Sedum Dasyphyllum [SEE-dum Das-ee-FIL-um] is a groundcover sedum plant, which is ideal for dry, hot situations.
This plant belongs to the family Crassulaceae.
It creates carpeting of powdery bluish-green, tiny round leaves, which later sprouts star-shaped flowers.
The color of this plant changes to a purple hue during the winter.
Sedum Dasyphyllum is suitable for growing in dry walls’ crevices, on green roofs, and between stepping stones.
A typical Sedum Dasyphyllum type from Central Europe is rather distinct; it’s highly unlikely to separate this plant clearly from the various other types.
You may hear it called by its common names:
- Corsican Stonecrop
- Blue Tears Sedum
Sedum Dasyphyllum Care
Size & Growth
There are 2 types of these succulent plants both of which are fast growers.
Sedum Dasyphyllum ‘minor’ has thick green leaves or rosettes.
The plant can grow up to 3″ – 5″ inches tall and 8″ – 12″ inches in diameter.
Sedum Dasyphyllum ‘major’ is a mound forming, evergreen perennial with blue-grey leaves.
The ‘major’ has many erect horizontal creeping stems and overlapping opposite leaves which are tiny and round.
This plant stays perennial in mild situations. It’s both variable and widespread.
When fully bloomed, Corsican stonecrop typically attracts butterflies!
Flowering and Fragrance
Clusters of star-shaped pink and white flowers with little black dots sprout out during the early summers.
The flowers have blue-green ovaries.
Light & Temperature
The majority of sedum species can grow properly in moist and fertile soil when located in a sunny position.
These plants are very drought tolerant.
These plants can grow well in light shade and even dry positions.
To stay evergreen, the blue tears sedum requires light shade to full sun.
While it can tolerate shade, the best spot for it to properly grow is a sunny spot.
However, it might require protection in too much sun as it’s not heat-tolerant.
Dasyphyllum is recommended for USDA Hardiness Zone: 7a to 10b from 0° degrees Fahrenheit (−18 °C) to 40° degrees Fahrenheit (4 °C).
Watering and Feeding
Once Sedum Dasyphyllum has been planted and established, it doesn’t need much care.
Regularly check up on it to ensure the soil isn’t too dry and water it when required.
The succulent leaves of this sedum plant can store water, which means it can survive for a longer duration.
Soil & Transplanting
It’s ideal to plant the seeds during spring in average to rich well-drained soil.
Plant each seed keeping a space of 30″ inches apart.
Plant the seeds in the soil where it catches the full sun.
However, this plant can withstand partial shade.
It’s possible to plant cuttings or divisions instead of seeds.
If you’re going with cuttings – insert the cut end in the soil.
In no time, the cutting will start rooting if under proper watering and lighting conditions.
If you’re going with divisions – start by digging up a hole so the root balls top’s leveled with the surface.
Put the plant in and start filling it up with soil. Water it regularly.
Sandy Soil, Loamy Soil, and Clay Soil are all acceptable.
Grooming and Maintenance
Once flowers start appearing, prune the plants to ensure their shape’s maintained and they stay in one area.
Split the plant in the fall or spring to control the spread.
The cuttings and divisions readily root throughout the summer.
Blue Tear Sedum doesn’t require much water, but you should insert a finger in the soil to check if it’s too dry.
If it is, water it properly and let it drain.
How To Propagate Blue Tears Sedum
This is a rather attractive plant and can easily be grown in a rock garden or a container.
It can freely propagate itself upon the walls and around the garden pots.
It’s drought and sun-tolerant since it’s rather tough and also grows well when placed in the shade.
The small leaves easily break off and start taking root by creating new minuscule mounds.
The growth rate of this plant’s fast, and it’s ideal to keep it away from slow alpine plants.
It grows aggressively, divides old plants during late summer and spring, and cuttings during the summer.
To propagate on your own:
- Take 3″ – 4″ inch tip cuttings of 3 or more leaves.
- Remove the lower leaves and insert the section into moistened soil.
- A mix of half potting soil and half sand.
- Place exposed nodes beneath the soil surface to form new roots.
- Set in a shady place, water enough to keep cuttings from drying out.
Roots will form in 3 weeks and in no time you’ll have new plants.
Corsican Stonecrop Pest or Disease Problems
The Corsican Sedum experiences little to no disease and pest issues, as long as the foliage and soil stay dry.
During wetter conditions, leaves, stems, and sedum crowns are susceptible to mold disease, rust, and rot.
Typically, this plant attracts snails, slugs, plant scale insects, and mealybugs.
Suggested Sedum Dasyphyllum Uses
This plant forms a carpet that quickly drapes over walls and stones, making it perfect for outdoor landscaping.
Blue Tear Dasyphyllum also looks beautiful on rock crevices with the ideal water regime, drained soil, and right shading during the summer.
This plant’s sometimes utilized as a lawn substitute during dry and hot conditions.