Stonecrop (Sedum rupestre 'Angelina')
Sedum rupestre 'Angelina' Stonecrop is a brilliant, mat-forming perennial renowned for its spiky, chartreuse-yellow foliage that often hints at bronze or ginger. This low-maintenance succulent thrives in full sun and poor, dry soils, making it an excellent choice for rockeries and ground cover.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Sedum rupestre ‘Angelina’, commonly known simply as Stonecrop, is celebrated as one of the most vibrant evergreen ground covers available for sunny, dry locations. This cultivar is prized for its fine-textured, spiky foliage that radiates brilliant yellow, often acquiring warm ginger-brown tips, especially during colder seasons. As a mat-forming succulent, it spreads effectively to create thick blankets of color where other plants might struggle.
This Stonecrop variety is exceptionally tough, tolerating heat, drought, and poor soil conditions with minimal fuss, aligning perfectly with low-maintenance gardening goals. Grown as a creeping perennial, it softens hard edges and introduces necessary textural contrast in rock gardens or along pathways.
The resilience and striking coloration of Sedum rupestre ‘Angelina’ ensure year-round visual interest, shifting palettes seasonally while requiring virtually no supplemental water once established. Its ability to thrive in challenging, stony sites makes it an indispensable tool for landscaping slopes or xeriscaping projects.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Crassulaceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 5-8
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 0.25-0.5 ft
- Spread: 1-2 ft
- Bloom Time: June to August
- Bloom Description: Yellow
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Water Needs: Dry to medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
For successful establishment, plant Sedum rupestre ‘Angelina’ in the spring or fall when conditions are mild, ensuring it receives at least six hours of direct sun exposure daily. This plant thrives in average soils, but its definitive need is excellent drainage; sandy, gravelly, or rocky substrates are ideal, as soggy conditions will quickly lead to rot. When massing this Stonecrop for rapid coverage, space starter plants about 8 to 12 inches apart.
Once established, care requirements for this tough perennial are minimal. Water only when the soil becomes thoroughly dry, as Sedum rupestre ‘Angelina’ is highly drought-tolerant. Fertilization is rarely necessary; rich soil tends to encourage floppier, less colorful growth, so avoid amending the soil heavily. No significant pruning is usually required, though you may clip back any errant pieces that attempt to colonize unwanted areas.
Seasonal vigilance should focus primarily on monitoring drainage, especially during prolonged wet periods in winter. If the foliage takes on a reddish tone in autumn and winter, this is normal behavior for this cultivar in cold climates, adding seasonal depth to the garden design.
Landscape Uses
The spreading habit of Sedum rupestre ‘Angelina’ makes it a phenomenal low-growing ground cover, rapidly forming dense, weed-suppressing mats. It is particularly effective when utilized to drape over retaining walls, where its pointed foliage cascades beautifully over stone edges, immediately invoking the plant’s native rocky habitat.
This brilliant yellow Stonecrop excels in rock gardens and along border fronts, acting as a vibrant, low-profile accent plant. It is best showcased when planted in large drifts or groups, allowing the massed color of the foliage to create the strongest impact. Furthermore, Sedum rupestre ‘Angelina’ performs well in containers and hanging baskets, often lending textural interest to mixed seasonal arrangements or cascading solo.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
Sedum rupestre (synonymous with S. Reflexum) is a mat-forming stonecrop that is native to mountain areas in central and western Europe. It is an evergreen plant that grows to only 4” tall but spreads to 24” wide. Pointed, cylindrical, gray-green leaves (to 3/4” long) are fleshy. In cold winter climates, leaves may acquire reddish tones in autumn. Star-shaped yellow flowers (1/2” wide) appear in terminal cymes in summer (June - August). This species is sometimes commonly called rocky stonecrop.Genus name comes from the Latin word sedeo meaning to sit in reference to the general growing habit of many of the sedums (they sit and sprawl over rocks).Specific epithet means “rock loving” in reference to the mountainous native habit of this plant.Sedums are commonly called stonecrops in reference to the fact that many of the sedum species plants are typically found in the wild growing on rocky or stony ledges.‘Angelina’ is a yellow leaved cultivar featuring spiky yellow leaves (to 3/4” long) that often sport ginger brown tips. The leaves of this cultivar are the main ornamental interest. In cold winter climates, the leaves usually turn reddish-orange in autumn.
Tolerances
- Rabbit
- Deer
- Drought
- Dry Soil
- Shallow-Rocky Soil
- Air Pollution
Potential Problems
This Stonecrop generally avoids serious insect or disease issues, making it a favorite for low-maintenance gardens. However, gardeners should remain vigilant for potential mollusk activity. Slugs and snails have been known to munch on the succulent leaves, particularly in damp or excessively shaded conditions. Management usually involves simple hand-picking or treating with appropriate baits if populations become problematic. Scale insects may occasionally be observed, but are seldom serious enough to threaten the health of established Sedum rupestre ‘Angelina’ colonies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Stonecrop suitable for?
Sedum rupestre ‘Angelina’ is reliably hardy across USDA Zones 5 through 8.
How large does Sedum rupestre ‘Angelina’ grow?
This perennial typically achieves a low height between 0.25 to 0.5 feet, spreading outwards to cover an area from 1 to 2 feet wide.
What sun exposure does Stonecrop need?
This plant requires full sun to maintain its brightest yellow foliage color; while it tolerates some light shade, excessive shade will reduce its vibrancy.
When does Stonecrop bloom?
Sedum rupestre ‘Angelina’ produces its characteristic yellow, star-shaped flowers throughout the mid-summer months, specifically between June and August.
Companion Planting
When selecting companions for Sedum rupestre ‘Angelina’, focus on plants sharing its preference for full sun and sharp drainage. Consider pairing it with other drought-tolerant perennials like various Lavender varieties (Lavandula), Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia), or low-growing ornamental grasses that complement its horizontal habit. Placing it near plants with contrasting dark green or blue foliage will make the chartreuse tones of this Stonecrop truly pop. Avoid planting it near moisture-loving species, as excess water will inevitably damage this sun-loving succulent.
Propagation Tips
Propagating Sedum rupestre ‘Angelina’ is remarkably easy due to its ease of rooting, making it excellent for quickly securing ground cover across large areas. The most straightforward method involves taking stem cuttings, which require no rooting hormone for success. Simply snip small sections of the trailing stems—about 2 to 3 inches long—and lay them directly on top of slightly moist, well-draining soil. Keep the soil lightly moist during propagation, and roots will form quickly. These small divisions or cuttings can also be planted directly into their final sunny location, speeding up the coverage rate.
Conclusion
Sedum rupestre ‘Angelina’ offers unparalleled value for gardeners seeking resilient, year-round color in the hottest, driest spots of the landscape. Its vibrant yellow foliage and near-indestructible nature solidify its position as a top-tier Stonecrop selection for texture and brightness. Before planting, ensure your chosen location provides full sun and superb drainage to allow this tough perennial to thrive, and look forward to easy, low-maintenance beauty.
