Cape Blanco Stonecrop Sedum spathulifolium 'Cape Blanco'
ABOUT
Cape Blanco is a succulent plant known for its striking foliage and ground-covering habit. The leaves are plump and fleshy, taking on a spoon-like shape, and are often coated with a powdery white bloom, giving them a frosted appearance. This waxy, protective layer helps the plant retain moisture. Over time, the leaves form a tight rosette pattern that spreads out to create a dense mat of silvery-gray to almost white coloration. The plant produces star-shaped flowers that blossom in clusters on short stems above the foliage. These flowers are typically a bright yellow hue, which contrasts dramatically with the pale leaves. Cape Blanco's overall appearance is compact and robust, with its distinctive color and texture making it a popular choice for rockeries, containers, and as a ground cover in drought-tolerant gardens. The visual appeal of Cape Blanco lies in its intricate rosettes and the juxtaposition of its silvery foliage against its vibrant flowers.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Cape Blanco Stonecrop, Pacific Stonecrop, Broadleaf Stonecrop, Spoon-Leaved Stonecrop, White Stonecrop
Common names
Sedum spathulifolium var. minus, Gormania spathulifolia.
ToxicityTo humans
Cape Blanco Stonecrop is generally considered non-toxic to humans. Ingestion of this plant is not known to cause serious harm. However, as with any plant material, individual sensitivities can vary, and ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort in some people. It is always advisable to discourage children from eating any garden plants to prevent potential negative reactions.
To pets
Cape Blanco Stonecrop is generally considered non-toxic to pets. There is no significant evidence to suggest that this plant, when ingested, causes serious illness in pets such as dogs and cats. However, it is always wise to keep an eye on your pets and prevent them from eating large amounts of plant material, as individual animals may have unique sensitivities, and ingestion could potentially cause mild gastrointestinal upset.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Silvery-grey
Flower color
Yellow
Height
0.1 feet (3 cm)
Spread
0.75 feet (23 cm)
Plant type
Succulent
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Drought Tolerance: Sedum spathulifolium 'Cape Blanco', commonly known as Cape Blanco Stonecrop, has excellent drought tolerance once established, making it suitable for xeriscaping and water-wise gardens.
- Low Maintenance: It requires minimal care, with little need for fertilization or frequent watering, reducing maintenance efforts.
- Ground Cover: With its dense growth habit, Cape Blanco Stonecrop acts as a ground cover, suppressing weeds and reducing soil erosion.
- Cold Hardy: This plant is frost-resistant, able to withstand cold temperatures and suitable for growing in a variety of climates.
- Attractive Foliage: The silvery-grey foliage adds unique color and texture to garden landscapes, providing year-round visual interest.
- Pollinator Attraction: Cape Blanco Stonecrop produces flowers that attract bees and butterflies, supporting pollinator populations.
- Rock Gardens and Containers: Ideal for rock gardens and containers due to its compact size and ornamental appearance.
- Erosion Control: Its root structure helps stabilize slopes and banks, reducing the risk of soil erosion.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Sedum spathulifolium 'Cape Blanco', commonly known as Cape Blanco stonecrop, can be used in miniature and fairy gardens due to its small size and succulent characteristics which make it resemble miniature landscapes.
- The plant is often used as a living roof or green roof element because it can tolerate harsh conditions and helps in insulation and reducing stormwater runoff.
- Cape Blanco stonecrop can serve as ground cover in xeriscaping, a landscaping method that reduces or eliminates the need for irrigation.
- The textured and colorful leaves of the plant can add visual interest to floral arrangements and bouquets, even when dried.
- It can be used as a natural mulch, as its dense growth can help retain soil moisture and suppress weed growth.
- You can grow Cape Blanco stonecrop in crevices of walls or walkways where it can survive with minimal soil, highlighting the cracks with its foliage.
- This succulent is sometimes utilized in outdoor container gardens where it spills attractively over the edges of pots and planters.
- Cape Blanco stonecrop's ability to grow in shallow soil makes it useful for planting in rock gardens where other plants might struggle.
- It can act as a soil stabilizer on slopes or banks, helping to prevent erosion with its spreading roots.
