Stonecrop Hylotelephium 'Matrona'
ABOUT
'Matrona' is a striking perennial that showcases thick, fleshy leaves with a dusky blue-green hue and a touch of purple along the edges, giving it a two-toned effect. As the season progresses, the leaves can take on a more pronounced purplish undertone, making it a dynamic element in the garden. The plant's robust, upright stems hold aloft large, flat-topped clusters of tiny, star-shaped flowers. These blossoms are a rich, dusky pink that deepens as they mature, providing a beautiful contrast to the foliage and adding an attractive splash of color to the landscape. The combination of its foliage and flowers creates a stunning visual impact that can add architectural interest to any planting area. As a member of the Stonecrop family, 'Matrona' possesses the succulent characteristics typical of this group, contributing to its overall robust and hearty appearance.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Crassulaceae
Synonyms
Matrona Sedum, Stonecrop
Common names
Sedum telephium 'Matrona', Sedum 'Matrona'
ToxicityTo humans
Stonecrop, commonly referred to as Hylotelephium 'Matrona', is generally considered non-toxic to humans. While it is not typically known for any serious toxic effects when ingested, consuming any part of the plant can potentially cause mild gastrointestinal distress in some individuals, such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Always exercise caution and avoid consuming parts of ornamental plants.
To pets
Stonecrop, known as Hylotelephium 'Matrona', is not highly toxic to pets. It is generally considered safe around cats and dogs. However, if a pet ingests a part of this plant, they might experience mild gastrointestinal irritation, such as diarrhea or vomiting. As a precaution, it is still advisable to keep an eye on your pet and prevent them from eating large amounts of this or any non-food plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Gray-green
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
Hybrid
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Hylotelephium 'Matrona' produces flowers that are appealing to bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, thus promoting biodiversity in the garden.
- Drought Tolerant: This plant is very resilient in dry conditions, making it suitable for xeriscaping and low-water gardens.
- Easy to Care: 'Matrona' is low maintenance, requiring minimal pruning and generally free from pests and diseases.
- Long Blooming: It has a long flowering period from late summer into fall, providing color and interest in the garden when other plants may be fading.
- Winter Interest: Its sturdy stems and seed heads can provide structure and interest in the winter landscape before new growth starts in spring.
- Versatile Landscaping: This Stonecrop can be placed in borders, rock gardens, or as groundcover, and it works well in various garden styles.
- Seasonal Color: Its leaves change color throughout the season, providing a dynamic visual display beyond just the flowering period.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Hylotelephium 'Matrona', commonly known as Stonecrop, can be used as a natural dye source, supplying an array of colors from its leaves and flowers for textiles and crafts.
- Provides winter interest in gardens due to its sturdy stems and seed heads that remain attractive after the growing season, especially when dusted with snow or frost.
- Can be used in green roofing systems due to its drought tolerance and low maintenance, contributing to urban biodiversity and insulation properties.
- Acts as a living mulch, suppressing weed growth around itself due to its foliage density, thus reducing the need for chemical weed killers.
- Stonecrop is beneficial for erosion control on slopes and banks as its root system helps hold the soil in place.
- Its ability to thrive in shallow soil makes it suitable for planting in cracks in walls or pavements, adding greenery to urban environments.
- Can be used as an indicator plant for over-watering in the garden; Stonecrop prefers dry conditions and too much water will cause its stems to be weak.
- Good as an educational tool to teach about plant survival strategies; Stonecrop’s succulent leaves demonstrate how plants store water.
- Used in xeriscaping designs, Stonecrop is ideal for water-wise gardens aimed at conserving water resources.
- Attractive to photographers and artists for its structured form and colors, Stonecrop presents opportunities for creative expression in both macro and landscape photography or botanical drawing.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Sedum 'Matrona' is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Sedum 'Matrona' is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: 'Matrona' is a variety of Sedum, which are well-known for their hardiness. They symbolize the ability to withstand tough conditions and challenges.
- Survival: Sedums have the capacity to survive with minimal water and poor soil, representing adaptability and survival against the odds.
- Balance: The sturdy upright form and the even distribution of flowers in 'Matrona' symbolize balance and harmony in life.
- Timelessness: Sedums are perennials that return year after year, which is often seen as a symbol of enduring presence and timelessness.
WaterStonecrop 'Matrona' should be watered deeply and then allowed to dry out completely before watering again. Typically, this means watering the plant every 7 to 10 days during active growth periods in spring and summer, depending on weather conditions. During the hot, dry periods, you might need to water more frequently. Ensure to provide approximately 1 gallon of water for a mature plant each time you water. During fall and winter, reduce watering frequency as the plant enters dormancy.
LightStonecrop 'Matrona' thrives in full sun to partial shade. The ideal location for this plant is a spot where it can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Some afternoon shade can be beneficial in extremely hot climates, but too much shade will result in leggy growth and fewer blooms.
TemperatureStonecrop 'Matrona' is quite hardy and can tolerate temperatures as low as -30°F and as high as 90°F. However, it prefers a temperature range between 65°F and 75°F for optimal growth. It is important for the plant to experience a period of cold during winter to stimulate proper dormancy.
PruningPrune Stonecrop 'Matrona' in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Pruning is primarily done to clean up any dead or damaged stems and to maintain a compact, healthy plant. You can also deadhead spent flowers during the growing season to encourage additional blooming. It's not necessary to prune often; once a year is typically enough.
CleaningAs needed
SoilSedum 'Matrona' thrives best in well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH, around 6.0 to 7.0. For optimal growth, a mix of loam, sand, and peat with some perlite or coarse grit to enhance drainage would be ideal. Regular garden soil amended with compost and a low concentration of organic matter will support strong growth, however, it's important to ensure the mix does not retain excessive moisture.
RepottingSedum 'Matrona' should be repotted every 2-3 years to replenish the soil and accommodate its growth. If the plant becomes root-bound or the soil looks depleted, it's time to repot. Spring is the best season for repotting, giving the plant time to establish itself in the new container before the growing season.
Humidity & MistingSedum 'Matrona' is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and does well in average household humidity conditions. It does not require high humidity and can thrive in drier air typical of most indoor environments, making it a suitable choice for various indoor settings without special modifications.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and avoid overwatering.
Outdoor
Full sun to part shade; well-draining soil is a must.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life of a 'Matrona' Stonecrop (Hylotelephium 'Matrona') begins with seed germination, where the seed needs well-draining soil and some warmth to sprout. After germination, the plant enters the vegetative stage, developing a rosette of succulent leaves and a sturdy stem. As it matures, the stonecrop extends its roots and leaves, storing water and nutrients in its fleshy tissues, adept at surviving in drought-prone conditions. During the flowering stage in late summer to fall, 'Matrona' produces clusters of tiny, star-shaped flowers, usually in shades of pink or red, which attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. Following pollination, seeds are produced and dispersed, continuing the reproductive cycle. As a perennial, 'Matrona' Stonecrop may die back to the ground in winter in colder climates but will resprout from its root system the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Late Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The most popular method for propagating the Stonecrop 'Matrona', scientifically known as Hylotelephium 'Matrona', is through stem or leaf cuttings. This is usually done in the spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. To propagate, one should select a healthy stem and cut a 2 to 4 inch section using a sharp, clean knife or scissors. That's about 5 to 10 centimeters for those using the metric system. Next, the cuttings should be allowed to callous over for a few days to prevent rot. Afterward, the calloused cuttings can be placed in well-draining soil and kept under partial sunlight, maintaining light moisture until roots develop. This straightforward method is not only the most popular due to its simplicity but also because it typically yields a high success rate.
