Sedum glaucophyllum aka Cliff Stonecrop

Sedum glaucophyllum, or cliff stonecrop, belongs to the Crassulaceae family. Its native range runs from West Virginia to North Carolina. It grows in a temperate climate and is not native to Britain or Ireland. Kew classes it as a succulent subshrub. Garden sources describe it as an evergreen perennial. These terms reflect its lasting growth and fleshy plant parts.

This low plant forms a mat of leaf rosettes. The fleshy leaves range from green to blue-green. In autumn, they take on pink and purple tones. The foliage stays on the plant through winter. Plants reach about 0.33 feet (0.1 metres) in height. Their spread ranges from 0.33 to 1.64 feet (0.1–0.5 metres). The RHS gives two to five years for full growth. Its short form suits the front of a planting. The rosettes provide interest even when flowers are absent.

White, star-shaped flowers grow in clusters in early summer. Their stems reach about 0.33 feet (0.1 metres) tall. The pale blooms stand above the low leaf mat. Flowers add a summer feature before the autumn leaf change. The supplied sources give no details about fruit or seeds. They also provide no evidence about edible parts or toxicity. This account therefore makes no claim about eating the plant.

Grow cliff stonecrop in full sun and a sheltered spot. The RHS lists east-, south-, and west-facing sites as suitable. Use soil with moderate fertility that drains well. Suitable soil types include chalk, loam, and sand. The preferred pH is neutral to alkaline. It tolerates drought and accepts dry to moist conditions. The RHS rates its UK hardiness as H4. That rating covers winter lows near 14–23°F (−10 to −5°C). It does not imply equal hardiness in every climate.

Use it as ground cover or along garden edges. It also suits rock gardens, containers, and patio plantings. The RHS lists coastal, cottage, and informal gardens among its uses. Its care needs are low, and pests seldom cause trouble. Fungal and bacterial rots can affect roots and crowns. Trim the plant after bloom to keep its shape. Softwood cuttings offer a way to raise more plants.