Sedum sieboldii, synonymous with Hylotelephium sieboldii, is one of the most popular perennials in American gardens.
Native to Japan, this beautiful flowering plant is happy as an indoor or outdoor plant.
Often referred to by its common name, October Plant, Sedum sieboldiiis is drought-resilient due to its thick, succulent leaves that can retain water.
As a result, it is easy to cultivate and hardy in most parts of the country.
The October Plant is in the Crassulaceae or Stonecrop family. The Crassulaceae family is a flowering plant family with succulent leaves and a unique method of photosynthesis.
This plant is a perennial succulent whose vegetation only lives for one growing season.
During the winter, the plant rests. In the spring, new shoots emerge from the base of the old stems. Because of this, the plant does not spread quickly.
It’s a beautiful and easy plant to keep on balconies, windowsills, or a simple pot.
However, if kept outside, you may see butterflies and bees enjoy the plant’s blooms in the fall.
Sedum Sieboldii goes by several common names, including:
- October plant
- October Daphne
- October Daphne Stonecrop
- Pink flowered October daphne
- Ice plant
- October stonecrop
- Siebold’s stonecrop
- Siebold’s sedum
Quick Facts On Sedum Sieboldii
- Family: Crassulaceae
- Light: Full sun
- Temperature: 45° to 50° degrees Fahrenheit; winter hardy
- Water: Low to average
- Fertilizer: Feed every two weeks until the fall
- Propagation: Cuttings
- Common Problems: Scale insects, mealybugs, aphids
Sedum Sieboldii Care
What Does The October Plant Look Like And How Big Does It Grow?
The scalloped, blue-green succulent leaves of Sedum sieboldii are beautiful. In the fall (usually October), the plant blooms in clusters of pink flowers.
In addition, the leaves often change colors from pink, red, yellow, and orange while the flowers are still blooming.
The plant is low growing, only reaching a maximum height of 10″ inches, with a spread of 18″ inches.
The compact size is likely because the foliage only lasts for one growing season.
New growth emerges in the spring once the plant rests in the winter.
In addition, it doesn’t send roots out from its stems, keeping the plant from spreading rapidly.
When Does The October Plant Flower? Are The Flowers Fragrant?
The plant usually blooms in October, so many of its common names refer to October (October plant, October daphne, October Daphne Stonecrop, and October stonecrop).
The blooms are pink and last for over a month. Unfortunately, while they are beautiful, the flowers are not fragrant.
What Are The Lighting Needs And Temperature Requirements?
The October Plant is a rockery plant and thrives in many environments. While it began as a rockery plant, it is also common as a hanging outdoor plant or indoor houseplant.
During the winter, any remaining stalks with spent flowers will provide color and food for the birds as the upright sedums fade back to the ground.
Sedums are cold-hardy plants that can survive temperatures well below freezing. If you keep this plant indoors, it will need a remarkable rest period in the winter.
It is best kept at a temperature of 45° to 50° degrees Fahrenheit.
How And When To Water And Fertilize October Sedum Plant?
The October plant has low to moderate watering needs. It is a drought-tolerant plant that can handle more extended periods without water.
The succulent leaves hold water, keeping the plant alive during drought.
It’s best to fertilize your plants regularly during the growing season once the new shoots grow in the spring.
At this point, feed every 2 weeks until the blooming season is over.
What Is The Best Soil For Sedum And When Should You Transplant?
The October plant doesn’t need any particular soil. When the plant is young, potting soil is sufficient.
However, as the plant matures, heavier soil is recommended.
It’s best to divide your plants when spring’s new growth comes. That process can increase blooms and improve plant health.
After that, you can divide the plant every 3 to 4 years.
Does Sedum Need Special Grooming Or Maintenance?
The October Plant is relatively low-maintenance, but the only recommendation for continued growth is to cut back the stems.
If you keep your plants outdoors, prune your plants down to the base in the winter.
If you keep your plants indoors, only remove the withered flowers in the winter.
How To Propagate The October Sedum Plant?
To propagate the October Plant from cuttings, here’s how to do it:
- Use pruning shears or a sharp pair of scissors, and ut a healthy stem from the main plant.
- Let it dry out (callous) for several days.
- Place the stem cutting in well-drained soil.
- Only water the cutting once the soil has dried out completely.
Watch your plants grow!
Pink Flowered October Daphne Pests And Diseases
One of the main reasons gardeners love this plant is that it is low maintenance and relatively quick-growing.
Occasionally, mealybugs or aphids will find their way to your plant. But, if they do, there is a quick fix.
You can usually remove aphids by spraying water on the leaves. However, it’s best not to use insecticide on the plant because it can damage the leaves.
You can remove mealybugs with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol. Should either one of these pests come during late fall, you can remove them by cutting back.
Suggested October Stonecrop Uses
For home landscaping, you can use this plant for many purposes. It can be utilized as a small-scale groundcover or as an edging.
In addition, you can place it in rock gardens or nestle it into rock wall fissures. It also looks great in containers with other fall-flowering perennials.
This plant is hardy in most parts of the United States, from zones 3 to 9. Therefore, you can enjoy its beauty almost anywhere!