‘Angelina’ Stonecrop (Sedum rupestre ‘Angelina’) is a popular perennial known for its vibrant golden-yellow, needle-like foliage. This succulent forms a low-growing, mat-forming groundcover or accent plant. Its striking color can shift to shades of copper-orange or rust in cooler temperatures, providing year-round visual interest. ‘Angelina’ stonecrop is also appreciated for its hardiness and drought tolerance, making it a low-maintenance option.
Essential Growing Conditions
For ‘Angelina’ stonecrop to display its most intense golden color and achieve robust growth, it requires ample sunlight. Plant it in a location that receives at least six hours of direct sun daily. While it can tolerate some partial shade, insufficient light often results in leggy, less vibrant foliage, sometimes turning a lime green hue.
Excellent drainage is paramount for this plant’s success. ‘Angelina’ stonecrop thrives in sandy, gravelly, or loamy soils and tolerates a wide range of pH levels from slightly acidic to neutral (6.0-7.0). Heavy clay or consistently waterlogged sites are detrimental and can quickly lead to plant failure. Once established, ‘Angelina’ stonecrop exhibits significant drought tolerance, but young plants benefit from moderate, consistent watering to help them establish their root systems.
This plant is hardy in USDA zones 3 to 11. It tolerates both heat and cold, with its natural dormancy protecting it during winter months. The foliage can acquire reddish or orange tones in colder temperatures, adding to its seasonal appeal.
Planting and Establishment
The optimal time for planting ‘Angelina’ stonecrop is spring or early fall. When preparing the planting site, ensure the chosen area has well-draining soil. Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball, ensuring the top of the root ball sits level with the soil surface.
For groundcover, space plants 8 to 12 inches apart to allow them to spread and form a dense mat. After positioning the plant, backfill the hole with soil, gently pressing around the roots to eliminate air pockets. Water immediately after planting to help settle the soil, but avoid overwatering.
Monitor new plantings for the first few weeks or months to ensure proper establishment. During this period, provide regular, but not excessive, waterings to encourage a strong root system. Good drainage remains essential throughout this initial phase to prevent issues.
Ongoing Maintenance
Once established, ‘Angelina’ stonecrop requires minimal watering. Its succulent foliage allows it to store water, making it highly drought-tolerant. Water only during extended dry spells, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings to prevent root issues. Container-grown plants may need more frequent watering than those in the ground.
Fertilization is rarely necessary, as it thrives in lean soil conditions. Excessive fertilizer can lead to leggy growth and may even harm the plant. If the soil is extremely poor, a light application of compost in early spring can provide sufficient nutrients.
Pruning maintains the plant’s desired shape, controls its spread, or removes any damaged or leggy growth. You can trim overgrown stems at any time of year, though it is best to avoid extreme hot or cold temperatures. Removing spent flower stalks after blooming can also tidy the plant and encourage further growth. In colder climates, ‘Angelina’ stonecrop is cold-hardy and does not require special winter care, though container plants can benefit from being moved to a sheltered area to protect roots from freeze-thaw cycles.
Propagation
‘Angelina’ stonecrop is easy to propagate, allowing gardeners to expand their plantings. The most common method is through stem cuttings. Snip healthy two to five-inch stem sections, removing any leaves from the lower portion that would be below the soil line.
Plant these cuttings directly into a well-draining potting mix or the ground. Rooting hormone is not typically required, but it can enhance success. Keep the soil lightly moist until roots develop, which usually takes two to three weeks.
Division is another method for propagating ‘Angelina’ stonecrop. Larger, established clumps can be carefully dug up and separated into smaller sections, each with its own root system. This method is useful for thinning out overgrown plants or for rejuvenating older ones, and is best performed in early spring.
Pests, Diseases, and Common Issues
‘Angelina’ stonecrop is resistant to most common pests and diseases. However, occasional issues can arise if environmental conditions are not suitable. Slugs and snails may sometimes feed on the foliage, and scale insects can appear, though rarely. Insecticidal soap or neem oil can address these issues if they become problematic.
The most significant disease concern for ‘Angelina’ stonecrop is root rot, which is almost always a result of overwatering or inadequate drainage. Symptoms can include yellowing, wilting, or softening of the foliage. Ensuring well-draining soil and allowing the soil to dry between waterings are the best preventative measures.
Leggy growth, where stems become elongated and sparse, often indicates insufficient light. Moving the plant to a sunnier location can help. The loss of its vibrant golden color, turning more greenish, is typically a sign that the plant is not receiving enough direct sunlight. Providing more sun will encourage the return of its characteristic bright hues.