Sedum spathulifolium Cape Blanco - Stonecrop

Sedum spathulifolium 'Cape Blanco' is a perennial and hardy stonecrop with a creeping habit and small fleshy silver-grey to bronze rosettes. In late spring, it produces an abundance of small sulphur-yellow flowers. The flowers, leaves, and stems combine to create a beautiful contrast.

Sedum is a succulent plant in the Crassulaceae family, native to dry areas in the Northern Hemisphere. It can be found in both boreal and Mediterranean regions. It is a plant of extreme environments: its advantage lies in its ability to store juices in its fleshy leaves and stems to better mobilise them in case of drought. Sedum can have a creeping habit and act as a ground cover, or have an upright habit. Sedum spathulifolium 'Cape Blanco' is an evergreen variety with a creeping habit that reaches a height of 5cm (2in) at maturity and easily forms a covering carpet-like appearance. The fleshy and compact leaves form silver-grey to bronze rosettes. From May to June, an abundance of sulphur-yellow flowers with bilateral symmetry appears in corymbiform clusters.

Sedum is not very demanding. It is content with poor soil with little substrate, even limestone, thanks to its shallow root system. It should be placed in full sun as it requires high light intensity and in dry, well-drained soil. It can tolerate negative temperatures down to -15°C (5°F) and periods of high heat and drought. It is perfect for colonising gaps or crevices, dressing a wall, or adding colour to a rockery. It is often used in the composition of green walls and roofs. It is a simple, adaptable plant that can also be generous. Sedum spathulifolium 'Cape Blanco' is melliferous and nectariferous, attracting butterflies for an extra touch of colour.

Sedum is reputed to have healing properties for small cuts, grazes, or burns. It is also said to have diuretic and purgative effects.