Blue Spruce’ (Sedum reflexum, also known as Petrosedum rupestre) a standout among hardy, low-maintenance, ground cover succulents.
Its stiff, needle-like leaves hold a soft blue-green and flush salmon pink in winter.
They are super hardy and will happily pass the winter under snow and tolerate temperatures down to -30F.
Once established, Sedum reflexum can tolerate months of drought but regular water in the spring to summer growing season will encourage vigorous growth.
It makes a wonderful ground cover because it is a fast, robust grower without aggressively overrunning companion plants.
The growing season also brings a sea of bright yellow, star-shaped flowers that attract pollinators.
A drought-tolerant groundcover with small, succulent, blue leaves with an appearance reminiscent of the needles of a blue spruce conifer. Yellow flowers accent the foliage in early summer.
A beautiful addition to containers, rock gardens, and alpine gardens. Evergreen in mild winter regions.
Tips to take care of the Sedum reflexum “Blue Spruce Stonecrop”
This plant is a succulent that does not need great care, making it the perfect plant for those who want to start in the world of gardening.
And because of the peculiarity of its leaves, it is an ideal succulent for succulent collectors.
The sedum plants used in the rockery, succulent gardens and, above all, in pots and planters for terraces, balconies or as an indoor plant.
Substratum
The substrate can be a mixture, in equal parts, of garden soil, coarse sand and leaf mulch.
Or you can use a specific succulent substrate.
Regardless of what type of substrate you use, you should ensure that it has good drainage because sedum plant, like most succulents, is very susceptible to excess water and the roots of the plant can rot.
Illumination
The ideal exposure for Sedum reflexum is in full sun, but it can grow perfectly in semi-shade, the only disadvantage of the plant growing in semi-shade, is that the leaves will lose the reddish hue and will be green.
Temperature
Sedum Rubrotinctum is very tolerant of sun and drought but needs protection against frost.
But Sedum reflexum can easily tolerate winter indoors, as long as it is in a pot with a drainage hole and a sandy soil with good drainage.
The maximum temperature that tolerates the plant is -3ºC.
Irrigation
Water regularly in summer waiting for the soil to dry before watering again the Sedum Rubrotinctum and reduce the risks until in winter they are 3 or 4 waterings per month.
Fertilizer
Although Sedum Rubrotinctum does not need subscribers, it is good to add a low concentration mineral fertilizer added monthly during spring and summer.
You can also use a specific fertilizer for cacti and succulents, following the instructions on the packaging.
Pruning
Sedum reflexum does not require any pruning.
Only if the leaves of the plant are battered or damaged, if this is the case you should only cut the battered leaves.
Plagues and Diseases
Sedum Rubrotinctum can be attacked by fungi if we overdo it with irrigation and, sometimes, by aphids and mealybugs.
Propagation
Sedum reflexum “Blue Spruce Stonecrop” can spread perfectly through its leaves. Just turn the stem leaf gently.
Make sure that the leaf you get from a clean tug, that is, that there is no part of the leaf on the stem because doing so will give you a better chance of making a successful spread.
You can also use the leaves that fall from the Sedum reflexum without any problem.
You just have to make sure that the Sedum reflexum does not drop the leaves due to excess water.
After obtaining the leaf, you should let the leaf become callous for a day or two before placing it on a special substrate for cacti and succulents with good drainage.