Sedum Angelina (SEE-dum an-ju-LEE-na) is an evergreen, perennial, mat forming succulent native to the mountainous areas of Western and Central Europe.
This member of the Crassulaceae family is also called Sedum rupestre, Rocky Stonecrop or simply Stonecrop. This is a reference to the fact that all types of Sedum tend to grow naturally in stony, rocky settings.
The plants’ genus name, Sedum, is derived from the Latin, sedeo, which means “to sit”. This refers to Sedum’s shallow, sprawling growth habit. The specific epithet, rupestre, means “rock loving”.
This is a reference to the rocky, mountainous areas where this plant grows in the wild.
Sedum Angelina Care
Size & Growth
Sedum Rupestre Angelina usually grows to be about four inches high. Individual plants can spread as wide as two feet.
The fleshy, gray-green leaves can grow to be three quarters of an inch long. In cooler climates, the needle like foliage color transitioning to shades of yellow and red in the autumn months.
Flowering & Fragrance
At bloom time Angelina sedum displays showy, star-shaped yellow flowers in summer from June through August.
Light & Temperature
Sedum rupestre grows best in full sun, but it can tolerate a bit of light shade. The plant is winter hardy in USDA hardiness zones 5 through 8.
Watering & Feeding
This Stonecrop is heat and drought tolerant and requires little watering. As with most cactus and succulents, it’s best to water it deeply, occasionally.
Allow the soil to dry almost completely between waterings.
Little or no fertilizer is necessary. Top dress with compost or worm castings early in the springtime.
Soil & Transplanting
Sedum Angelina grows well in almost any well drained soil type. It does best in a rather gravelly or sandy soil.
When using the plant as a groundcover, place starter plants 8″ – 12″ inches apart.
Grooming & Maintenance
In the wintertime, after the flowers fade, cut the plant back to the ground to prevent cold damage. In springtime, this hardy Sedum vigorously returns.
How To Propagate Sedum Angelina
All Sedums propagate easily from cuttings.
- Cut off a 6″ inch tip from one of the stems
- Remove lower leaves
- Poke it into the soil
- No special care is necessary.
- Treat it as a mature plant immediately and it will soon be one
Sedum Angelina Pest or Disease Problems
In very damp conditions, snails and slugs may bother Sedum. Try sprinkling diatomaceous earth around the plants to deter these gastropods.
Is Sedum Angelina Considered Toxic or Poisonous?
Sedum is generally non-toxic. Some types are edible and are freely used in cooking. Even so, it’s always a good idea to keep pets away from house and landscape plants.
Is Angelina Stonecrop Considered Invasive?
In the right settings, Sedum Angelina will naturalize with the passage of time. Even though it is able to spread rather quickly, it’s quite easy to control.
The roots are shallow, and the plant can be removed from settings where you do not want it.
Suggested Sedum Angelina Uses
This cheery, easy to grow plant makes a nice ground cover in areas that do not get a lot of foot traffic.
It also does well spilling over rock walls or adorning rock gardens. Planted in narrow areas, it can make a nice border.
This Stonecrop does well as a container plant. It makes an attractive hanging basket with a natural growth habit causing it to spill over the sides.