Plant Profile: Hylotelephium telephium

Stonecrop is a widely recognized name for the plant Hylotelephium telephium, which is also known by several other names, including Alpine, Life-everlasting, Live-forever, Livelong, Orphan John, Orpine, and Witch's Moneybags. Previously classified as Sedum telephium, this plant, along with other taller varieties like Sedum spectabile (commonly referred to as 'Autumn Joy' or Showy Stonecrop), has been reclassified from the Sedum genus to Hylotelephium. The prefix "Hylo" derives from the Greek word for forest or woodland, while "Telephium" translates to distant lover. It is believed that the genus name may also pay tribute to Telephus, the son of Hercules and King of Mysia. The name Stonecrop reflects the plant's natural habitat, as many species of hylotelephiums and sedums thrive on rocky outcrops. The name Live-forever highlights the plant's resilience, as it can easily propagate from a single leaf and cut stems can maintain their leaves for an extended period. The term Orpine comes from the old French word "orpiment," referring to an ancient type of sedum. Native to Europe, Russia, and northern China, Stonecrop has also been introduced to parts of Canada, the eastern and central United States, as well as Ireland, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Denmark.

This plant thrives in full sunlight and prefers medium to dry, sandy, or gravelly soil. Its roots consist of white, carrot-shaped tubers that store water, enabling the plant to endure dry conditions. Stonecrop typically grows in clumps, featuring upright greenish stems, fleshy green to bluish-green leaves, and small star-shaped flowers that range in color from pink to purplish-red, blooming in dense clusters. The best propagation methods are through division in spring or stem cuttings in summer, with flowering occurring from mid-summer to early fall. This low-maintenance and forgiving plant offers beautiful blooms and succulent leaves, while its dried stems and leaves stand upright throughout winter, adding visual interest to the garden.

Stonecrop is often mistaken for Hylotelephium erythrostictum and Rhodiola rosea.

In terms of pests and diseases, slugs, scale, mealybugs, nematodes, aphids, and weevils may pose threats. Additionally, the plant can be susceptible to fungal and bacterial crown rot and root rot.

For more information on Hylotelephium, please refer to additional resources.