Sedum telephium (Orpine) — Perennial

Overview

Sedum telephium is a perennial in the genus Sedum, part of the Crassulaceae family. It typically grows around 0.5 m tall. Sedum telephium grows best in full sun and full shade, and tolerates most soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. It is native to Eurasia.

About

Sedum telephium is a perennial in the Crassulaceae that reaches about 0.5 m and produces dense heads of summer flowers. It flowers from June to September. It tolerates a wide light range from full sun to full shade and grows in sandy, loamy or clay soils that are well drained to moist but well drained.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Hylotelephium telephium

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 telephium is a perennial native to Eurasia that sits in the Crassulaceae family and typically grows to around 0.5 m. It produces tight heads of flowers through June to September, and a number of garden selections show purplish foliage alongside the flowering display. Give it a position that matches its broad tolerance: it accepts full sun through to full shade and will grow in sandy, loamy or clay soils provided they drain reasonably well or remain moist but not waterlogged. Its hardiness is H7, which in plain terms means it is fully hardy in UK gardens; the species is also rated for USDA zones 4–8. Aim for soil that is free-draining at the planting hole and avoid persistently waterlogged pockets. Height and habit suit the middle or front of a mixed border and it also naturalises where conditions are favourable. Selectors with purple-tinted leaves extend interest beyond flowering, so choose a purple-leaved cultivar if you want foliage colour as well as summer blooms.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Sedum

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

Plant details

Sedum telephium size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Height: 0.5 m
Native to: Eurasia

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Sedum telephium?

Sedum telephium prefers full sun and full shade.

What soil does Sedum telephium need?

Sedum telephium 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 telephium grow?

Sedum telephium reaches a height of 0.5 m.

Is Sedum telephium hardy in the UK?

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

More in the Sedum genus

Browse all Sedum →