Perennial of the Month-- November 2009

(SEE-dum  rue-PES-tree)  (pronunciation at link, turn up volume if too low)

Common name:  Angelina  stonecrop

Family: Crassulaceae, orpine

Height x width: 3-6" x 1-2ft

Growth rate: moderate to fast

Foliage: bright yellow cultivar of species (gray-green), spiky leaves to 3/4in. long, often with bronze tips; in cold climates leaves turn reddish-orange in fall; evergreen

Flowers: yellow and star-shaped to 1/2in. wide, in terminal cymes through summer; not showy as they blend in with leaves

Hardiness: 3 to 7 for cold (varies with source, 5 is most likely), to 9 for warm

Soil: average to dry, needs good soil drainage, tolerates drought once established; tolerates gravelly soils and heat; moderate to low fertility is best

Light: full sun, tolerates part shade

Pests and problems: none serious, possibly slugs or snails if too moist

Landscape habit, uses: massed, containers, groundcover in sun, fronts of borders, rock gardens, walls, hanging baskets; resistant to deer and rabbits, attractive to butterflies; combines well with blue fescue grass, under roses, container annuals

Other interest: main interest is the bright yellow foliage; native to mountains in rocky areas (meaning of common name); 2002 ISU (Europe) Perennial Plant award for best new introduction; winner of many USA awards; species formerly listed as reflexum

Other culture: often used as an annual, especially in cold climates; prune back any time needed

Propagation: PPAF (Patented) so commercially by licensed propagators, at home by stem cuttings or division

Sources:  specialty perennial nurseries, Proven Selections retailers