White stonecrop - Sedum album (Care, Characteristics, Flower, Images)

White stonecrop

Also known as: Sedum athoum, Hardy baby tears, Small houseleek, Thick-leaved stonecrop

White stonecrop (Sedum album) is a flowering plant species that often grows in crevices or free-draining rocky soil. White stonecrop grows in temperate regions all over the world. It is adapted to grow in dry, thin soils and is often found growing on walls, dry banks, seashore rocks and in rocky meadows. This species grows low to the ground and cannot compete when there are other, fast-growing species in the same area.

Scientific classification

Species

White stonecrop (Sedum album)

Saxifrages, stonecrops and allies

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Perennial, Annual

Lifespan

Herb

Plant Type

Green, Red

Leaf Color

5 mm to 1 cm

Flower Size

White, Pink

Flower Color

Green, Red

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Evergreen

Leaf type

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Spring, Summer

Growth Season

Rapid

Growth Rate

Images of White stonecrop

Distribution of White stonecrop

Distribution Map

White stonecrop, native to regions across Europe and Western Asia, is now established in parts of North America and has been introduced to diverse temperate locales globally. This resilient succulent flourishes in a variety of habitats, and its cultivation extends beyond its natural range due to its adaptability and ornamental value.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Rocks, walls, cobbled paths

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Garden Use

A popular choice for rock gardeners for its beauty and ease of care, the evergreen white stonecrop provides chunky and dense bunches of leaves adorned with adorable starry flowers. It looks excellent when grown between stepping stones, along borders, on rock walls, and even on green garden rooves. It is also grown en masse to form a groundcover.

Interesting Facts

White stonecrop can acclimate well to different climates. In particularly dry areas, it can alter its photosynthetic carbon cycle in such a way that slows photosynthesis but prevents excessive moisture from evaporating during the day. White stonecrop plants that make this switch may gain a pinkish hue and likely will not grow as tall as they otherwise could.

Name Story

White stonecrop: White stonecrop belongs to a family that includes many "stonecrop" plants. This name may refer to the plants' ability to grow in rocky or sandy soil. Some gardeners also like to say that only stones are easier to keep in the garden than stonecrop plants.

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Quickly Identify White stonecrop

Mat-like foliage envelopes soil or stone surface.

Tiny, star-shaped white flowers in clusters.

Leaves are succulent, stalkless, and cylindrical.

Flowers attract butterflies as pollinators.

Upright plant with horizontal spreading tendency.

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Care Guide for White stonecrop

Every 2-3 weeks

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Succulent & Cactus Soil

Soil Type

Water: White stonecrop thrives in rocky, arid habitats and stores water in its succulent leaves, demonstrating high drought tolerance. Water every 2-3 weeks, allowing soil to dry out. Preferring well-draining soil, white stonecrop can withstand dry spells but should remain lightly moist during the growing season.

Fertilize: To promote growth in white stonecrop, use a succulent-specific fertilizer at half strength quarterly during growing seasons. Withhold feeding in winter and avoid fertilization for a month after transplanting. Excess fertilizer can harm flowering while proper adherence supports white stonecrop's health and appearance.

Pruning: To maintain the shape of white stonecrop, prune redundant or dense branches in spring and fall. For propagation, cut a stout stem with 5-6 leaves, treat the wound with sulfur powder, and plant after healing. Use slightly moist soil for planting.

Propagation: White stonecrop is a resilient succulent that propagates effectively from cuttings. After selecting and trimming a healthy stem, allow the cut end to callous for a few days before planting in well-draining soil. Minimal moisture promotes strong root growth, preventing rot during propagation.

Repotting: Repot white stonecrop every two years in early spring using a shallow, well-draining pot to support its growth. Utilize a suitable soil mix to prevent waterlogging. Post-repotting, water minimally and provide bright light for optimal health and growth.

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