Stonecrop Hylotelephium 'Carl'
ABOUT
Hylotelephium 'Carl', commonly known as Stonecrop, is a succulent plant with a robust and upright growth habit. Its fleshy leaves are broadly oval-shaped, emanating a light bluish-green hue or sometimes with a greyish tint. The leaves are densely arranged along the stems, which adds to the plant's fullness and lends it a somewhat bushy appearance. The plant is particularly notable for its impressive flower heads, which appear in generous clusters. The blooms are small, star-shaped, and boast a vivid pink color that can add a bright splash of color to any garden display. These flowers are tightly packed together, forming a distinctive, umbrella-like shape, and they tend to attract a variety of pollinators including bees and butterflies. The overall appearance of Stonecrop 'Carl' is that of a sturdy, rounded clump, with its foliage and flower heads providing texture and color respectively. The attractive contrast between the bluish-green of the leaves and the vivid pink of the blooms makes this plant a striking choice for gardeners seeking a low-maintenance option for their outdoor spaces. Its succulent nature contributes to its ability to withstand dry conditions, making it a popular choice for rock gardens, borders, and container plantings.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Crassulaceae.
Synonyms
Autumn Stonecrop, Carl Sedum, Stonecrop 'Carl'.
Common names
Sedum 'Carl'
ToxicityTo humans
The plant Hylotelephium 'Carl', commonly known as Stonecrop, is not highly toxic to humans. However, it may cause mild irritation in some individuals when they come into contact with the sap. If ingested, it could potentially cause stomach upset, vomiting, or diarrhea. It is always wise to avoid eating plants that are not specifically grown for consumption to prevent any potential adverse reactions.
To pets
Stonecrop is considered non-toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. However, like in humans, ingestion can sometimes result in mild gastrointestinal upset, including symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. While it is not expected to cause serious illness or death, it is still advisable to prevent pets from eating ornamental plants as a general precaution.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Varies
Flower color
Pink
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Succulent
Hardiness zones
3-9
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Drought Tolerance: Can survive in dry conditions with minimal water, reducing the need for frequent irrigation.
- Low Maintenance: Requires little care once established, making it ideal for busy gardeners or those with limited gardening experience.
- Attracts Pollinators: Flowers provide nectar for bees and butterflies, promoting biodiversity in the garden.
- All-Season Interest: Offers visual appeal throughout the growing season with its foliage and flower display.
- Easy Propagation: Can be readily propagated from cuttings, allowing gardeners to easily expand their plantings.
- Cold Hardy: Able to withstand cold temperatures, making it suitable for planting in a variety of climates.
- Soil Adaptability: Thrives in a range of soil types, from sandy to clay, provided the soil is well-draining.
- Pest and Disease Resistance: Generally resistant to common garden pests and diseases, reducing the need for chemical treatments.
- Attractive Foliage: Features succulent leaves that add texture and color contrast to the garden.
- Long Blooming Period: Produces flowers that can last for several weeks, providing a lengthy display of color.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Hylotelephium 'Carl', commonly known as Stonecrop, can be used in green roofing to create sustainable, low-maintenance roof coverings that support biodiversity and improve insulation.
- Stonecrop can serve as a living mulch in a garden bed, suppressing weeds and retaining soil moisture with its dense mat-forming growth habit.
- The drought-resistant characteristics make Stonecrop an excellent choice for xeriscaping, which is landscaping that reduces or eliminates the need for irrigation.
- Leaves of Stonecrop can be used as an organic additive to compost piles, providing essential nutrients and aiding in the decomposition process.
- Due to their attractive foliage and flowers, Stonecrop can be used in floral arrangements, both fresh and dried, adding unique texture and interest.
- Stonecrop varieties are often used in butterfly gardens as they are appealing to pollinators such as bees and butterflies with their nectar-rich blooms.
- Stonecrop can act as a ground stabilizer on slopes or banks, helping to prevent soil erosion with its root system.
- In themed gardens, such as rock or alpine gardens, Stonecrop can be used to create a naturalistic appearance, blending well with stones and gravel paths.
- During festive seasons, the colorful leaves and flowers of Stonecrop can be utilized for decorative purposes, such as creating a living centerpiece for outdoor tables.
