Sedum (hylotelephium) 'XENOX'

Ice plants (stonecrops) are variable and usually very tough perennials popular for their zero requirements for water and maintenance. Most of our C.E. grown hardy species and varieties are best grown in xeriscape conditions, and offer a good range of foliage and flower colours. In order to separate the taller ones with stems from the groundcovering species, botanists and growers prefer to use hylotelephium for the taller ones.

Xenox is a Dutch ice plant variety bred by a very skillful breeder of perennials Hubertus Gerardus Oudshoorn. It was selected from cross-pollinated seedlings of sedum telephium in 2003. The new plant is notably compact – makes shorter stem of only about 25 cm, and produces dark red leaves. In late summer open smaller dome-like heads composed of numerous star-shaped flowers. Buds are pale purple and flowers change from orange yellow to very soft pink. They attract bees, bumble bees, and butterflies. Leaves are rounded to oval, rich burgundy red just like stems. Powdery mildew may be a problem at the end of the season. Patent No. PP16888 was issued in 2006.

Stonecrops (orpines) are perfect plants for autumn borders. They add extra colour on an architecturally interesting plant. These perennials are easy to grow, they will like almost any well-drained soil, they do well in rockeries and outdoor pots (without saucer). Cut them back in early spring but be careful not to damage young buds at the ground. Let them dry out before next watering - excess water brings a danger of fungi diseases. Fully hardy to min. -34°C (USDA zone 4).

Last update 19-09-2019