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Description
Telephium, also known as stonecrop, is a genus of hardy perennial plants that belong to the family Crassulaceae. There are over 400 species of Telephium, and they come in a variety of colors, including pink, red, purple, and white. They are native to Europe, Asia, and North America and are easy to grow and care for.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Saxifragales |
| Family | Crassulaceae |
| Genus | Telephium |
Appearance
Telephium plants are known for their fleshy leaves and stems. They come in a variety of sizes, ranging from low-growing ground covers to tall, upright plants. The flowers are typically star-shaped and can be either single or in clusters. The colors of the flowers vary depending on the species, but they are often shades of pink, red, purple, or white. The foliage can also be colorful, with some species having leaves that turn red or purple in the fall.
Care Guide
Telephium plants are easy to care for and can thrive in a variety of growing conditions. Here are some tips for caring for your Telephium:
- Water: Telephium plants prefer well-draining soil and do not like to be overwatered. Water deeply once a week or whenever the top inch of soil feels dry.
- Fertilization: Telephium plants do not need a lot of fertilizer. A light application of balanced fertilizer in the spring is usually sufficient.
- Soil: Telephium plants prefer well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. They can tolerate a wide range of soil types, but they do not like to be in standing water.
- Sunlight: Telephium plants prefer full sun but can also tolerate partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: Telephium plants can grow in USDA hardiness zones 3-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Telephium plants are generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, they can be susceptible to root rot if they are overwatered. They can also be affected by powdery mildew, which can be treated with a fungicide. Aphids and spider mites can also be a problem, but they can be controlled with insecticidal soap.
Habitat
Telephium plants are native to Europe, Asia, and North America and can be found in a variety of habitats, including rocky cliffs, meadows, and woodland edges. They are adaptable plants that can grow in a range of soil types and can tolerate periods of drought.
Question and Answer
Q: Can I propagate my Telephium plants?
A: Yes, Telephium plants can be propagated by division in the spring or fall. Simply dig up the plant and separate the clumps into smaller sections.
Q: Do Telephium plants attract pollinators?
A: Yes, Telephium plants are known to attract bees and butterflies with their nectar-rich flowers.
Q: How often should I fertilize my Telephium plants?
A: Telephium plants do not need a lot of fertilizer. A light application of balanced fertilizer in the spring is usually sufficient.
Q: Can I grow Telephium plants in containers?
A: Yes, Telephium plants can be grown in containers as long as the container has good drainage and the plant receives enough sunlight.
Related Plants
- Sedum
- Hylotelephium
- Sempervivum
- Echeveria
References
- “Telephium.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=280753.
- “Telephium.” PlantFiles, www.garden.org/plants/group/telephiums/.
- “Telephium.” Royal Horticultural Society, www.rhs.org.uk/plants/search-results?form-mode=true&context=lra&query=Telephium.
