Pink Mongolian Stonecrop Hylotelephium ewersii
ABOUT
The Hylotelephium ewersii, commonly known as pink Mongolian stonecrop, features a succulent characteristic with fleshy leaves that form in a rosette pattern. The leaves are often a blue-green hue, sometimes with a hint of pink or purple especially when exposed to cool temperatures. As the seasons change, the leaf color can deepen, providing a striking contrast in the garden. Blooms of the pink Mongolian stonecrop emerge in dense clusters, presenting an eye-catching pink to sometimes red tone depending on the variety. These star-shaped flowers are compactly arranged atop sturdy stems that rise above the foliage, and their appearance towards the end of summer often attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies. The plant has a sprawling habit, with stems that spread out and root along the way, allowing it to cover the ground effectively. The overall impression of the pink Mongolian stonecrop is one of hardiness and vibrant color, with a texture that adds interest to any planting.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Crassulaceae
Synonyms
Pink Mongolian Stonecrop, Ewers' Stonecrop, Ewers' Sedum, Ewers' Pink Stonecrop
Common names
Sedum ewersii, Phedimus ewersii.
ToxicityTo humans
Pink Stonecrop, commonly known as Hylotelephium ewersii, is not highly toxic to humans. However, like many plants, it may cause mild irritation to some individuals if ingested or if the sap comes into contact with skin. Ingestion might result in symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. It's always best to avoid eating this or any other ornamental plant, as they are not intended for human consumption.
To pets
Pink Stonecrop, also known as Hylotelephium ewersii, is considered non-toxic to cats and dogs. While it is not poisonous, ingesting the plant may still cause mild gastrointestinal upset in some pets. If an animal eats a large amount, they could potentially experience vomiting or diarrhea. As a precaution, it's best to discourage pets from chewing on this or any plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
0.5 feet (15 cm)
Spread
1 feet (30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Landscape Aesthetics: Hylotelephium ewersii, commonly known as Pink Mongolian Stonecrop, adds visual interest to gardens with its attractive pink flowers and succulent foliage.
- Drought Tolerance: As a succulent, it is highly drought-tolerant, making it ideal for xeriscaping and water-wise gardens.
- Easy Maintenance: This plant requires minimal care, thriving in poor soil and needing little watering or fertilization.
- Pollinator Attraction: The flowers of the Pink Mongolian Stonecrop attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, supporting biodiversity.
- Seasonal Interest: It provides seasonal interest with flowers blooming in the late summer to fall, and foliage that changes color in the cooler months.
- Erosion Control: Its mat-forming growth habit helps to stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slopes and banks.
- Cold Hardy: Hylotelephium ewersii is tolerant of cold temperatures, making it suitable for colder climates.
- Versatility: It can be used in a variety of garden designs, including rock gardens, borders, and containers.
- Propagation: The plant is easily propagated from cuttings or leaves, which helps in quick and cost-effective garden expansion.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Hylotelephium ewersii, commonly known as pink stonecrop, can be used in rock gardens for its drought-resistant qualities, making it ideal for creating low-maintenance, visually appealing landscape designs.
- Due to its trailing habit and attractive flowers, pink stonecrop can be planted in hanging baskets to add a pop of color and visual interest to porches or patios.
- The succulent leaves of pink stonecrop can be used in living walls or vertical gardens, contributing to its sculptural aesthetics and variety in texture.
- Pink stonecrop's dense growth can be utilized as ground cover, helping in erosion control by stabilizing soil on slopes and banks.
- This plant can serve as a nectar source in butterfly gardens, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies, which is beneficial for increasing biodiversity in the garden.
- Pink stonecrop can be integrated into fairy gardens due to its small scale and enchanting flower clusters, which create a whimsical landscape.
- The drought tolerance and easy propagation of pink stonecrop make it suitable for xeriscaping, a landscaping method that reduces the need for irrigation.
- Using pink stonecrop in green roofing can help in temperature regulation of buildings, as its thick foliage acts as an insulating layer.