- Because of its succulent nature, Stonecrop is great for creating living walls or vertical gardens, which can serve as artistic features in urban environments.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Stonecrop is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Stonecrop is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: The Hylotelephium 'Carl', commonly known as Carl Sedum, is known for its robust nature. It can withstand tough conditions such as drought and poor soil, symbolizing the ability to thrive despite challenges.
- Adaptability: With its capacity to adapt to different environments, this plant often represents the human ability to adjust and succeed in various life situations.
- Perseverance: Reflecting the plant's persistence to grow and flower even in adverse conditions, it symbolizes determination and the will to keep going.
- Peace: The Carl Sedum has a soothing presence and is often associated with tranquility and the creation of a peaceful atmosphere.
- Beauty in Simplicity: With its uncomplicated yet appealing aesthetic, the plant signifies finding beauty in simple, everyday things.
Water'Autumn Joy' Sedum, or Sedum 'Herbstfreude', should be watered deeply but infrequently, as it is drought-tolerant once established. Aim to water the plant every two weeks, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Use approximately one gallon of water per plant, focusing on the base to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to fungal diseases. During the hot summer months, you may need to water once a week, especially if you notice the leaves beginning to wilt. In the winter, reduce watering to once a month or less, depending on rainfall and temperature conditions.
Light'Autumn Joy' Sedum thrives in full sun to partial shade. The ideal spot for this plant is an area where it can receive at least six hours of sunlight daily. If possible, place it in a location that gets morning sun and afternoon shade to protect it from the intense heat of the day.
Temperature'Autumn Joy' Sedum is hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, from well below freezing to hot summer temperatures. However, it does best when daytime temperatures are between 65°F and 75°F. The plant can survive minimum temperatures down to around -30°F, but protection may be needed in very cold climates. It can handle maximum temperatures of up to 90°F, though prolonged heat spells without adequate water can stress the plant.
Pruning'Autumn Joy' Sedum benefits from pruning to maintain its shape and encourage thicker growth. Pruning should be done in early spring to remove any dead or damaged tissue from the previous year. It can also be pruned back by one-third in late spring to prevent the plant from becoming leggy. The best time for a major pruning is immediately after the plant has finished flowering to promote new growth and prepare it for the next blooming season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilSedum 'Carl', commonly known as Stonecrop, thrives best in a well-draining soil mix that can be created by combining equal parts potting soil, coarse sand, and perlite or pumice. It prefers a slightly acidic to neutral pH range of 6.0 to 7.5.
RepottingStonecrop 'Carl' should be repotted every 2-3 years or when you notice that the plant has outgrown its current container. It's best to repot in spring just before the growth season begins.
Humidity & MistingStonecrop 'Carl' prefers a dry to average humidity level, typical of what is found in most homes. It does not require high humidity and excessive humidity can lead to rot.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, sparse watering, and well-draining soil for indoor Stonecrop 'Carl'.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun to partial shade, in well-draining soil for outdoor Stonecrop 'Carl'.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleHylotelephium 'Carl', commonly known as Stonecrop, begins its lifecycle with seed germination, typically in the spring when soil temperatures warm sufficiently. Following germination, the seedling develops into a young plant with a rosette of fleshy leaves and a developing root system. As the plant matures, it forms a sturdy stem and a larger rosette, making it more resilient to environmental stressors such as drought. Throughout the growing season, Stonecrop will blossom, producing clusters of star-shaped flowers that attract pollinators. After pollination, the flowers will set seed, which are distributed by wind or wildlife, completing the reproductive cycle. In the late autumn or with the onset of cold weather, the plant will die back to the ground but the root system remains alive, preparing for new growth the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The plant known as Hylotelephium 'Carl', commonly called Stonecrop, is often propagated during spring to early summer, when the plant is actively growing. The most popular method of propagation for Stonecrop is by taking stem cuttings. To do this, you can cut a 4- to 6-inch-long piece of stem using a clean, sharp knife or scissors. It's essential to allow the cut end of the stem to callous over for a day or two to prevent rotting. Once calloused, the stem cutting can be placed in well-draining soil and watered sparingly until roots develop. This usually takes a few weeks, after which the new Stonecrop plant can be treated as an established plant, with regular watering as needed. This method is straightforward and typically has a high success rate, allowing gardeners to expand their collection of Stonecrop or share it easily with friends.
