Hylotelephium aka Stonecrop

Hylotelephium species are exceptionally cold-hardy, withstanding temperatures as low as -40°F (-40°C) when dormant, making them suitable for USDA zones 3-9. They prefer temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C) during the growing season but are highly adaptable. The plants naturally die back to the ground in winter and reliably return in spring, so extended cold periods are not problematic for established plants.

Hylotelephium produces showy flat-topped flower clusters 4-6 inches across in late summer to fall (August through October). The star-shaped flowers, typically pink to reddish in color, appear in dense cymes packed with numerous half-inch blooms. Flowerheads start green in spring, gradually taking on pink tinges before fully flowering from August onwards. The nectar-rich blooms attract butterflies, bees, and other pollinators, and the dried seed heads provide ornamental interest throughout winter.

The genus includes about 28-33 species with hundreds of cultivars available. Hylotelephium 'Herbstfreude' (Autumn Joy) is the most popular cultivar, a hybrid of H. telephium and H. spectabile that has twice received the RHS Award of Garden Merit. Other notable species include H. spectabile (Showy Stonecrop) with cultivars like 'Autumn Fire', 'Brillant', 'Iceberg', and 'Neon'; H. telephium (Orpine); and H. maximum. The variety offers options in flower color (pink, red, white) and foliage tones (green, grey-green, purple-tinted).

Yes, Hylotelephium is primarily an outdoor garden perennial thriving in USDA zones 3-9 (UK hardiness H6). These plants require outdoor conditions with seasonal temperature changes including a cold dormancy period in winter. They excel in rock gardens, borders, xeriscapes, and containers outdoors. Plant in full sun with well-drained soil for best results. Their exceptional cold hardiness (to -40°F/-40°C), drought tolerance, and low maintenance make them ideal outdoor garden plants.

Apply the 'Chelsea chop' technique in late May by cutting back new stems by half to encourage compact, bushy growth and improved flowering later in the season. After flowering, you can leave the dried flower heads intact through winter for ornamental interest and wildlife habitat, then cut back dead stems to ground level in early spring before new growth emerges. Avoid pruning in summer as this can delay or reduce flowering.

Repot Hylotelephium every 2-3 years or when it outgrows its container, ideally in spring before active growth begins. Choose a clay pot with drainage holes and use well-draining cactus or succulent potting mix. Ensure the soil is dry before repotting. Container-grown plants need regular watering to keep compost moist during the growing season, unlike ground-planted specimens which become fully drought-tolerant once established.

Hylotelephium propagates easily through three methods: division (lift and separate clumps in spring ensuring each piece has several shoots), stem cuttings (take 3-6 inch non-flowering shoots in early summer, remove lower leaves, allow to callus, then plant in well-draining soil), and leaf cuttings (remove healthy leaves, allow to callus for several days, place on moist succulent mix where roots develop in 2-3 weeks). Division is the quickest method, while cuttings allow you to produce many new plants.

Hylotelephium typically reaches 1-2 feet (30-60 cm) in both height and width, forming attractive clumping mounds. Growth rate is moderate - plants reach full size within a growing season and reliably return each spring from their rootstock. The clumping, mounding habit creates dense, architectural forms that work well in borders, rock gardens, and containers. Plants spread slowly and remain well-behaved without becoming invasive.

Hylotelephium generally has no serious pest or disease problems. Occasional pests include aphids (small sap-sucking insects causing leaf curling), scale, mealybugs, spider mites, slugs, and weevils. Most can be controlled with neem oil, insecticidal soap, or beneficial insects like ladybugs. The primary disease concern is fungal crown rot and root rot caused by overwatering or poorly drained soil. Prevent by ensuring excellent drainage and avoiding wet conditions. Excess nitrogen fertilizer promotes weak, disease-prone growth.

Yellow leaves on Hylotelephium most commonly indicate overwatering or insufficient light. These succulents are very sensitive to wet soil and prefer dry conditions - check that soil drains well and isn't staying soggy. Yellow leaves can also result from too much shade; Hylotelephium needs full sun (less than 1 foot from a south-facing window indoors, or full sun exposure outdoors). Natural yellowing of lower leaves in fall before dormancy is normal for these deciduous perennials.

Brown leaves or leaf tips on Hylotelephium typically result from overwatering, which can lead to root rot, or may be part of natural aging as lower leaves die back. These succulents prefer dry conditions and well-draining soil - wet soil is the most common cause of browning. Ensure pots have drainage holes and soil contains plenty of perlite or sand. Natural browning of flower heads after blooming is normal and the dried flowers can be left for winter interest.

Hylotelephium has minimal edible value (PFAF rating 1 out of 5). Leaves can be eaten raw or cooked and have occasionally been added to salads, while roots can be cooked in soups and stews. However, the plant contains mildly toxic alkaloids that can cause gastrointestinal distress if consumed in large quantities. The edibility rating reflects that while technically edible, these plants are not particularly palatable or nutritious and are primarily grown as ornamentals rather than food crops.

Hylotelephium (particularly H. telephium/Sedum telephium) has traditional medicinal uses with a PFAF rating of 2 out of 5. The whole plant is astringent and cytostatic, traditionally used as a popular remedy for diarrhea and to stimulate kidney function. A poultice of crushed leaves has been applied to boils and carbuncles. The plant has some historical reputation in cancer treatment, though this lacks scientific validation. Always consult healthcare professionals before using any plant medicinally, as these traditional uses are not supported by modern clinical evidence.

Beyond ornamental value, Hylotelephium serves important ecological functions by attracting pollinators including butterflies, bees, and beneficial insects with nectar-rich late-season blooms. The plants are ideal for xeriscaping and water-wise gardens due to exceptional drought tolerance. Dried seed heads provide winter ornamental interest and habitat for beneficial insects. Their salt tolerance makes them suitable for coastal gardens. The dense, low clumps can help with erosion control on slopes, and they work well in green roof applications due to their shallow roots and drought tolerance.

Stonecrop presents a moderate level of care, which allows plant enthusiasts with some experience to expand their skills and knowledge.

Stonecrop’s native range is Asia, Europe, and North America.

Stonecrop does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.

To ensure the health of your Stonecrop, it's crucial to use a potting soil that won't hold too much moisture. A soil that drains well and contains perlite or vermiculite for drainage and organic matter for nutrition is ideal. Adding a few handfuls of perlite to store-bought cactus soil is an easy way to create this type of soil mix.

Stonecrop thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Live Forever.

Stonecrop prefers dry environments, so misting the plant to provide extra humidity and allow water to linger on the leaves can create an ideal environment for fungi that can be harmful.

The growth rate of Stonecrop is slow and it doesn't necessitate additional fertilizing. By changing the soil in its pot annually, the plant should be provided with adequate nutrition. It is crucial to keep in mind that plants derive their energy from the sun, not fertilizers.

The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.

During the wintertime, it's common for Stonecrop to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more.