Sedum Telephium Purple Emperor
Contents
Description
Sedum Telephium Purple Emperor, also known as Hylotelephium telephium Purple Emperor or Sedum Purple Emperor, is a perennial flowering plant that belongs to the Crassulaceae family. It is native to Europe and Asia but has become popular in North America as a garden plant. The plant is known for its deep purple foliage and large, flat-topped clusters of pink flowers that bloom in late summer.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Saxifragales |
| Family | Crassulaceae |
| Genus | Hylotelephium |
| Species | Hylotelephium telephium |
Appearance
Sedum Telephium Purple Emperor grows up to 18 inches tall and 24 inches wide. Its leaves are fleshy, oval-shaped, and deep purple in color. The flowers are pink, star-shaped, and grow in dense clusters that can reach up to 8 inches wide. The plant blooms from late summer to early fall and attracts butterflies and bees.
Care Guide
To care for Sedum Telephium Purple Emperor, follow these guidelines:
Water: Water the plant thoroughly once a week during the growing season. Reduce watering in winter.
Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a year in early spring with a balanced fertilizer.
Soil: The plant prefers well-draining, sandy soil. Amend heavy clay soil with sand or grit.
Sunlight: Sedum Telephium Purple Emperor thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 3-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Sedum Telephium Purple Emperor is relatively pest and disease-free. However, it may be susceptible to root rot if planted in poorly draining soil. Overwatering can also cause fungal diseases to develop.
Habitat
Sedum Telephium Purple Emperor is native to Europe and Asia and grows in dry, rocky environments such as cliffs and rocky slopes. It is also commonly grown as a garden plant in North America.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Sedum Telephium Purple Emperor tolerate drought?
A: Yes, the plant is drought tolerant once established.
Q: How often should I prune the plant?
A: Prune the plant in early spring to remove dead or damaged foliage and promote new growth.
Q: Can I grow Sedum Telephium Purple Emperor in a container?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown in a container as long as it has well-draining soil and receives adequate sunlight.
Q: Does the plant attract any other pollinators besides butterflies and bees?
A: Yes, the plant also attracts hummingbirds.
Related Plants
Other plants in the Hylotelephium genus include:
- Hylotelephium spectabile (showy stonecrop)
- Hylotelephium cauticola (stonecrop)
- Hylotelephium anacampseros (love-restorer)
References
- Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Hylotelephium telephium ‘Purple Emperor’. Retrieved from http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c467
- Olsen, D. (2021, January 22). How to Grow and Care for Sedum Telephium. The Spruce. Retrieved from https://www.thespruce.com/grow-sedum-telephium-4175515
- RHS. (n.d.). Hylotelephium telephium ‘Purple Emperor’. Retrieved from https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/257900/Hylotelephium-telephium-Purple-Emperor-(PBR)/Details
