Cliff-dwelling stonecrop (Hylotelephium cauticola)

Cliff-dwelling stonecrop

Also known as: Cliff stonecrop

A popular succulent for rock gardens, the cliff-dwelling stonecrop boasts much showier flowers than many succulents. It has won the Award of Garden Merit from Britain's Royal Horticultural Society.

Scientific classification

Species

Cliff-dwelling stonecrop (Hylotelephium cauticola)

Saxifrages, stonecrops and allies

Instantly identify plants with a snap

Snap a photo for instant plant ID, gaining quick insights on disease prevention, treatment, toxicity, care, uses, and symbolism, etc.

Download the App for Free

Perennial

Lifespan

Succulent, Herb

Plant Type

20 cm

Plant Height

40 cm

Spread

Green, Gray, Silver

Leaf Color

Purple, Pink

Flower Color

Fall

Growth Season

Slow

Growth Rate

Images of Cliff-dwelling stonecrop

Cultivars

There are several recognized cultivars of Cliff-dwelling stonecrop, including the following common varieties :

Sedum 'Lime Zinger'

Quickly Identify Cliff-dwelling stonecrop

Low-growing mat form, 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) tall, spreading 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) wide.

Small clustered flowers, pale purplish to pink, 0.25 inches (0.6 cm) across, star-like shape.

Diminutive brownish capsules split open, releasing tiny black seeds, 0.08 inches (2 mm) long.

Small oblong leaves, bluish-grey with purple spots, 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) long, slightly fleshy.

Trailing, reddish succulent stems, 0.1-0.2 inches (2.5-5 mm) thick, rooting at nodes, forming dense cover.

Identify plants with a snap

Instantly identify plants with AI: Snap a photo, and get accurate results within seconds.

Download the App for Free

Care Guide for Cliff-dwelling stonecrop

Every 3 weeks

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

0 - 32 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Succulent & Cactus Soil

Soil Type

Water: Cliff-dwelling stonecrop thrives in arid regions, requiring minimal water and only needs watering once every three weeks. It adapts well to drought, prefers well-drained soil, and can withstand heavy rain during the growing season, making it a resilient evergreen plant.

Fertilize: For cliff-dwelling stonecrop, use a succulents and cacti-specific fertilizer to support robust growth and flowering. Apply quarterly during spring and summer, reducing in fall and winter. Follow product guidelines to prevent over-fertilization, ensuring balanced nutrients for a thriving cliff-dwelling stonecrop with vibrant blooms.

Pruning: To maintain the shape of cliff-dwelling stonecrop, pruning is advisable, removing dense branches in spring and autumn. For propagation, cut 5-6 leaf stems, treat the wounds with sulfur powder, and plant after healing. Use a watering can to lightly moisten the soil during this process.

Propagation: Cliff-dwelling stonecrop thrives in well-drained soil under moderate conditions, typically found in rocky areas. For propagation, use healthy cuttings from non-flowering shoots, allowing them to callous before planting in a gritty substrate. Regular misting supports moisture retention while preventing rot.

Repotting: Cliff-dwelling stonecrop, a low-growing succulent, should be repotted every 2 years in spring. Use a slightly larger pot with well-draining soil and drainage holes. Water sparingly post-repotting to promote root recovery and avoid the common issue of overwatering.

Get tips and tricks for your plants.

Keep your plants happy and healthy with our guide to watering, lighting, feeding and more.

Download the App for Free

Common Pests & Diseases

Etiolated stem leaf discolorations Whole leaf withering Leaf yellowing Leaf tip withering

Learn More About Cliff-dwelling stonecrop

Plant disease auto-diagnose & prevention

AI-powered plant doctor helps you diagnose plant problems in seconds.

Download the App for Free