Sedum rubrotinctum ‘Pork and Beans’

Sedum rubrotinctum ‘Pork and Beans’ Continuing in the Crassulaceae family, after last week’s blog on Crassula mesembryanthemoides, we move to another one of the 4 genera included in that family: Sedum. This is a large genus, containing 400 species, most with unusual coloring, fast growth, and hardiness. They are also referred to as “Stonecrop” due to their frequent habitation of stony hillsides and rock gardens. They are native to many areas of the world. Sedum is Latin for ‘to sit’, likely in observation of their propensity to sit atop stone walls, and rocks, perching in the sun. They make a great ground cover, although are best planted where there is little foot traffic, as they won’t tolerate being stepped on. They are excellent for retaining walls, rock gardens, containers, and hanging baskets. Sedum rubrotinctum a native of Mexico, is also known as ‘Pork and Beans’ or ‘Jelly Beans’, due to the jelly bean shape of its ¾” leaves, that turn red and bronze when placed in full sun. Detached leaves will root and propagate a new plant. The plant itself grows 6-8” tall. They bloom in the winter, with groups of blossoms growing off the stem tips, sending out bright yellow star clusters. They are poisonous when eaten, so keep out of pet areas. They are deer and drought resistant, and have no known pests or diseases. Give them well drained soil, and this low maintenance plant will grow easily. It pairs beautifully with plants that have color to their leaves, as it brings out the bronzing on the jelly beans. It is striking next to Guara, Anemanthele, Stipa, Osteospermum, and at the base of Portulacaria Afra Variegata with its maroon stems. We are currently selling Sedum rubrotinctum ‘Pork and Beans’ in 4.5” rounds. Give us a call, ‘Like’ us on Facebook, or visit our website www.clearwatercolor.com to see photos and get information on these and many other plants we grow.