Sedum (hylotelephium) 'THUNDERHEAD'

Stonecrops (ice plants) are variable and usually very tough perennials popular for their zero requirements for water and maintenance. Most of our C.E. cultivated 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.

Thunderhead stonecrop was bred by Janet N. Egger from Terra Nova^® Nurseries in Oregon, USA, and is considered one of their most majestic varieties. Granted patents: PP24693 (USA – 2014) and 46411 (Europe – 2017).

Thunderhead stonecrop makes impressive, vibrant pink flowers atop 50-60 cm tall, strong stems. Deciduous leaves are ovate, dusky green, flushed purple, and emerge pale olive green with conspicuous purple pink hues along pink stems. Individual flowers are small, star-shaped, and are composed in dome-shaped corymbs that can reach 15-20 cm across. Flowering begins in late August and lasts for 4-6 weeks and as the flowers become dry they remain attractive till the first soft rime. As every upright sedum it looks best planted in a mass or at least three plants together for a richer display of its flowers. Flowers provide excellent food for bees, especially in autumn when there is not much nectar in the landscape.

Stonecrops are perfect plants for autumn borders. They provide an extra colour on plant of architectural value. These perennials are easy to grow, they will like almost any well-drained soil, they do well in rockeries and outdoor pots (without a saucer). Cut them back in early spring but be careful not to damage young buds at the ground which are frequently formed yet before winter and overwinter until springtime. 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 04-10-2021