- Pink stonecrop can also be used in educational projects to teach children about plant growth, propagation, and succulent care.
- As a part of wildlife gardens, pink stonecrop provides shelter and breeding spaces for small insects, contributing to a healthy garden ecosystem.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Pink Mongolian Stonecrop is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Pink Mongolian Stonecrop is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: Hylotelephium ewersii, commonly known as Pink Mongolian Stonecrop, is a succulent with the ability to thrive in tough conditions. It symbolizes the ability to endure and recover from adversity.
- Adaptability: This plant can adapt to a variety of soil types, which represents the flexibility to adapt to different environments and situations.
- Survival: With its capability to store water in leaves for dry periods, Pink Mongolian Stonecrop symbolizes survival and self-sufficiency in challenging times.
- Longevity: As a perennial, it represents longevity and the idea of lasting through the years, making it a symbol of persistence and timelessness.
- Beauty and Contrast: The vibrant pink flowers against the green foliage symbolize beauty emerging from simplicity and the importance of standing out.
WaterPink sedum requires minimal watering as it is drought-tolerant. Water once every 7 to 10 days, providing enough water to soak the soil without causing standing water. During the growing season, increase watering to support growth, but allow the soil to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot. A general guideline is to provide approximately half a gallon for each square foot of soil every two weeks, adjusting for rainfall and temperature.
LightPink sedum thrives in full sun to partial shade. It prefers locations where it can receive at least six hours of sunlight daily. The ideal spot would be an area that gets morning sun and is shielded from the intense heat of the late afternoon sun.
TemperaturePink sedum is hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, withstanding a minimum temperature of approximately -30 Fahrenheit and a maximum of around 90 Fahrenheit. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 65 and 75 Fahrenheit.
PruningPink sedum should be pruned to remove dead or damaged stems and to maintain its compact shape. Pruning is best done in early spring as new growth appears. It should be pruned again after flowering to encourage a second bloom and to prevent self-seeding if desired. Deadheading spent blooms can also promote a tidier appearance.
CleaningAs needed
SoilPink Mongolian Stonecrop thrives in well-draining soil that is a mix of potting soil, coarse sand, and perlite or pumice. The ideal pH range for the soil should be between 6.0 and 7.0.
RepottingPink Mongolian Stonecrop should be repotted every two to three years or when it outgrows its current container, to ensure the plant remains healthy and has enough room to grow.
Humidity & MistingPink Mongolian Stonecrop prefers low humidity conditions and is tolerant of dry air, making it suitable for most indoor environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Pink Mongolian Stonecrop in bright light indoors.
Outdoor
Grow Pink Mongolian Stonecrop in full sun to light shade.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleHylotelephium ewersii, commonly known as the Ewers' Stonecrop, starts its life as a seed that germinates in spring when soil temperatures rise. After germination, it develops a small rosette of succulent leaves at the soil surface. As it enters the vegetative stage, the plant rapidly grows stems and leaves and stores water in its fleshy foliage, adapting well to arid conditions. The plant matures and enters the flowering stage by late summer to early fall, producing clusters of pink to red star-shaped flowers that attract pollinators. Following pollination, the flowers produce tiny seeds that are dispersed by wind or wildlife. The Ewers' Stonecrop may die back to the ground in winter, especially in colder climates, but its root system remains alive, and it will regrow from the roots the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Late Spring-Early Summer
Hylotelephium ewersii, commonly known as Pink Mongolian Stonecrop, is best propagated by division in the spring. This method involves carefully digging up the plant, ensuring to keep a good amount of roots attached, and gently separating the plant into smaller sections by either pulling apart or cutting through the root mass. Each division should have at least one growth point, or “eye,” and a portion of the root system. After division, the individual plants are then planted directly into the garden or into pots, spaced about 6 to 12 inches (approximately 15 to 30 centimeters) apart to allow room for growth. It is crucial to water them well after planting to help establish the new divisions.
