Content
Sedum rocky (bent) is a compact and unpretentious plant that has leaf plates of unusual shape. It is thanks to its peculiar appearance that it is gaining considerable popularity among gardeners, allowing you to create original compositions in landscape design.
Description of the sedum deflected
The sedum reflexum (rocky), known under the scientific name as "sedum reflexum", in Latin "Sedum reflexum", is an evergreen perennial. The plant is attributed to the jumbo family and is attributed to succulents, because its main feature is the creation of water reserves in thick leaves and stems.
Stonecrop root is creeping, so the plant grows horizontally and requires a lot of free space. Over time, the root processes dry out and harden. As you can see in the photo of the bent sedum, its bushes form a kind of carpet with a height of 15 to 25 cm. The stems are erect, and at the root they are spread on the ground. Shoots are dense, up to 15 cm in length, creeping and forming loose curtains. Leaves are fleshy, sessile, linear-needle-shaped. Their color can be green, blue-green, yellow or pink, depending on the variety.
Sedum is a common ground cover plant, against which other garden flowers stand out well.
The flowering period is of average duration and takes approximately 15-20 days. During this time, umbrella-shaped inflorescences of small, up to 1.5 cm in diameter, bright yellow flowers are formed.
At the end of flowering, yellow fruits appear in the form of an elongated box. Seeds are small, numerous, dusty.
Rock sedum varieties
The sedum rock has many varieties that are different in appearance, color, shape of the leaf plate, and even are characterized by some nuances during cultivation. Many of them are very popular among gardeners, they are often used to decorate a garden, a personal plot.
Sedum reclined kristatum
Sedum retracted from the variety Cristatum (Cristatum) is considered one of the most bizarre because of its appearance. It seems to bend along the surface relief, for which it received one more name "Cock's comb".
Sedum rocky variety Kristatum is used in cooking
Externally, the plant has needle-like fleshy leaves of a deep green color, which acquire an orange-brown hue in autumn. During the flowering period (from mid-summer), it is covered with yellow inflorescences on high peduncles.
The sedum of this variety grows slowly, but it withstands heat well and is winter hardy.
Sedum Reclined Blue Forest
Blue Forest has a voluminous and very beautiful flowering. The rock sedum variety itself is undersized, it does not exceed 20 cm in height.
Stems of sedum rock variety Blue Forest outwardly resemble the branches of a coniferous tree
This perennial grows densely, covering the entire free surface. Leaves are dense, fleshy, with a light blue tint, densely and evenly distributed along the stem. The inflorescences are spherical, uniting many small yellow flowers.
Sedum rock Angelina
Sedum retracted from the Angelina variety is the fastest growing and spreading on the free surface. He is short, only 15 cm in height.
A distinctive feature of Rock Angelina sedum is its yellow-orange foliage.
The bush is very lush and clearly stands out against the background of green plants. In autumn, the leaves become even more colorful, orange-red. Inflorescences are friable, umbellate, flowers are small, yellow.
Sedum Lydian (Glaukum)
Evergreen perennial stonecrop, rapidly forming sod Lydia (Glaucum) (lydium Glaucum), does not need special care. It grows quickly and spreads like a solid carpet.
The sedum Lydian (Glaukum) can grow both in sunny and shady areas
The bush is voluminous, with numerous small stems rooting at the base. The leaves are juicy, with bluish tops and a reddish bottom. By the fall, they completely change their tone to red. It blooms with small white buds, and at the end they turn pinkish.
Sedum Sandy Silver Cross
Sedum rocky Sandy Silver Crest is rare, as it grows very slowly. Requires little attention, but moderate watering.
Basically sedum Sandy Silver Cross is grown in pots on the balcony, stairs, terrace
Lush bush, characterized by needle-like fleshy leaves of short length. New shoots are lighter in color. And under the bright sun, the plant takes on a purple-green hue.
Sedum Sea Gold
Sedum Sea Gold is also a slow-growing variety. The bush is branched and unevenly spreading on the ground.
Sedum Sea Gold is hardy and can survive the winter without shelter.
