Contents
Description
Sedum Spurium Dragon’s Blood, also known as Phedimus spurius, is a low-growing, succulent plant that belongs to the Crassulaceae family. It is native to Europe and Asia and is commonly used in rock gardens, borders, and ground cover. It has bright-green leaves that turn a reddish-bronze color during the summer and a deep-red color during the winter. Its flowers are star-shaped, pinkish-red, and bloom in late spring to early summer.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain: | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Phylum: | Tracheophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Saxifragales |
| Family: | Crassulaceae |
| Genus: | Phedimus |
| Species: | spurius |
Appearance
Sedum Spurium Dragon’s Blood has small, fleshy leaves that grow in rosettes along the stem. The leaves are bright-green during the spring and summer and turn reddish-bronze during the summer. In the winter, the leaves turn a deep-red color. The plant has a low-growing, spreading habit and can grow up to 6 inches tall and 12 inches wide. Its flowers are star-shaped, pinkish-red, and bloom in late spring to early summer.
Care Guide
Sedum Spurium Dragon’s Blood is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips:
- Water: Water the plant deeply but infrequently. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a year with a balanced fertilizer in the spring.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade.
- Hardiness Zones: Sedum Spurium Dragon’s Blood is hardy in USDA zones 3-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Sedum Spurium Dragon’s Blood is generally pest and disease resistant. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if the soil is too moist. Here are some common pests and diseases to watch out for:
- Mealybugs: These small, white insects can be found on the leaves and stems of the plant. They can be removed by wiping them off with a cotton swab soaked in rubbing alcohol.
- Aphids: These small, green insects can be found on the leaves and stems of the plant. They can be removed by spraying the plant with a mixture of water and dish soap.
- Root rot: This fungal disease can occur if the soil is too moist. To prevent it, make sure the soil is well-draining and allow it to dry out between waterings.
Habitat
Sedum Spurium Dragon’s Blood is native to Europe and Asia and can be found growing in rocky, mountainous areas. It prefers well-draining soil and full sun but can tolerate some shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Sedum Spurium Dragon’s Blood be grown indoors?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown indoors in a sunny window.
Q: How often should I fertilize Sedum Spurium Dragon’s Blood?
A: Fertilize the plant once a year with a balanced fertilizer in the spring.
Q: Can Sedum Spurium Dragon’s Blood be propagated?
A: Yes, the plant can be propagated by stem or leaf cuttings.
Q: Is Sedum Spurium Dragon’s Blood poisonous to pets?
A: The plant is not known to be toxic to pets, but it is always best to keep it out of reach.
Related Plants
- Sedum acre
- Sedum kamtschaticum
- Sedum spectabile
- Sedum ternatum
References
- “Sedum spurium ‘Dragon’s Blood’.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b352.
- “Phedimus spurius (Sedum spurium).” Plants of the World Online, Kew Science, powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:277684-1.
