Overview
Sedum telephium L. ssp. purpureum (L.) Schinz & Keller, commonly known as Purple orpine, is a succulent plant species in the Crassulaceae family. It is native to Western Europe, including parts of Britain, where it thrives in well-drained soil and sunny locations.
Appearance
The Purple orpine is a low-growing perennial that typically reaches a height of 10-40cm and has a spread of 20-30cm. It forms a dense, mat-like clump of fleshy, spoon-shaped leaves that are green-grey in color but turn a deep purple-red in the autumn months. The plant produces flat clusters of star-shaped flowers that range from pink to red in color and bloom in late summer.
Common Names
The Purple orpine is also commonly referred to as Live-forever, Livelong, Stonecrop, and Butterfly stonecrop.
Uses
The Purple orpine is popularly grown as an ornamental plant in rock gardens, borders, and containers, owing to its attractive foliage and showy flowers. The plant is also used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory and healing properties, with the juice of the plant often used to treat burns, wounds, and other skin irritations.
Growth Conditions for Sedum telephium L. ssp. purpureum (L.) Schinz & Keller
Sedum telephium L. ssp. purpureum (L.) Schinz & Keller, commonly known as purple-leaved stonecrop, is a perennial plant that belongs to the family Crassulaceae. This plant is native to Europe, but it has now been introduced to other parts of the world.
Light Requirements
Purple-leaved stonecrop typically thrives in bright sunlight, although it can also tolerate partial shade. This plant requires full sun exposure for at least six hours a day to grow properly. Lack of enough sunlight may lead to poor growth and reduced foliage coloration.
Temperature Requirements
This plant can thrive in a range of temperatures, but it prefers moderate temperatures. Optimal temperature for growth is from 60°F to 75°F (15°C to 24°C). In higher temperatures, the plant may require frequent watering, and in colder temperatures, it may need winter protection.
Soil Requirements
Purple-leaved stonecrop prefers well-drained soil for optimal growth. It can grow in a variety of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and rocky soils. However, the plant does better in slightly acidic to neutral soil pH (6.0 - 7.5). Poor soil quality can lead to stunted growth and reduced foliage coloration.
Overall, providing optimal conditions for Sedum telephium L. ssp. purpureum helps the plant grow healthily and produce a colorful display of foliage to enhance the garden's aesthetic beauty.
Cultivation of Sedum telephium L. ssp. purpureum (L.) Schinz & Keller
Sedum telephium L. ssp. purpureum (L.) Schinz & Keller, commonly known as Purple Emperor, is a tough perennial that is native to Europe and western Asia. It is a popular choice among gardeners for its attractive foliage and beautiful pink flowers that bloom in late summer.
When it comes to cultivation, Purple Emperor is relatively easy to grow. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant is tolerant of a wide range of soil types, including sandy and clay soils.
The best time to plant Purple Emperor is in the spring or early fall when the soil is moist and cool. It is important to space the plants at least 12 inches apart to allow room for growth. Purple Emperor is also perfect for container gardening, and it can thrive in a pot with good drainage.
Watering Needs of Sedum telephium L. ssp. purpureum (L.) Schinz & Keller
Purple Emperor is a drought-tolerant plant, and it only needs moderate watering during its growing season. The plant can survive long periods of dry weather by storing water in its leaves, stems, and roots.
When watering, it is essential to avoid wetting the leaves, as this can promote the growth of fungal diseases. The best way to water Purple Emperor is to apply water directly to the soil around the plant's base.
Fertilization of Sedum telephium L. ssp. purpureum (L.) Schinz & Keller
Purple Emperor is a low-maintenance plant that does not require much fertilization. However, to promote growth and blooming, it is beneficial to add a slow-release fertilizer to the soil during the plant's growing season.
It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully when applying fertilizer, as over-application can damage the plant and the soil. A light application of organic compost in the spring is also recommended to improve soil fertility and structure.
Pruning of Sedum telephium L. ssp. purpureum (L.) Schinz & Keller
Pruning is not necessary for Purple Emperor, as it is a low-maintenance plant that naturally forms an attractive shape. However, deadheading spent blooms can encourage the plant to produce more flowers.
If the plant becomes too leggy or tall, it is possible to prune it lightly in the spring. Cutting back the stems by a third to their base will encourage a more compact and bushy growth habit.
Propagation of Sedum telephium L. ssp. purpureum
Sedum telephium L. ssp. purpureum (L.) Schinz & Keller is a succulent plant that is native to Europe and Western Asia. It is commonly known as Purple Emperor or Butterfly Stonecrop. This plant is well-known for its dark purple leaves, which turn a bronze-green color in the fall. It is an easy-to-grow plant, and propagating this plant is simple and straightforward.
Propagation by Division
Propagation by division is the easiest and most common method for propagating Sedum telephium L. ssp. purpureum. This method involves dividing the plant's root ball into two or more parts and potting them up separately. The best time to divide the plant is in spring or fall.
To propagate the plant by division, start by carefully removing the plant from its pot or the ground. Use a clean, sharp knife or a pair of scissors to cut the root ball into two or more sections. Make sure each section has a healthy stem and roots. Pot up each section individually in well-draining soil, water thoroughly and place in a bright but shaded area. Keep the soil moist for the first few weeks until new growth appears.
Propagation by Stem Cuttings
Propagation by stem cuttings is another effective method for propagating Sedum telephium L. ssp. purpureum. This method involves taking stem cuttings from the parent plant and rooting them in a well-draining soil mixture. The best time to take cuttings is in the summer or early fall when the plant is actively growing.
To propagate the plant by stem cuttings, start by taking a 4-6 inches long cutting with a clean, sharp pair of scissors or a knife. Remove the lower leaves from the cutting to create a bare stem, leaving only a few leaves at the top. Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone and pot up in a well-draining soil mixture. Water the cutting thoroughly and place in a bright but shaded area. Keep the soil moist until new growth appears.
Propagation by Seed
Sedum telephium L. ssp. purpureum can also be propagated by seed, although this method is much less common. The best time to sow the seeds is in the spring or fall when the temperatures are cooler.
To propagate the plant by seed, start by collecting seeds from a mature plant. Sow the seeds in a well-draining soil mixture and cover them lightly with soil. Water well, and place the pot in a bright but shaded area. Keep the soil moist until the seeds germinate, which usually takes around 2-4 weeks.
Propagation of Sedum telephium L. ssp. purpureum is a straightforward process that can be accomplished using several methods. With proper care and attention, this plant will thrive and make an excellent addition to any garden or collection.
Disease Management:
S. telephium ssp. purpureum is generally a resistant plant when it comes to diseases. However, some commonly reported problems are:
- Powdery mildew: White mildew on the leaves shows up, causing discoloring, deformation, or leaf drop.
- Botrytis blight: Grey mould appears, particularly on the florets, which wither away.
To manage these issues, plants should be kept aerated and maintained dry leaves. Additionally, implementing preventative sprays of sulfur or copper-based fungicides can significantly minimize the impact of these diseases.
Pest Management:
The following are some pests that damage S. telephium ssp. purpureum:
- Mealybugs: White insects, found in plant crevices, suck the juice from leaves and stems.
- Spider mites: Infestation results in stunted plant growth and wilting of leaves.
An effective step to conserve natural enemies of these pests is practicing ecological pest control measures. This incorporates:
- Using insecticidal soaps and oils for removing mealybug
- Using predatory mites or insects to tackle spider mites
Early detection by monitoring plants frequently and immediate intervention can be useful in preventing pest outbreaks.
