Sedum ternatum

RHS Plant Profile
Iceland moss
Cactus Succulent Alpine Rockery

A compact, evergreen succulent, to around 15cm high, with a creeping habit, branching stems and flat, broadly oval to rounded, fleshy green leaves arranged in whorls of 3 around the stems. Leaves sometimes flush red in strong light. Flowering shoots produced in summer are upright, to 20cm high, and tipped with clusters of small, starry white flowers

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

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

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Drought Resistance
Yes

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
Canada & 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 softwood cuttings of non-flowering shoots in early summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Patio and container plants
  • Rock garden
  • Low Maintenance
  • Banks and slopes

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, especially in damp conditions and poor drainage