Orpine (Sedum telephium)

Orpine

Sedum telephium

Fleshy leaves hold quiet resilience through drought. Clumping succulent perennial; common names: orpine, live-forever.

Full sun
1/week
Beginner
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Full sun to partial shade; tolerates hot, dry conditions; full sun promotes best flowering color
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Watering Allow soil to dry completely between waterings; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot
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Temperature Hardy to -20°C; withstands summer heat up to 35°C with adequate drainage
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Oval to obovate fleshy leaves, blue-green to reddish-purple, arranged in opposite pairs along stems
  • Flower: Dense flat-topped clusters of tiny pink, white, or red star-shaped blooms
  • Stem: Succulent, upright stems that may turn reddish in full sun
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Care Guide

Watering

Water when top 5 cm of soil is dry; increase frequency slightly during extreme heatwaves

Fertilization

Diluted balanced liquid feed once monthly. Do not fertilize during winter dormancy to prevent weak growth

Eggshell powder top dressing:Grind dried eggshells into fine powder; sprinkle lightly on soil surface once every 3 months to boost soil structure and calcium levels
Pruning
  • Deadhead spent flower clusters to encourage tidiness and potential late-season rebloom
  • Trim back leggy stems in early spring to promote compact, bushy growth
  • Remove yellowing or damaged leaves at the base to maintain plant health and appearance
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA-verified non-toxic; safe for cats with no reported toxicity

Humans: Non-toxic to humans; no known adverse effects from ingestion or contact

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: N/A

Usage: Ornamental ground cover, rock garden plant; some cultivars used in green roof installations