Jenny Stonecrop (Sedum reflexum ‘Angelina’ or Sedum rupestre ‘Angelina’) is a popular, easy-to-grow succulent groundcover. Its vibrant chartreuse to golden-yellow foliage shifts to amber or orange in cooler temperatures, providing year-round visual interest. This low-growing, spreading plant is a favored, low-maintenance choice for landscapes.
Ideal Growing Conditions
Jenny Stonecrop thrives with ample sunlight for intense coloration and compact growth. A minimum of six hours of direct sunlight daily is recommended; in partial shade, foliage may appear duller and the plant can become leggy. While it appreciates bright light, excessive, unfiltered sun in extremely hot climates can lead to leaf scorching.
Well-draining soil is crucial for Jenny Stonecrop, as it is susceptible to root rot in waterlogged conditions. It performs best in gritty, sandy, or rocky soil with low organic matter. This succulent tolerates poor to average soil fertility and a neutral to slightly alkaline pH, making good drainage more important than nutrient density.
Once established, Jenny Stonecrop exhibits strong drought tolerance, storing water in its fleshy leaves. Infrequent, deep watering is preferred, allowing the soil to dry out completely between sessions. Container-grown plants may require more frequent watering than those in the ground, as pots dry out faster.
This plant is cold-hardy, thriving in USDA Zones 3 to 11, and withstands both cold winters and hot summers. While it tolerates a wide temperature range, temperatures above 85°F (30°C) in summer may cause dormancy. Prolonged exposure to temperatures below 40°F (5°C) in winter without protection can lead to damage or death.
Planting and Ongoing Maintenance
The best times to plant Jenny Stonecrop are during spring or early summer, allowing establishment before extreme temperatures. Space individual plants approximately 8 to 12 inches apart.
Fertilization is not required for Jenny Stonecrop, as it is adapted to lean conditions and stores nutrients in its foliage. Over-fertilizing can lead to weak, leggy growth. If soil is extremely poor, a light application of a balanced succulent fertilizer can be considered in spring, diluted to prevent root burn.
Light pruning or shearing maintains the plant’s shape and encourages denser growth. This can be done in early spring to remove winter-damaged sections or prevent legginess. Removing spent flowers is not essential, but it can redirect energy back into foliage production.
Jenny Stonecrop requires little special winter protection in its recommended hardiness zones. In colder regions or for container-grown plants, sinking pots into the ground or providing light insulation protects the root ball from extreme cold.
Creative Garden Applications
Jenny Stonecrop’s spreading habit makes it an effective groundcover, covering bare soil and suppressing weeds. Its dense matting habit is beneficial for erosion control, especially on slopes or in rocky areas where its root system binds the soil.
It is a suitable addition to rock gardens, spilling over stones and crevices. It also performs well in containers as a “spiller” plant, cascading over edges, or as a vibrant border plant along pathways. Its low water use makes it suitable for xeriscaping and water-wise garden designs. The golden-yellow foliage provides continuous texture and bright color.
Propagating and Problem-Solving
Jenny Stonecrop is easily propagated through stem cuttings or division. For cuttings, select a healthy stem section, allow the cut end to callus for a few days, then insert it into well-draining soil. Consistent, moderate moisture encourages successful rooting.
The most common issue is root rot, resulting from overwatering or poor drainage. Symptoms include mushy stems and yellowing leaves.
While pest and disease resistant, occasional issues like aphids or slugs may occur, especially in damp conditions. Aphids can be managed with a strong spray of water. Leggy growth, characterized by stretched stems and sparse leaves, indicates insufficient light and can be corrected by increasing light exposure and light pruning.