Sedum aizoon (Aizoon stonecrop) — Succulent

Overview

Sedum aizoon is a succulent in the genus Sedum, part of the Crassulaceae family. It typically grows around 0.4 m tall. Sedum aizoon grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. It is native to N Asia.

About

Sedum aizoon is a succulent in the Crassulaceae family grown for its upright, succulent stems and tolerance of exposed, sunny positions. It typically reaches about 0.4 m and prefers full sun with well-drained to moist but well-drained soils of sandy, loamy or clay textures. Native to north Asia, it is fully hardy (H7) in the UK and corresponds to USDA zones 4–10. Handle with care: eating can cause mild stomach upset and sap may irritate skin, so wear gloves when handling.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Phedimus aizoon

About the genus

Sedum is a large genus of flowering plants in the family Crassulaceae, members of which are commonly known as stonecrops. The genus has been described as containing up to 600 species, subsequently reduced to 400–500. They are leaf succulents found primarily in the Northern Hemisphere, but extending into the southern hemisphere in Africa and South America.

Wikipedia contributors, "Sedum", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Sedum

In the garden

Sedum aizoon is a non-woody succulent from north Asia that produces upright stems to roughly 0.4 m. It belongs to the Crassulaceae and flowers in the UK from June to September. Plants survive cold UK winters at H7, which means they are fully hardy in exposed and sheltered sites alike; the equivalent USDA hardiness range is 4–10. Place this stonecrop in a sunny position and give it a free-draining substrate. It accepts sandy, loamy or clay soils provided they drain; descriptions of its preferred moisture include well-drained or moist but well-drained conditions, so avoid waterlogged ground. In cultivation allow the surface to dry slightly between waterings when grown in containers, and protect from prolonged winter wet where drainage is poor. Use Sedum aizoon where a low, sun-loving succulent fits the scheme: rock gardens, gravel beds, the front of a sunny border or in pots on a sunny patio. Observe caution when pruning or dividing, as the sap can irritate skin and the foliage is mildly toxic if eaten, so wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Sedum

Sunlight: Full sun
Soil type: Sandy, Loamy, Clay
Soil moisture: Well-drained, Moist but well-drained
UK hardiness: H7

Plant details

Sedum aizoon size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Succulent
Height: 0.4 m
Native to: N Asia
Toxicity: May cause mild stomach upset if eaten, contact with sap may irritate skin. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Sedum aizoon?

Sedum aizoon prefers full sun.

What soil does Sedum aizoon need?

Sedum aizoon is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. Aim for soil that stays well-drained to moist but well-drained.

How big does Sedum aizoon grow?

Sedum aizoon reaches a height of 0.4 m.

Is Sedum aizoon hardy in the UK?

Sedum aizoon has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.

Is Sedum aizoon toxic?

May cause mild stomach upset if eaten, contact with sap may irritate skin. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling.

More in the Sedum genus

Browse all Sedum →