Origin and Common Names
Sedum oreganum Nutt. ssp. tenue Clausen is a succulent plant that belongs to the family Crassulaceae. It is native to rocky outcroppings and open woods in western North America, particularly in California, Oregon, and Washington. This plant is commonly known as Oregon stonecrop or Oregon sedum in reference to its place of origin. It is also sometimes called tenacious stonecrop, as it is known for its ability to withstand harsh growing conditions.Uses
Sedum oreganum Nutt. ssp. tenue Clausen is a popular ornamental plant due to its attractive foliage and easy care requirements. It is often used in rock gardens, as a groundcover, or as a container plant. Its drought tolerance makes it a great addition to xeriscapes or other low-water landscapes. In the past, the plant was used for medicinal purposes by indigenous peoples in the Pacific Northwest. It was believed to have healing properties and was used as a poultice or salve to treat burns, wounds, and skin irritations.General Appearance
This perennial plant grows up to 6 inches (15 cm) tall and spreads up to 18 inches (45 cm) wide. Its leaves are fleshy, cylindrical, and come in shades of green to blue-grey. The leaves grow in rosettes and are about 1.5 inches (4 cm) long. In the summer, Sedum oreganum Nutt. ssp. tenue Clausen produces small, star-shaped yellow flowers that grow in clusters at the ends of the stems. The flowers attract bees and butterflies, making it a great addition to pollinator gardens.Light Requirements
Sedum oreganum Nutt. ssp. tenue Clausen typically prefers full sun to partial shade. They may tolerate some shade, but the plants are unlikely to thrive in areas with very low light. In particularly hot climates, partial shade may be desirable to prevent the plants from drying out too quickly.
Temperature Requirements
The plant is native to North America, with the subspecies tenue specifically found in California, Oregon, and Washington. As such, it is adapted to climates with mild to moderate temperatures. They can typically tolerate temperatures down to around -15 degrees Fahrenheit, but extended periods of extreme cold may damage or kill the plants. In warmer climates, the plants may become dormant during the hottest part of the year.
Soil Requirements
Sedum oreganum Nutt. ssp. tenue Clausen prefers well-draining soils that are sandy or gravelly. In their native range, the plants are often found growing in rocky soils or seams between rocks. Soil that is excessively wet or heavy may cause the plant's roots to rot. The plant is adapted to tolerate soils that are relatively low in nutrients, but fertile soils can encourage more vigorous growth.
Cultivation methods:
Sedum oreganum Nutt. ssp. tenue Clausen is a drought-tolerant plant that thrives in dry conditions. It requires well-draining soil with a pH ranging from neutral to slightly alkaline. The plant prefers full sun exposure but can also grow in partially shaded areas.
Propagation is possible through stem cuttings or seeds. For stem cuttings, take a 3-4 inch cutting from the tip of a healthy stem. Let it dry for 24 hours and then plant it in well-draining soil. For seed propagation, sow the seeds in spring in a shallow tray filled with well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist and at a temperature of 70-75°F.
Watering needs:
Sedum oreganum Nutt. ssp. tenue Clausen is a drought-tolerant plant, so it does not require frequent watering. During the growing season, it is best to water the plant once a week, allowing the soil to dry out between watering. In winter, reduce watering to every two weeks. Overwatering can cause root rot and kill the plant.
Fertilization:
Sedum oreganum Nutt. ssp. tenue Clausen does not require frequent fertilization. In fact, excess nitrogen can cause the plant to become leggy and floppy. If you must fertilize, use a balanced fertilizer with a 10-10-10 NPK ratio in the spring. Only fertilize once a year to avoid over-fertilizing.
Pruning:
Pruning Sedum oreganum Nutt. ssp. tenue Clausen is not necessary for its survival. However, pruning can improve the plant's appearance and promote bushier growth. Prune the plant in the spring before the growing season starts. Cut back any leggy or overgrown stems as well as dead or damaged leaves.
Propagation of Sedum oreganum Nutt. ssp. tenue Clausen
Sedum oreganum Nutt. ssp. tenue Clausen is a beautiful succulent that produces tiny yellow flowers in summer. The plant is native to the Western United States and grows well in rock gardens, containers, and as groundcover. Propagating Sedum oreganum Nutt. ssp. tenue Clausen is relatively easy, and there are several methods to choose from.
Propagation by Stem Cuttings
The easiest way to propagate Sedum oreganum Nutt. ssp. tenue Clausen is through stem cuttings. Cut a 3-4 inch stem from the parent plant, making sure to use a clean and sharp pair of scissors. Remove the lower leaves from the stem, leaving only the topmost leaves. Allow the cutting to dry in a shaded area for a few days.
Once the cutting has dried, dip the end in rooting hormone powder and plant it in moist well-draining soil. Place the pot in a warm and bright location but out of direct sunlight. Keep the soil moist but not overwatered. Within a few weeks, the cutting should start developing roots.
Propagation by Leaf Cuttings
Another easy way to propagate Sedum oreganum Nutt. ssp. tenue Clausen is through leaf cuttings. Gently detach a few healthy leaves from the parent plant, making sure to leave a short stem attached to each leaf. Let the leaf cuttings dry for a day or two before planting them in well-draining potting soil.
Make sure the bottom of the leaf cutting is in contact with the soil and mist it with water to keep it moist. Place the pot in a warm and bright location but not in direct sunlight. The leaf cuttings should start developing roots and new plants within a few weeks.
Propagation by Division
If your Sedum oreganum Nutt. ssp. tenue Clausen plant has grown too large, you can divide it to create new plants. Carefully dig up the parent plant and gently pull it apart into smaller sections. Make sure each section has a healthy root system and replant them in well-draining soil.
Water the newly divided plants thoroughly and place them in a warm and bright location but not in direct sunlight. Keep the soil moist but not too wet. Within a few weeks, the new plants should start developing new growth.
Disease Management
The plant Sedum oreganum Nutt. ssp. tenue Clausen is generally hardy and resistant to many diseases, but it can still be affected by a few common ones. One of the most common diseases that can affect Sedum oreganum is powdery mildew.
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that appears as a white powdery substance on the leaves of plants. The fungus that causes powdery mildew thrives in warm, humid conditions. To manage powdery mildew on Sedum oreganum, it is important to keep the plant in well-ventilated areas, ensure adequate spacing between plants, and avoid overhead watering. Fungicides and horticultural oils can also be used to manage powdery mildew.
Another fungal disease that can affect Sedum oreganum is root rot. Root rot is caused by a fungal pathogen that thrives in wet soil conditions. To manage root rot, it is important to ensure that the plant is not overwatered and the soil has adequate drainage. Fungicides can also be used to manage root rot in severe cases.
Pest Management
Sedum oreganum Nutt. ssp. tenue Clausen is also subject to attack by pests such as aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites.
Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that can cause significant damage to Sedum oreganum by sucking sap from the plant. To manage aphids, beneficial insects such as lacewings and ladybugs, can be introduced to the garden to feed on them. Insecticidal soap and neem oil can also be used to manage infestations.
Mealybugs are another common pest that can affect Sedum oreganum. Mealybugs can be easily identified by their powdery, white appearance. To manage mealybugs, it is important to remove infested plant parts and use insecticidal soap or horticultural oils to manage infestations.
Spider mites are very small, and can often go unnoticed until the damage is severe. They can cause yellowing and stippling of the leaves on Sedum oreganum. To manage spider mites, it is important to keep the plant well-misted, and to introduce beneficial insects such as predatory mites or lacewings. Miticides can also be used to manage spider mite infestations.
