Sedum pulchellum

RHS Plant Profile
flowering moss

Other common names

widow's cross

Synonyms

Sedum pulchellum 'Sea Star'

Alpine Rockery Cactus Succulent

A mat-forming, succulent perennial to 10cm tall, with fleshy, bright green, needle-like leaves. In late spring and early summer it produces horizontally branched clusters of starry, pink flowers. Plants may be short-lived but they self-seed freely

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

Up to 10 cm

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
Up to 10 cm

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H4

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Crassulaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Matforming
Genus
Sedum may be annuals or herbaceous or evergreen perennials with succulent stems and leaves and clusters of small, star-shaped flowers in summer or autumn
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
C & EC USA

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in a sheltered position in moderately fertile, well-drained, alkaline to neutral soil in full sun. See hardy cacti and succulent cultivation for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by seed or propagate by softwood cuttings in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Rock garden
  • Garden edging
  • Ground cover

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs, snails, vine weevil grubs, scale insects and mealybugs

Diseases

May be susceptible to fungal and bacterial crown and root rots