Sedum sexangulare - Stonecrop

Sedum sexangulare is a small creeping perennial ground cover with unique evergreen foliage. Tiny succulent leaves arranged in 6 rows spiral upwards towards the sky. They quickly form a green carpet that can turn red depending on weather conditions. They easily colonise the most difficult terrain. Its long stems root easily in crevices and settle in poor and dry soils, preferably in the sun. Its yellow flowers in June and July are a boon for insects.

Stonecrops are proof that poor soil can grow beautiful specimens with subtle hues. If your soil is poor, rather dry, even stony, or even a little calcareous, you can nevertheless benefit from these hardy perennials (they resist temperatures below 15°C (5°F), which do not require maintenance and promise to liven up the garden with visits from butterflies. These succulents are easy to grow and have flowers and foliage in various shades that can compose beautiful displays, whether in beds, containers, or rockeries. They should not be subjected to excess humidity in winter, nor should they be covered with dead leaves (which can cause their deterioration). Give them a sunny, even scorching, exposure with a few millimetres of substrate.

This 6-angled stonecrop has a creeping habit that can reach a spread of 45cm (18in) with its stoloniferous stems. They end their course rising to reach a height of 5 to 6cm (2in). They bear small, oblong, tapering, cylindrical leaves measuring 3 to 5mm. They are alternate, arranged in 6 rows in such a way as to build a curious little spiral that tries to straighten out as best it can. This foliage displays a beautiful light green, which can be adorned with red, depending on the season. These shades vary, like most of its cousins of the same genus, according to climatic conditions: the amount of light and water will either lighten or accentuate its colours. Delicate flowers emerge from the foliage. Its inflorescences, in miniature corymbs, are made up of multiple yellow, star-shaped flowers, highly prized by insects.

Sedum sexangulare is an asset for greening all corners of the garden. Plant it along paths, at the edge of a patio, at the foot of a wall, or in pots that you can move as you wish. It combines easily with all rock garden plants, requires no maintenance, and colonises abandoned spaces. It is also suitable for green roofs. For long-lasting flowering, pair it with Iberis sempervirens (spring flowering) and Aster rugulosus 'Asrugo' (autumn flowering). Vary the foliage effects by colour or shape with S. reflexum 'Angelina' and S. spathulifolium ‘Purpureum’.