English Stonecrop

sedum anglicum

Also known as: ["Anglicum Stonecrop","English Sedum"]

Family: Crassulaceae Genus: Sedum Category: Succulents & Cacti

Overview

A low-growing succulent with fleshy, rounded leaves and star-shaped yellow flowers, native to coastal cliffs and rocky habitats in Europe.

Benefits & Perks

["drought tolerant","deer resistant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","low maintenance","aesthetic foliage"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Saxifragales
Family: Crassulaceae
Genus: Sedum
Botanical Name: Sedum anglicum

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Succulents & Cacti
  • Suitable Location: rock gardens, alpine troughs, or sunny, dry slopes
  • Suitable For:
    Beginners Busy People (low Maintenance) Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"6–9"}
  • Misting: rarely required
  • Drainage: Fast-draining; must avoid water retention.
  • Soil Type: Sandy, gritty, or loamy soil with excellent drainage.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: very low
  • Toughness Level: high
  • Pruning Frequency: Annually after flowering; light trimming as needed.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of growth if overgrown.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day); tolerates partial shade but may stretch.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sun; protect from harsh midday sun in summer; place in brightest spot indoors.

Warning Signs: Wilting despite moist soil (root rot); yellowing leaves (overwatering); leggy growth (insufficient light).

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
easy

easy

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Rotate plant weekly; use sheer curtains in intense sun; avoid north-facing windows.

Watering

every 10–14 days, allowing soil to dry between waterings

Water deeply but infrequently; avoid waterlogged soil; ensure excellent drainage.

Soil

well-draining, sandy or rocky soil

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.0).

Ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid peat-heavy mixes; topdress with gravel.

Temperature

50–75°F (10–24°C); prefers cool temperatures; hardy to 20°F (-6°C) in winter.

Avoid drafts; use room thermometer; adjust watering with temperature.

Fertilizing

every 2 months during active growth

Dilute fertilizer to prevent burn; stop feeding in fall/winter; apply to moist soil.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings; leaf cuttings also possible but slower.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Cut healthy stem.
  2. Let callus 1–2 days.
  3. Plant in medium.
  4. Keep moist.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when growth is active.

Environment

Bright indirect light; high humidity (e.g., propagation dome); warm (65–75°F).

Medium

Well-draining mix like cactus soil or perlite/sand blend.

Hormone

Optional but can speed rooting.

Timeline

Roots in 2–4 weeks; establish in 2–3 months.

Tools Needed

Sharp scissors, rooting hormone (optional), small pots, misting spray bottle.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep soil lightly moist; avoid direct sun.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Pinch back stems or cut just above a leaf node.

Pruning Plan

Remove leggy growth to encourage bushiness; prune after flowering to maintain shape.

Tools

Clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears.

Checklist

Sterilize tools; prune after flowering; discard cuttings or propagate.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Spring before active growth begins.

Pot Size

One size larger pot (e.g., +2 inches in diameter).

Method

Use fresh well-draining soil; gently tease apart roots; ensure drainage holes.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill pot; beneficial for growth.

Checklist

Choose new pot; prepare soil; water before repotting; minimize root disturbance.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; reduce in winter.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water directly at the root zone until water drains from the bottom; avoid wetting foliage; water in the morning to allow foliage to dry.

Pro Tip: Use a watering can with a narrow spout to target the soil without disturbing the plant.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water sparingly, allowing soil to dry completely between waterings. Reduce frequency in winter to once every 4–6 weeks.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite, coarse sand, or pumice to standard potting mix.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting, leaf drop, or discoloration in extreme heat; stunted growth in cold.

Cold Stress

Slows growth; may enter dormancy; roots can freeze in poorly drained soil.

Solution: Insulate pots; move indoors below 20°F (-6°C); ensure well-draining soil.

Hot Stress

Leaf scorch, dehydration, or sunburn; may drop leaves to conserve water.

Solution: Provide shade during peak sun; increase humidity; water early morning or late evening.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Use diluted fertilizer; apply during growing season; avoid winter feeding.

Fertilizing Method

Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength; feed monthly in spring/summer; avoid winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing leaves in Sedum anglicum may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or root issues, which can affect photosynthesis and overall plant health.

Wilting in Sedum anglicum is often a sign of water stress, either due to drought or overwatering, which can lead to cellular damage and reduced turgidity.

Leaf spots on Sedum anglicum may be caused by fungal or bacterial infections, leading to reduced photosynthetic efficiency and potential leaf drop.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, can occur in Sedum anglicum if the soil is excessively moist, leading to decay and potential plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Sedum anglicum is not considered toxic to cats. There are no documented toxic effects or physiological impacts from ingestion.

🌿 Toxic Parts:
entire plant
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

While non-toxic, ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal upset in some cats.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Sedum anglicum is not known to be toxic to dogs. Ingestion does not typically cause adverse physiological effects.

🌿 Toxic Parts:
entire plant
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Monitor pets for any unusual behavior, though toxicity is not expected.
Humans
Non-toxic

Sedum anglicum is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There are no significant toxic effects or physiological impacts reported from ingestion.

🌿 Toxic Parts:
entire plant
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

While non-toxic, excessive consumption of any plant material is not recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Sedum anglicum suitable for rock gardens?

A: Yes, it thrives in rocky, well-drained environments typical of rock gardens.

Q: How often should Sedum anglicum be watered?

A: Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings.

Q: Does Sedum anglicum attract pollinators?

A: Yes, its flowers attract bees and butterflies, making it a good choice for wildlife gardens.

Quick Reference
Family: Crassulaceae
Care: easy
Light: full sun to partial shade
Water: every 10–14 days, allowing s
Suitable For: ["beginners","busy people (low maintenance)","outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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