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Herbaceous PerennialSynonym

Sedum telephium subsp. maximum 'Atropurpureum'
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

orpine Atropurpureum Group

A group of clump-forming herbaceous perennials to 60cm in height, with erect, dark stems bearing fleshy oblong-ovate, deep purple leaves and terminal clusters of small pinkish-white flowers in late summer and autumn

Other common names
dark purple orpine
Synonyms
Sedum telephium subsp. maximum 'Atropurpureum'
Hylotelephium telephium subsp. maximum 'Atropurpureum'
see moreSedum telephium subsp. maximum 'Atropurpureum' form 2
Sedum telephium Atropurpureum Group

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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 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 Purple Purple
Summer Purple Pink White Purple
Autumn Purple Pink White Purple
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Drought resistance
Yes
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Crassulaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming
Genus

Hylotelephium are succulent perennials with heads of small star-shaped flowers in summer to autumn. They are sometimes included within the genus Sedum

Name status

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in moderately fertile, well-drained, neutral to slightly alkaline soil in full sun. A drought-tolerant plant, see hylotelephium cultivation for further advice

Propagation

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

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

For bushy, compact plants, cut back the new stems by half in late May, this method is called the Chelsea Chop. Or cut back after flowering, and during border tidy ups in late winter before new growth emerges; seedheads can be left to overwinter

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs, snails and vine weevil

Diseases

May be susceptible to fungal and bacterial crown and root rot on wet soils, or powdery mildews on very dry soils

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