Contents
Description
Sedum Hispanicum, also known as Blue Carpet or Spanish Stonecrop, is a low-growing succulent that is native to Europe and North Africa. It is a popular choice for rock gardens, borders, and groundcovers due to its low maintenance and attractive blue-green foliage. The plant can grow up to 6 inches in height and can spread up to 12 inches wide.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Saxifragales |
| Family | Crassulaceae |
| Genus | Sedum |
Appearance
Sedum Hispanicum has thick, fleshy blue-green leaves that are arranged in a rosette pattern. The leaves are about 1 inch long and 1/4 inch wide, and have a powdery coating that gives them a slightly frosted appearance. The plant produces small star-shaped pink flowers that bloom in the summer, which attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
Care Guide
Sedum Hispanicum is a low maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips for keeping your Sedum Hispanicum healthy:Water: Sedum Hispanicum is drought-tolerant and prefers well-draining soil. Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season, and reduce watering in the winter.Fertilization: Fertilization is not necessary for Sedum Hispanicum, but you can use a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season if you want to promote growth.Soil: Sedum Hispanicum prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic to neutral. You can use a cactus or succulent mix, or a mixture of sand, perlite, and peat moss.Sunlight: Sedum Hispanicum prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can cause the plant to become leggy.Hardiness Zones: Sedum Hispanicum is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Sedum Hispanicum is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered. Watch out for mealybugs, spider mites, and aphids, which can infest the plant if it is stressed.
Habitat
Sedum Hispanicum is native to Europe and North Africa, where it grows in rocky, well-draining soil. It can tolerate drought and heat, and is often found growing in sunny, dry areas such as hillsides and cliffs.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Sedum Hispanicum be grown indoors?
A: Yes, Sedum Hispanicum can be grown indoors as long as it is placed in a sunny window and is not overwatered.Q: How often should Sedum Hispanicum be fertilized?
A: Fertilization is not necessary for Sedum Hispanicum, but you can use a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season if you want to promote growth.Q: Can Sedum Hispanicum grow in shade?
A: Sedum Hispanicum prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can cause the plant to become leggy.Q: Is Sedum Hispanicum poisonous to pets?
A: Sedum Hispanicum is not toxic to pets or humans.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Sedum Hispanicum:
- Sedum Album
- Sedum Dasyphyllum
- Sedum Kamtschaticum
- Sedum Spurium
References
- University of Illinois Extension. (n.d.). Sedum Hispanicum. Retrieved from https://extension.illinois.edu/hortanswers/detailproblem.cfm?PathogenID=145
- RHS. (n.d.). Sedum Hispanicum. Retrieved from https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/243161/sedum-hispanicum/details
- Gardenia. (n.d.). Sedum Hispanicum (Blue Carpet). Retrieved from https://www.gardenia.net/plant/sedum-hispanicum-blue-carpet
