Stonecrop Hylotelephium telephium 'Touchdown Teak' (PBR) (Touchdown Series)
ABOUT
Hylotelephium telephium 'Touchdown Teak', commonly known as the Touchdown Teak stonecrop, is an ornamental perennial plant known for its striking foliage and showy blooms. The plant features fleshy, succulent leaves which radiate from the stems like a dense, textured carpet. Touchdown Teak's leaves are a rich combination of colors, from deep purples and bronze to shades of teak-like reds, which can captivate the onlooker with their warm, earthy tones. As the seasons change, these colors can intensify, providing a dynamic display in the garden. In addition to its colorful leaves, the Touchdown Teak stonecrop produces clusters of tiny, star-shaped flowers which are usually a contrasting color to the foliage, creating an attractive tapestry of hues. These flowers typically bloom in late summer to early fall and are often a vibrant pink or red, adding a fresh burst of color to the plant's already stunning palette. The overall texture of the plant is robust and fleshy, indicative of its succulent nature, which allows it to store water and therefore makes it quite drought-tolerant. Its growth habit is mounded and spreading, forming a lush mat that can cover the garden ground reliably. The appearance of Touchdown Teak stonecrop is such that it can serve as an excellent ground cover, a border plant, or an addition to rock gardens, providing year-round visual interest with its foliage color and seasonal flower displays.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Crassulaceae
Synonyms
Stonecrop, Orpine
Common names
Sedum telephium, Hylotelephium telephium, Sedum telephium 'Matrona'.
ToxicityTo humans
Orpine, commonly known as Hylotelephium telephium 'Touchdown Teak' in the Touchdown Series, does not have a well-documented toxicity profile specific to humans. However, like many plants, if ingested in large quantities, it could potentially cause stomach upset or discomfort. It is always advisable to keep ornamental plants away from children and to avoid ingesting any part of an ornamental plant due to potential unknown toxicities.
To pets
Orpine, commonly known as Hylotelephium telephium 'Touchdown Teak' in the Touchdown Series, is not listed as a toxic plant for pets by major pet poison resources. However, ingestion of non-food plants by pets can lead to gastrointestinal irritation, vomiting, or diarrhea. Supervision of pets around ornamental plants is recommended to prevent unintended ingestion. If a pet ingests a significant amount of this plant and shows signs of distress, it is best to consult a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Purple
Flower color
Pink
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Succulent
Hardiness zones
4-9
Native area
Eurasia
Benefits
General Benefits- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it can withstand periods of low water availability, making it ideal for xeriscaping or dry climate gardens.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once it is established; it doesn't need frequent watering or fertilizing.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers are attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects, which helps support local ecosystems.
- Seasonal Interest: Offers vibrant foliage and blooms, adding color and visual interest to gardens from late summer to fall.
- Winter Hardy: Can survive cold winter temperatures, which makes it suitable for a variety of climate zones.
- Easy to Propagate: Can be easily propagated by cuttings or division, allowing gardeners to share and expand their garden with little effort.
- Deer Resistant: Typically not favored by deer, which can be an important consideration in areas where deer browsing is a problem.
- Versatile Uses: Can be used in borders, rock gardens, or as ground cover, offering flexible design options for different garden styles.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Hylotelephium telephium, commonly known as Stonecrop, can be used as a natural dye for fabrics, providing earthy tones depending on the mordant used.
- Stonecrop leaves can serve as a natural mild abrasive for cleaning tarnished silverware when crushed and mixed with a little water.
- The succulent nature of Stonecrop makes it suitable for use in living walls or vertical gardens, adding a three-dimensional element to garden designs.
- Florists may use Stonecrop's textured and colorful foliage as a durable addition to cut flower arrangements.
- These plants can be integrated into green roofing projects to provide insulation and reduce the urban heat island effect due to their drought resistance.
- Stonecrop can be grown as companion plants for certain vegetables to act as a ground cover, reducing weed growth and soil moisture loss.
- In craft projects, the dried flower heads of Stonecrop can be used to create natural decorations and wreaths.
- Educational projects on the life cycle of plants and pollinators can include Stonecrop to attract and support a variety of native bees and butterflies.
- When placed in rain gardens, Stonecrop can help in water management by absorbing excess rainwater and reducing runoff due to its water-retentive attributes.
