not sure of its name

by debbie mccray
(usa)

I don't know where it came from. It has a green succulent type leaf and gets a pink-rose clump type flower. Some people refer to them as kitchen leeks.


Drought Smart Plants reply:

Hi Debbie, I've never heard of the name Kitchen Leeks - a new one on me!

This is one of the taller stonecrops, or Sedum spectabile.

I suspect this one could be Neon or Brilliant, both close cousins to Sedum Autumn Joy.

I call them Sedum for borders as that's where you're most likely to find them.

As a backbone plant in xeric gardens, they're unbeatable.

They take a kicking and keep on ticking!

They can survive and even thrive in really challenging conditions - drought, poor sandy soil, blazing hot sun on the south side of your house, whatever.

They love warmth, but will put up with some shade, although the warmer and brighter the spot, the more compact they stay.

If grown in rich soil or too much shade, they tend to flop over - those flower heads are really heavy.

If you're lucky enough to have yours bloom before the cold weather arrives, you'll most likely see lots of butterflies and bees congregating for the nectar.

Great plant, with almost no bad aspects to their character. I love combining these with other lower growing groundcovering Sedum and Sempervivum (Hens and Chicks) for a great textural and drought tolerant planting.

Happy Succulent Gardening!
Jacki