Origin
Sedum obtusatum Gray ssp. paradisum (Denton) Denton, also known as Denton's stonecrop, originated in the western region of North America, specifically in mountainous or rocky areas of California and Nevada.
Common Names
Denton's stonecrop is commonly known as Paradisum Stonecrop.
Uses
Paradisum Stonecrop is used by gardeners as a ground cover for beautiful landscaping and erosion prevention on banks and slopes. Its foliage turns shades of pink and red over the cooler months of autumn, offering an added advantage to its already attractive features. It is also used for its healing properties, as its leaves can be crushed and applied as a poultice to wounds and burns.
General Appearance
Paradisum Stonecrop have a succulent base and are small but compact plants that can grow up to 15.2 cm in height. The plant has blue-green, solid foliage. The round leaves are arranged in a rosette formation, with each leaf measuring up to 1.3 cm in length and 0.5 cm in width. The plant blooms during late summer through early fall with clusters of yellow flowers, measuring up to 1.9cm in diameter, that are set on stems that grow from the base of the plant to reach a height of 20.3 cm.
The plant has been observed to be frost tolerant and adapted to rock crevices in higher elevations amongst habitat types such as pine forests, sagebrush-steppes, and montane habitats.
Growth Conditions for Sedum Obtusatum Gray ssp. Paradisum (Denton) Denton
Light: Sedum obtusatum Gray ssp. paradisum (Denton) Denton thrives in full sun to partial shade. If planted in a location with too much shade, it may become leggy and not bloom as prolifically as it would in full sun.
Temperature: This plant is well suited for USDA hardiness zones 5 through 9. It can tolerate temperatures as low as -20°F (-28.9°C). However, in regions with hot summers, it is best to give this plant some afternoon shade.
Soil: Sedum obtusatum Gray ssp. paradisum (Denton) Denton prefers well-draining, sandy loam soil. It can also tolerate soils with rocky, or gravelly characteristics, which makes it ideal for rock and wall gardens. Any soil with poor drainage may lead to root rot.
Water: Once established, this plant is drought-tolerant. Ensure the soil is not overly wet, and the plant is kept on the dry side. An overabundance of water can cause the plant's roots to rot. Watering should be done in the morning to prevent evaporation of water during hot afternoons.
Fertilizer: Fertilizers are not required for sedum obtusatum Gray ssp. paradisum (Denton) Denton. However, if it starts exhibiting signs of distress, a balanced fertilizer can be given during its growing seasons in early spring or late summer.
Cultivation
Sedum obtusatum Gray ssp. paradisum (Denton) Denton, also known as Paradise Stonecrop, is a low-growing perennial native to North America. It is ideal for rock gardens and dry landscapes due to its drought-tolerant nature. This plant can be grown in full sun to partial shade, but it needs well-draining soil in order to thrive.
When planting, make sure to space plants 8-12 inches apart to allow for proper airflow and prevent overcrowding. Sedum obtusatum can spread easily, so keep this in mind when positioning them in your garden.
Watering Needs
While Sedum obtusatum is drought tolerant, it does need to be watered occasionally during extended periods of drought. Water deeply, saturating the soil to the root level, then allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again. This helps promote strong root growth and prevents root rot. Avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases.
Fertilization
Sedums are generally light feeders and do not require frequent fertilization. However, you can apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the spring to encourage healthy growth and flowering. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for application rates.
Pruning
While Sedum obtusatum is a low-maintenance plant, you can prune it back in the early spring to promote bushier growth. Use a clean pair of shears to remove any dead or damaged growth, and trim back any leggy stems to promote a fuller, more compact plant. Alternatively, you can leave the plant unpruned to allow it to naturally fill out over time.
Propagation of Sedum obtusatum Gray ssp. paradisum (Denton) Denton
Sedum obtusatum Gray ssp. paradisum (Denton) Denton is a succulent plant that belongs to the family Crassulaceae. Propagation of Sedum obtusatum can be done through various methods including division, stem cuttings, and leaf cuttings.
Division
Division is the simplest propagation method for Sedum obtusatum Gray ssp. paradisum (Denton) Denton. This method involves separating the plant into smaller pieces, each of which contains several stems and roots. This can be done in the spring or early fall when the plant is actively growing. Dig up the plant and gently separate the stems and roots, taking care not to damage them. Plant each division in a new container or in soil outdoors.
Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings can be taken in the summer when the plant is actively growing. Choose a healthy stem and cut it just below the leaf node. Remove the lower leaves, leaving only a few at the top. Plant the cutting in moist soil and keep it out of direct sunlight until it has rooted, which can take several weeks.
Leaf Cuttings
Leaf cuttings can also be used to propagate Sedum obtusatum Gray ssp. paradisum (Denton) Denton. Choose a healthy leaf and gently remove it from the stem. Allow the leaf to dry for a day or two, then plant it in moist soil. Keep the soil moist and out of direct sunlight until the leaf has rooted and a new plant has formed.
Overall, Sedum obtusatum Gray ssp. paradisum (Denton) Denton is an easy-to-propagate plant with several propagation methods to choose from. Whether through division, stem cuttings, or leaf cuttings, this succulent plant can quickly produce new offspring.
Disease Management
Sedum obtusatum Gray ssp. paradisum is a relatively healthy plant that is not known to suffer from many diseases. However, as with any plant, it is susceptible to some pathogens that can cause disease. The most common diseases that can affect Sedum obtusatum Gray ssp. paradisum are fungal diseases like powdery mildew, leaf spot, and root rot. Powdery mildew causes a whitish powdery coating to appear on the leaves, and leaf spot causes small dark spots to appear on the leaves. Root rot causes the roots to rot, which can ultimately lead to the death of the plant.
To manage these diseases, it is essential to keep the plant dry and reduce humidity levels. Avoid over-watering the plant and water it only when the soil is completely dry. Use fungicides to treat powdery mildew or leaf spot, and remove infected leaves to prevent the spread of the disease. If the plant is suffering from root rot, it may be necessary to remove the plant from the soil, trim away the damaged roots, and repot it in a well-draining soil mix.
Pest Management
Sedum obtusatum Gray ssp. paradisum is also relatively resistant to pests, but some common pests can occasionally infest the plant. The most common pests that affect Sedum obtusatum Gray ssp. paradisum are spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects. Spider mites are tiny insects that feed on the plant's sap and cause the leaves to look yellow and withered. Mealybugs are small, soft-bodied insects that look like white cottony masses and can cause the plant to wilt. Scale insects are small, hard-bodied insects that attach themselves to the plant and suck its sap, causing the leaves to yellow and wilt.
To manage these pests, it is essential to keep the plant healthy and reduce stress by providing adequate light, water, and nutrients. Treat infestations with insecticidal soap or neem oil, or by wiping the leaves with a cloth dipped in alcohol. For severe infestations, it may be necessary to use a systemic insecticide, but avoid this wherever possible, as it can harm beneficial insects and pollinators.
