Carpet sedum - Sedum lineare (Care, Characteristics, Flower, Images)

Carpet sedum

Also known as: Sea urchin

Carpet sedum (Sedum lineare) is also known as variegated stonecrop and needle stonecrop. It’s an exceedingly low-maintenance plant. In fact, one of the reasons it’s called stonecrop is that farmers have joked that “only stones need less care than sedum.” Another reason is the plant is often found growing over stones and rocks.

Scientific classification

Species

Carpet sedum (Sedum lineare)

Saxifrages, stonecrops and allies

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Perennial

Lifespan

Succulent, Herb

Plant Type

Late spring, Summer

Bloom Time

Summer

Harvest Time

10 cm to 20 cm

Plant Height

60 cm

Spread

Green

Leaf Color

4 cm to 8 cm

Flower Size

Yellow

Flower Color

Green

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Evergreen, Semi-evergreen

Leaf type

15 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Spring, Summer

Growth Season

Rapid

Growth Rate

Images of Carpet sedum

Distribution of Carpet sedum

Distribution Map

Carpet sedum is native to China, Iran and Japan, growing in rocky outcrops. It has been introduced in Vietnam, parts of Europe, and the US state of Georgia. It is cultivated in the US as an ornamental or houseplant succulent.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Low mountains, rocks on grassy slopes and plains

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Flowering

Fruiting

Culture

Environmental Protection Value

It is planted for top greening to replace the traditional insulation layer and waterproof protective layer.

Garden Use

Carpet sedum is low maintenance, drought tolerant, and heat-resistant and can be grown where other plants may not be able to. It can be grown as a ground cover, in xeriscapes, and in hanging baskets and is well suited to rock gardens where it can fill empty areas. It also provides ornamental interest due to its star-shaped flowers. The carpet sedum can accompany plants such as ice plant, candytuft, and fescue.

Symbolism

Sense of rhythm

Interesting Facts

The carpet sedum's flowering and fruiting season is the farmers' harvest season. Whenever a breeze passes, the carpet sedum fruits will sound as if telling the farmers that it is time to harvest.

Name Story

Carpet sedum: While the plant is reliable and lack of fussiness, the most compelling trait is the spectacular carpets of blooms when planted in mass. Therefore, it is called carpet sedum.

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Cultivars

There are several recognized cultivars of Carpet sedum, including the following common varieties :

Sea Urchin Stonecrop

Quickly Identify Carpet sedum

Low-lying mat growth

Bright yellow flowers in lax cyme

Linear, succulent leaves in whorls of three

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Care Guide for Carpet sedum

Every 3 weeks

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

15 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Succulent & Cactus Soil

Soil Type

Water: Carpet sedum thrives in well-drained soils and is highly drought-tolerant, suitable for arid environments. Watering should be minimal, ideally once every three weeks. It adapts well to both outdoor xeriscaping and container living, requiring careful watering to mimic its native dry conditions.

Fertilize: Fertilize carpet sedum sparingly with a diluted, balanced water-soluble fertilizer every four weeks during the growing season. Ensure soil moisture before application and avoid fertilizing in winter. Adjust frequency based on the plant's growth response—less for lush plants and more for struggling ones.

Pruning: To maintain the shape of carpet sedum, prune redundant or dense branches in spring and fall using knives or scissors, applying sulfur powder to wounds. For propagation, cut a stout stem with 5-6 leaves, heal the wound, and plant in slightly damp soil during spring or fall.

Propagation: Carpet sedum propagates easily through cuttings. Use healthy stems, allow cut surfaces to callous for 1-2 days, then plant in well-draining soil. Maintain humidity with misting to encourage root development. With proper care, these cuttings can successfully establish as new plants.

Repotting: Repot carpet sedum every two years in spring into a slightly larger pot with drainage holes. After repotting, position carpet sedum in bright light and water sparingly to enhance root development, helping to maintain its characteristic plush, carpet-like appearance.

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