The bush has elongated leaves of a light green color. In summer, under the influence of the sun, the tops of the stems change their shade to pale lilac.
The plant is unpretentious and easily tolerates partial shade. Most often it is grown in pots.
Planting and caring for stonecrop
Most varieties of stonecrop are undemanding to care for, so they are often planted in garden plots. The planting itself can be done in different ways: by seed, by dividing the bush or by cuttings.
Selection and preparation of the landing site
The site for planting rock sedum should be chosen taking into account its growth. Therefore, the site should be as free and open as possible. It is also worth focusing on light, since this plant is light-loving, with sufficient lighting it becomes even more attractive with rich shades.
Stonecrop has no special preferences for the soil, but sod neutral or slightly acidic soil with good air permeability is best suited for it.
Landing rules
Stonecrop planting can be done by:
- sowing seeds;
- cuttings.
Seeds are sown in early spring or autumn in prepared boxes. A plant is planted in open ground, observing the following rules:
- first prepare the soil, dig it up, loosen it and remove weeds;
- arrange a drainage layer, after which the surface is leveled and slightly compacted;
- in the prepared place, holes are formed at a distance of 25-30 cm from each other;
- planting material is placed in the holes, sprinkled with fertile soil mixed with sand and lightly tamped;
- after planting, the site is watered.
Watering and feeding
Since stonecrop is a succulent, this plant does not require frequent watering.Excessive soil moisture can provoke the appearance of various diseases.
In the summer season, it is enough to water rock sedum as the soil dries out, 1-2 times in 4 weeks. Infrequent spraying is also allowed to remove dust from leaves. In winter, watering should be reduced as much as possible to 1 time per month. If the plant grows in the open field, then irrigation is not required in winter.
Use only clean, soft, warm water for irrigation.
As a rule, increased soil fertility can adversely affect the appearance of the plant. Under such conditions, stonecrop loses its decorative effect, especially the excess of fertilizer affects those varieties that have a colored color. In this case, the plant takes on a normal green color.
But you should not neglect feeding, because fertilizers are necessary during the period of active growth of the plant. For this, it is best to use precisely the mineral complex formulations intended for succulents. And just one feeding for 1 month is enough.
Reproduction of stonecrop
Propagation of stonecrop is carried out by seed, cuttings or dividing the bush. As a rule, the first method is very time consuming and requires a lot of effort. Seedlings grow very fragile and small. In addition, losses of varietal qualities are possible due to cross-pollination.
The most popular method is grafting, because stonecrop stalks root quite quickly when in contact with the soil. Therefore, not only shoots, but also the leaves of the plant are suitable for reproduction.
The selected part of the plant is first dried in the fresh air for about 30-40 minutes, and then placed on the surface of the prepared soil. Sprinkle lightly with soil. Water abundantly.
Reproduction by cuttings is carried out from June to September.
Dividing a bush to obtain new specimens of stonecrop is not used as often as cuttings, but this method is no less effective. In this way, it is recommended to renew the plant every 4-5 years. To do this, carefully dig up an adult bush and divide it into 2-4 parts. Moreover, each should have new processes and rhizomes.
Diseases and pests
The rock sedum is a plant with a fairly strong immune system. It is rarely attacked by insects and is resistant to various diseases. But still there is a danger of damage to the plant by fungal diseases, which spread not only on the roots, but also on the stems and even leaves. This ailment may appear due to excessive soil moisture. The only way to avoid the spread of rot is by digging up the affected bush and destroying it. Rescue specimens are treated with fungicide and reduced watering.
The succulent leaves of plants attract some pests, in particular, insects such as aphids, larvae, weevils and sawflies are especially dangerous.
A decoction of hot pepper is used against weevils and false caterpillars. And in case of a serious invasion of insects, it is recommended to use insecticides.
Conclusion
The sedum rock is very diverse and unusual in appearance. Regardless of the variety, this plant will be a wonderful decoration for any garden, infield, balcony and terrace. Sedum perfectly tolerates arid conditions, does not require careful care and is easy to reproduce, so even a beginner in gardening can cope with its cultivation.
