Stonecrop (Hylotelephium telephium 'Mohrchen')

Overview

Hylotelephium telephium ‘Mohrchen’, commonly known as Stonecrop, is a highly valued succulent perennial treasured for its rich, year-round color structure. This cultivar stands out due to its fleshy, burgundy-toned foliage that intensifies to a brilliant ruby-red as the summer progresses toward autumn. Its robust, upright habit makes Hylotelephium telephium ‘Mohrchen’ a reliable structural element in the late-season garden, avoiding the flop often seen in less sturdy varieties.

This Stonecrop thrives on neglect, demanding minimal care once established, provided it receives sufficient sunlight and excellent drainage. Its drought tolerance, stemming from its succulent nature, makes it perfect for challenging locations where watering is inconsistent or soil fertility is low. Gardeners rely on this reliable perennial for late nectar sources, as its pink flower clusters emerge dependable in August.

From its historical names like ‘live-forever’ to its modern classification under Hylotelephium, this plant offers persistence and beauty. Utilizing Hylotelephium telephium ‘Mohrchen’ ensures structural interest that often lasts well into winter, providing texture and form long after primary seasonal flowers have faded.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Crassulaceae
• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 4-9
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 1.5-2 ft
  • Spread: 1.5-2 ft
• Bloom Time: August
• Bloom Description: Rose/pink
• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Water Needs: Dry to medium
• Maintenance Level: Low

How to Grow

The foundation of successful Stonecrop cultivation lies entirely in providing excellent soil drainage. Plant Hylotelephium telephium ‘Mohrchen’ in full sun; while it tolerates light shade in intense summer heat, too much shade results in weak, floppy stems unworthy of its 2-foot stature. This plant prefers average, well-drained soils, thriving particularly well in sandy or gravelly ground that mimics its preference for rocky ledges.

Watering should be minimal once the plant is established, aligning with its dry to medium needs. Overwatering, especially in combination with rich soil, is the quickest way to invite root issues. Do not heavily amend the soil or fertilize; low-fertility conditions actually enhance leaf color and maintain a compact habit for this tough perennial.

Maintenance is commendably low for this tough Stonecrop. Propagate easily in spring via division or take stem cuttings during the summer months. A practical tip for gardeners is remembering that even a detached leaf can often root and form a new Hylotelephium telephium ‘Mohrchen’ plant, highlighting its ‘live-forever’ tenacity. Dead blooms can be left standing through winter for textural interest, or cut back in early spring before new growth begins.

Landscape Uses

Hylotelephium telephium ‘Mohrchen’ excels as a textural anchor in the perennial border front, where its compact yet ample mound can be appreciated. Due to its drought tolerance and love of sun, it serves perfectly in rock gardens or xeriscaping designs where water conservation is key. Consider using it as a specimen plant grouped in threes so its burgundy-to-ruby foliage creates an impactful block of color.

This Stonecrop also performs admirably in containers. When planted in pots (always ensuring drain holes are clear), its succulent structure pairs beautifully with trailing annuals or other sun-loving, dry-tolerant companions like ornamental grasses or Sedum groundcovers. Its sturdiness means it won’t demand frequent deadheading or fussing.

The late-summer bloom time, peaking in August, makes Hylotelephium invaluable for bridging the gap between mid-summer color dips and autumn displays. Plan plantings so that its vibrant foliage matures near plants that provide contrasting leaf shapes, such as fine-textured ferns (in slightly shadier spots) or bold hostas (if given adequate moisture and light).

Standout Features

Flower Qualities

• Showy

Noteworthy Characteristics

Hylotelephium telephium, commonly known as stonecrop or live-forever, is a succulent herbaceous perennial characterized by upright, unbranched stems reaching about two feet tall. This specific cultivar, ‘Mohrchen,’ is distinguished by its fleshy, succulent-like leaves that emerge burgundy and deepen to a rich ruby-red in the fall, providing excellent visual contrast. Its tiny, star-like pink flowers cluster in dense heads from late summer until frost, fading gracefully to a burgundy brown with age.

Tolerances

• Drought
• Dry Soil
• Shallow-Rocky Soil

Potential Problems

Serious insect or disease problems are rare for Hylotelephium telephium ‘Mohrchen’, reflecting its hardiness. Gardeners should primarily monitor for common succulent and perennial pests. Watch for slugs and scale, which can occasionally bother the fleshy stems, especially in overly moist conditions. In high humidity or dense plantings, aphids or mealybugs might attempt a presence. Management typically involves ensuring the plant has sharp drainage and plenty of air circulation; systemic controls are usually unnecessary for minor infestations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Stonecrop suitable for?

Hylotelephium telephium ‘Mohrchen’ is resilient and suited for USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 9.

How large does Stonecrop grow?

This cultivar typically achieves a height between 1.5 and 2 feet tall, with a spread of 1.5 to 2 feet, forming a substantial mound.

What sun exposure does Hylotelephium telephium ‘Mohrchen’ need?

For best performance, this Stonecrop requires full sun exposure to develop its strongest stems and richest ruby-red autumn foliage color.

When does Stonecrop bloom?

The flowers of Hylotelephium telephium ‘Mohrchen’ emerge reliably starting in August, displaying small, attractive rose/pink clusters.

Conclusion

Hylotelephium telephium ‘Mohrchen’ stands out as an essential, low-maintenance perennial, delivering season-long interest through its remarkable foliage and dependable late-summer blooms. The unique burgundy to ruby-red coloration of this Stonecrop ensures it remains a focal point long after other plants fade. Before planting, confirm your site offers full sun and excellent drainage to ensure you enjoy robust, upright growth from your Hylotelephium telephium ‘Mohrchen’ year after year.

Propagation Tips

Propagating Hylotelephium telephium ‘Mohrchen’ is exceptionally easy, reinforcing its reputation as a live-forever plant. The most effective time for vegetative reproduction is spring, when you can carefully lift and divide established clumps into smaller sections, ensuring each division has adequate roots and shoots. Alternatively, take stem cuttings during the summer months, removing the lower leaves and allowing the cutting base to dry slightly before placing it in a porous, well-drained medium.

The famous durability of this Stonecrop means propagation can even occur accidentally. As noted, detached leaves of Hylotelephium telephium ‘Mohrchen’ readily root when laid on slightly moist soil surface, making it an excellent subject for sharing with friends or filling out gaps in large plantings without significant effort.

Companion Planting

Due to the specific needs of this Stonecrop—full sun and dry, well-drained soil—companion planting should focus on species with similar low-water requirements. Excellent neighbors include ornamental grasses like Panicum virgatum cultivars, which appreciate the same sun exposure and structural partnership. Plants renowned for drought tolerance, such as various Sedum varieties or Yucca, harmonize perfectly with the texture and cultural needs of Hylotelephium telephium ‘Mohrchen’.

Avoid planting this succulent perennial near moisture-loving species like Astilbe or Iris, as the resulting soil saturation will compromise the Stonecrop’s health and drainage. By pairing Hylotelephium telephium ‘Mohrchen’ with other tough, sun-loving perennials, you establish a garden area that remains vibrant and managed with very little supplemental irrigation.