- The contrasting color and texture of its leaves make it a good companion plant to create a visually appealing tapestry when combined with other low-water plants.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Sedum is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant Sedum is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: Sedum spathulifolium 'Cape Blanco', commonly known as Stonecrop, showcases its ability to thrive in rocky and poor soil conditions, symbolizing the strength and tenacity to survive and grow through challenging circumstances.
- Adaptability: Stonecrop demonstrates great adaptability by being drought-tolerant and able to adjust to different environments, which translates to the symbolic meaning of being able to prosper despite changes and adversities.
- Healing: Historically, some Sedum species were used in traditional medicine, which gives Stonecrop a symbolic representation of healing and the restoration of balance.
- Peace: The succulent nature of Stonecrop, with its soothing and plump leaves, evokes a sense of calm and tranquility, symbolizing peace and serenity.
- Enduring Love: Due to its hardy and lasting nature, Stonecrop often stands as a symbol for love that endures hardships and the test of time.
WaterThe Cape Blanco Stonecrop requires minimal watering as it is a drought-tolerant plant. During the growing season, water this succulent only when the soil is completely dry, about once every two weeks. You should provide approximately a half gallon of water to thoroughly saturate the soil. In the winter, reduce watering to once a month or less, as the plant is dormant and uses less water. Always allow the soil to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot.
LightThe Cape Blanco Stonecrop thrives in full sun to partial shade conditions. It prefers a spot where it can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Too much shade can lead to leggy growth and reduce the plant's compact, robust form. An ideal location would be in a south-facing or west-facing area where it can bask in the bright light while being protected from the intense midday sun in very hot climates.
TemperatureThe Cape Blanco Stonecrop is hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures from approximately 20°F to 90°F, making it suitable for many climates. The ideal temperature range for optimal growth is between 65°F and 75°F. While it can survive brief periods of colder temperatures and light frost, prolonged exposure to temperatures below freezing may damage the plant.
PruningPruning is beneficial for the Cape Blanco Stonecrop to maintain its shape and encourage a denser growth habit. It is best to prune or pinch back the tips of the plant in early spring before new growth begins. You can also remove any dead or damaged leaves and stems at this time. Pruning once per year is typically sufficient unless you are trying to shape the plant or control its size more actively.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Cape Blanco Stonecrop prefers a well-draining soil mix, composed of one part potting soil, one part coarse sand, and a handful of perlite or pumice for improved drainage. An ideal soil pH for Cape Blanco Stonecrop is around 6.0 to 7.5, slightly acidic to neutral.
RepottingCape Blanco Stonecrop should be repotted every 2-3 years or when it outgrows its current pot. This low-maintenance succulent can thrive in the same container if it has enough room for growth and the soil is refreshed.
Humidity & MistingCape Blanco Stonecrop tolerates dry air and low humidity conditions typical of arid environments, making it well-suited for indoor cultivation where household humidity levels are low.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright light, well-drained soil, water sparingly.
Outdoor
Full sun to partial shade, well-drained area, drought tolerant.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA.
Life cycle'Cape Blanco' Stonecrop, typically starts its life cycle as a small seed that germinates in the spring when the soil warms up. The seedling grows into a small rosette, consisting of fleshy, spoon-shaped leaves that are pale green with a powdery white coating. As the plant matures, it spreads outwards through offsets, forming a dense mat or clump. In summer, it sends up flowering stems that bear clusters of small, star-shaped yellow flowers attractive to pollinators. After blooming, seeds form and are dispersed to start the next generation, while the parent plant may go dormant in winter, particularly in colder climates. Over time, older plants may die in the center, leaving younger plants around the periphery to continue the growth cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Sedum spathulifolium 'Cape Blanco', commonly known as 'Cape Blanco Stonecrop', can be propagated effectively through leaf cuttings. This is best done in late spring to early summer, when the plant is actively growing. To propagate, a healthy leaf is gently twisted off the stem, ensuring that a little piece of the stem comes with it. The leaf cutting is then left to dry for a day or two until the cut end callouses over. Once calloused, the leaf is placed on the surface of a well-draining soil mix and lightly pressed down. The soil should be kept slightly moist, but not wet, and the pot should be placed in a warm, bright area but out of direct sunlight. Roots and a new rosette will usually form at the base of the leaf cutting in a few weeks, at which point it can be treated as a mature plant.
