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Cactus SucculentAlpine Rockery

Sedum ternatum

Iceland moss

A compact, evergreen succulent, to around 15cm high, with a creeping habit, branching stems and flat, broadly oval to rounded, fleshy green leaves arranged in whorls of 3 around the stems. Leaves sometimes flush red in strong light. Flowering shoots produced in summer are upright, to 20cm high, and tipped with clusters of small, starry white flowers

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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green Red
Summer White Green Red
Autumn Green Red
Winter Green Red
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Drought resistance
Yes
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Crassulaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Matforming
Genus

Sedum may be annuals or herbaceous or evergreen perennials with succulent stems and leaves and clusters of small, star-shaped flowers in summer or autumn

Name status

Correct

Plant range
Canada & USA

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in a sheltered position in moderately fertile, well-drained, alkaline to neutral soil in full sun. See hardy cacti and succulent cultivation for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by softwood cuttings of non-flowering shoots in early summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Patio and container plants
  • Rock garden
  • Low Maintenance
  • Banks and slopes
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs, snails, vine weevil grubs, scale insects and mealybugs

Diseases

May be susceptible to fungal and bacterial crown and root rots, especially in damp conditions and poor drainage

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