Joan Simon from Barcelona, España / CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Alpine stonecrop: complete guide
Sedum alpestre
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Overview
Alpine stonecrop (Sedum alpestre), also known as alpine stoneflower, is miniature succulent native to the Alps and other European mountains. This compact plant grows just 5-10 cm tall forming dense mats. Perfect for rock gardens, alpine troughs and green roofs.
Appearance and bloom
Alpine stonecrop is compact, cushion-forming plant with tiny fleshy leaves in rosette arrangements. Foliage green to grey-green, about 3-5 mm long, often red-tinged in winter. Flowers tiny, yellow, arranged flat-topped clusters. Bloom occurs June-August.
Ideal location
Plant Alpine stonecrop in full sun (minimum 6 hours) for best form and bloom. Thrives excellently on rocky outcrops, steep slopes, and alpine gardens. Perfect between rock plants, in crevices between paving, or shallow pots. Protect against excessive winter moisture.
Soil
Alpine stonecrop requires extremely well-draining, lean soils. Use special alpine mix (2 parts grit, 1 part compost, 1 part sand). pH 4.5-6.5 ideal. Plant in very shallow containers. Add rocks and gravel for drainage.
Watering
Water sparingly, only when soil completely dry. Summer water once every 2 weeks. Winter: no water. This plant hates wet conditions causing rot. Rainwater collection preferred.
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Pruning
Minimal pruning required. Remove dead or damaged leaves carefully. These compact plants rarely outgrow bounds. No shaping pruning needed.
Maintenance calendar
APRIL: Check drainage, apply light feeding. MAY-JUNE: Growth period, very sparingly water. JUNE-AUGUST: Bloom, no intervention. SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER: Reduce watering. NOVEMBER-MARCH: Winter dormancy, no water.
Winter hardiness
Alpine stonecrop extremely hardy, tolerating to -30 degrees Celsius. Perfect for all Europe. However protect against winter moisture with glass covers or top dressing of gravel. Snow causes no problems.
Companion plants
Use Alpine stonecrop alpine gardens with other alpine succulents like Sempervivum species. Combine with alpine phlox, edelweiss and other alpine plants. Perfect green roofs and roof gardens.
Closing
Alpine stonecrop ideal for alpine plant lovers and rock garden enthusiasts. With minimal care it grows for years. Plant material: consult alpine plant nurseries. Visit gardenworld.app/en expert alpine garden design and gardenworld.app/en special plant advice.
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