- Stonecrop can be used in sensory gardens, as their thick leaves have a pleasing texture and the blooms can attract sight-enhancing insects like butterflies.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Sedum 'Touchdown Teak' is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Sedum 'Touchdown Teak' is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Strength: The robust nature of Stonecrop, reflecting its ability to thrive in tough conditions, symbolizes strength and resilience.
- Endurance: Stonecrop's drought tolerance and hardy characteristics represent the ability to endure and persist through challenging times.
- Tenacity: The plant's vigorous growth and tendency to spread suggest a symbolic meaning of tenacity and determination.
- Survival: Its capacity to survive with minimal care signifies adaptability and the idea of surviving against the odds.
- Longevity: Stonecrop often signifies long life due to its perennial nature and longevity in the landscape.
WaterThe Stonecrop 'Touchdown Teak' requires consistent moisture, but it is important not to overwater. During the growing season, water thoroughly when the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch, usually about once a week depending on weather conditions. Water should be applied directly to the soil and not over the foliage to prevent fungal diseases. During fall and winter, reduce watering to once every two weeks or less, as the plant is dormant and requires less moisture. It's better to err on the side of under-watering, as Stonecrop is drought-tolerant and too much water can lead to root rot. When watering, use approximately one gallon per plant, ensuring even soil moisture.
LightStonecrop 'Touchdown Teak' thrives in full sun and will achieve its best growth and flowering when placed in a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. The plant can tolerate partial shade, but too little light may lead to leggy growth and reduced flowering. Find a spot in your garden or on your property that is bathed in sunlight for the majority of the day for optimal plant health.
TemperatureStonecrop 'Touchdown Teak' prefers a temperature range of 65°F to 75°F but can tolerate temperatures as low as 40°F and as high as 90°F. The plant is hardy and can withstand cold winters, though it benefits from a layer of mulch for root protection in areas with harsh frosts. It is important to avoid extreme heat and cold, so monitor and provide protection if necessary when temperatures exceed these limits.
PruningPruning Stonecrop 'Touchdown Teak' can help maintain its shape and remove any dead or damaged stems, promoting healthier growth. Prune in the early spring to remove any winter damage and to shape the plant. Additionally, after the plant blooms, deadheading spent flowers can encourage a second bloom. Prune again in late autumn or early winter to prepare the plant for dormancy. Pruning is typically needed once or twice a year or as needed to maintain the desired form.
CleaningAs needed
SoilStonecrop 'Touchdown Teak' requires a well-draining soil mix with coarse sand or perlite and compost to ensure good drainage and aeration. The optimal pH range for this succulent is between 6.0 and 7.5, slightly acidic to neutral.
RepottingStonecrop 'Touchdown Teak' should be repotted every two to three years or when it outgrows its container, using a well-draining soil mix to prevent root rot and to refresh nutrients.
Humidity & MistingStonecrop 'Touchdown Teak' prefers a dry to average humidity level and is quite drought tolerant, making it suitable for typical indoor humidity levels without the need for any special adjustments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright indirect light and ensure pot has drainage holes.
Outdoor
Full sun to partial shade, well-draining spot.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleThe Hylotelephium telephium 'Touchdown Teak', commonly known as Stonecrop, begins its life cycle as a seed that germinates in late spring when soil temperatures warm up. After sprouting, the young seedling will grow into a small rosette, gradually producing fleshy leaves and a robust root system. As it matures during the summer, it starts to develop sturdy, upright stems and prepares for flowering. Flowering typically occurs in late summer to early fall, with the plant producing dense clusters of tiny, star-shaped flowers that attract pollinators. After pollination, seeds form and are dispersed by wind or wildlife, allowing the cycle to begin anew. During winter, the plant dies back to its root system, entering a period of dormancy before resuming growth in the spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Hylotelephium telephium 'Touchdown Teak', commonly known as Stonecrop, can be propagated by leaf or stem cuttings, and this is generally the most popular method. To carry out the propagation using cuttings, one would typically take a healthy stem from the plant and cut a piece that is about 2 to 4 inches long (5-10 cm). This stem cutting can then be left to dry for a day or two to allow the cut end to callous over. After the callous forms, the cutting can then be planted in well-draining soil, watering lightly just enough to moisten the soil without making it soggy. Roots and new growth usually develop in a few weeks, at which point the young plant can be treated as an independent specimen.
