Orange Stonecrop, or Sedum kamtschaticum, is a thick succulent in various forms. Cultivar differences in appearance can be substantial.
Orange stonecrop appreciates dry soil and intense sunlight; thus, it’s often planted as a ground cover in gaps or tightly packed. Due to their relative resistance to harsh winters, these are among the few succulent cultivars suitable for Pittsburgh’s climate.
Sedum kamtschaticum is a great succulent for borders and xeriscapes gardens. Other names for it include the Angelina stonecrop and the Russian stonecrop.
Orange Stonecrop Overview
| Common Name | Russian stonecrop, Sedum kamtschaticum |
| Scientific Name | Sedum kamtschaticum |
| Family | Crassulaceae |
| Height & Spread | 4-6″ tall |
| Light | Full sun to partial shade |
| Soil | Tolerant of many types |
| Water | Low |
| Pests & Diseases | Aphids, spider mites |
Orange Stonecrop Care
This sedum grows very easily and makes a good ground cover. Let’s talk about the specifics of taking care of it!
Light & Temperature
The Russian stonecrop likes full sun, although it will grow in a little shade in your yard. It can withstand some shadow because it receives six hours of direct sunlight each day. USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 9 are ideal for your plant’s growth. Its lowest temperature tolerance is -20°F.
While the plant may die back in the winter, the green leaves will persist in many areas. This plant tolerates heat well and thrives in hot, well-lit settings. In certain places, a little shade is ideal.
Water & Humidity
Apply the soak-and-dry technique to this type of ground cover plant. Before giving your plant another drink, soak it and let the soil dry fully. Established ground cover plants can survive several months without watering since they are drought-tolerant.
Avoid letting your Sedum kamtschaticum suffer from an excessively wet winter, as this might strain it and encourage root rot diseases. It should be simpler if the soil composition is right.
Soil
This type of ground cover plant grows best in dry, poorly-drained soil. All types of garden soil are equally effective: clay, sandy, and average. Stress can occur in your Sedum kamtschaticum if the soil is extremely rich or holds onto too much water. The soil should be able to dry out quickly in between watering.
For that reason, water your drought-tolerant sedum from below rather than above. This prevents diseases caused by water from spreading on the surfaces of leaves. This plant thrives in environments ranging from slightly neutral to acidic in pH.
Fertilizer
Since these ground cover plants enjoy dry, poor soil, they don’t require additional fertilizer. Recall that they can withstand drought. As annual topdressing, feel free to apply a very thin layer of compost.
Pruning
Early in the spring, you can clip down your plant’s stems and dead flower head clusters. To keep your growing plants from splitting, trim back the taller variety by half in the early summer.
The plant can now be deadheaded to prevent self-seeding. Not to mention, use sterile pruning scissors to cut off any sick or dead plant pieces as needed.
Propagation
Every two to three years, you can divide your plants to create new ones. This is a simple strategy that works well in the spring or early summer. Simply remove the plant and look for nodes that are connected to other plant growth.
Plant them after carefully dividing them. Permanent outdoor planting in full sun is an option for bigger divisions; smaller divisions can be cultivated in pots under a cold frame.
Repotting Orange Stonecrop
In your garden, you can use purchased plants as ground cover or transplant them into pots with easily draining soil and drainage holes. Your plants need room to spread out on the ground via their short rhizomes, so space them 9 to 12 inches apart.
If your Sedum kamtschaticum is growing in a pot, give it a new pot every year or when it doubles in size. You can now take cuttings from the plant or divide it.
Troubleshooting
Sedum kamtschaticum is a very laid-back plant that blooms from spring through early summer and into midsummer. Some safety precautions need to be taken when cultivating it.
Growing Problems
Keep in mind that overwatering in the winter will damage your plant because of the moist soil. This is why you should ensure that the soil in which your plant is growing drains properly and water it only when the ground has dried fully.
Even if your plant can tolerate some shadow, too much shade is bad for it; give it at least six hours of sunshine every day. A little shadow is acceptable. Reduced growth and fewer springtime blossoms are signs of insufficient solar exposure.
Pests
Mealybugs, spider mites, and aphids can all feast on your plant’s leaves and gather sap as they go. They often don’t pose a big issue, though. Typically, a strong water jet is required to force them off the plant.
If the water blast is insufficient, remove the infected sections of the plant and use a moist towel to wipe away any leftover pests rather than applying organic insecticides.
Diseases
Infrequent watering and the use of well-drained soil can cause fungal infections and root rot. To avoid these infections, incorporate 50% pumice, coarse sand, or perlite into the soil. In between watering, let the soil dry fully.
If root rot develops, stop watering the plant and remove the affected sections. If this doesn’t work, take out the entire plant and plant it again in freshly prepared, completely dry soil. When the plant is stable, do not water it again.
FAQ
Do wintertime sedums die back?
Yes, however, Sedum kamtschaticum can remain evergreen in its hardiness zones. In colder climates, winter is when it dies back.
Does sedum grow rapidly?
This sedum grows and spreads swiftly in ideal conditions. Thus, do not place it near other plants that develop slowly.
How is a Russian stonecrop taken care of?
Plant in full-light, well-drained, dry, and fertile soil. Water it occasionally, but don’t give it too much in the winter.