock, as 'Gooseberry Fool' Stonecrop is a perennial herbaceous plant.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagating the Hylotelephium telephium subsp. maximum 'Gooseberry Fool', also known as the Autumn Joy Sedum, is by division or stem cuttings. To propagate by division, this is typically done in early spring or fall. The plant should be gently lifted from the soil and the root ball divided into smaller sections ensuring each has a decent root system and several shoots. Replant these divisions at the same soil level they were growing at previously. When using stem cuttings for propagation, this is best done in late spring or early summer. Cut a 2 to 4-inch (5-10 cm) section from a healthy stem, remove the lower leaves, and place the cutting in moist soil, making sure at least one node is buried where leaves were removed. The cutting should root in a few weeks if kept in warm, indirect light and the soil is kept consistently moist.
