Sedum clavatum, also known as Tiscalatengo Gorge Sedum or club sedum, is a beautiful and hardy succulent plant native to Mexico. It is a member of the Pachysedum group and is known for its attractive rosettes of glaucous blue-green leaves and its abundance of white, star-shaped flowers that turn pink with age.
Sedum Clavatum Physical Characteristics
Sedum clavatum is a perennial herb that grows to a height of about 4 inches. It has stout, creeping stems that produce rosettes of glaucous blue-green leaves that are about 2 inches wide. In the spring and early summer, Sedum clavatum produces an abundance of white, star-shaped flowers that turn pink with age. The plant has a compact, mat-like appearance, with its stems often covered by younger growth.
How to Grow and Care for Sedum Clavatum
Sedum clavatum is a hardy plant that is well-suited to a variety of growing conditions. It has a high heat tolerance and can withstand temperatures as low as 25°F, making it suitable for cultivation in a wide range of climates. It prefers full sun on the coast and light shade inland, and is drought-tolerant, though it does need occasional irrigation in warm, dry climates and during the summer months.
Sedum clavatum is a low-maintenance plant that requires no special care. It is easily propagated by cuttings and can also be grown from seed. It is well-suited to use as a small-scale ground cover in xeriscape and rock gardens, provided the soil is well-draining. It also makes a stately, elegant display in hanging baskets and when draping over walls and tall containers.
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Sedum clavatum is susceptible to root rot in poorly-draining soils, so it is important to plant it in a well-draining soil mix. Other than that, it requires no special care and is a easy-to-grow plant that adds beauty and interest to any garden.
Habitat and Distribution of Sedum Clavatum
Sedum clavatum is native to the Tiscalatengo Gorge region of Mexico’s Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt. It grows in rocky or gravelly soils and thrives in dry, sunny conditions, making it well-suited to xeriscaping.
Cultural Significance of Sedum Clavatum
Sedum clavatum has been used medicinally by indigenous people in Mexico for centuries, and is believed to have anti-inflammatory, diuretic, and wound-healing properties.
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Horticultural Uses of Sedum Clavatum
Sedum clavatum is popular in cultivation due to its attractive flowers and low maintenance requirements. It can be grown in a variety of settings, including rock gardens, as a ground cover, or in container plantings and hanging baskets. It is well-suited to use in xeriscaping, as it is drought-tolerant and thrives in dry, sunny conditions.
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Conclusion
Sedum clavatum is a unique and versatile plant that is valued for its medicinal properties, ornamental appeal, and drought tolerance. Its compact, mat-like appearance and abundance of white flowers make it an attractive choice for a variety of horticultural uses.
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Can Sedum clavatum be grown indoors, or does it require outdoor conditions?
Sedum clavatum can be grown indoors as a houseplant, but it does require specific conditions to thrive. It needs very bright light, such as from a sunny window. If natural light is limited, a grow light can help. It also needs well-draining, porous soil and to be watered only when the soil is dry to avoid root rot. The low humidity of many homes can cause leaf drop, so misting the leaves or using a pebble tray can help increase humidity.
While Sedum clavatum can be grown indoors with the right conditions, it may be easier to grow as an outdoor succulent in suitable climates. It tolerates heat and relatively low humidity. Providing it with lots of sun and sandy, fast-draining soil will allow it to thrive as a ground cover or in rock gardens and succulent arrangements. It can be a beautiful addition to the garden, but does have limits in how cold it can tolerate, so climate needs to be considered if growing outdoors.
What are the ideal temperatures for Sedum clavatum to grow outdoors?
Sedum clavatum grows best in warm temperatures. Ideal temperature range for outdoor growth is 65-85 F. It can tolerate heat and relatively low humidity, but cannot survive frost.
This succulent can be grown outdoors year-round in USDA hardiness zones 9-11. In cooler climates, it can be grown as an annual or brought indoors before frost in autumn.
When growing Sedum clavatum outdoors, choose a spot with lots of bright sunlight and well-draining soil. It does not tolerate soggy conditions, so soil should be allowed to dry out between waterings. With the right climate and conditions, it can thrive as a beautiful ground cover or accent in rock gardens, succulent arrangements, and other landscaping.
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Growing Season:
Winter
Dormant Season:
Summer
Quick Look at Sedum clavatum
- Hardy to USDA Zone: 10a
- Size: Up to 8"tall, Perennial subshrubs.
- Foliage: Blue/Green with Orange/Pink tips as it becomes stressed, glaucous
- Flower: White
- Propagation: Stem cuttings, leaves, seed
- Light: Can handle full sun or very bright shade
- Water: Drench & Dry
- Soil: Gritty, mostly inorganic, quickly draining
- Origin: Mexico
About Sedum clavatum
Sedum clavatum is my very favorite sedum. It features little bluish-green chubby rosettes with a glaucous, powdery coating. Be sure not to handle the leaves as the oils in your skin will damage this coating which acts as sun protection to the tender leaves. It looks great all year round and in cooler temperatures, the stress colors really show on the tips.
Sedum clavatum propagates easiest by stem cuttings taken in the fall or spring. I have noticed that when trying to pop leaves off, it requires a lot of wiggling before the leaves will make a clean break from the stem. For this reason, I prefer to just take cuttings.
Sedum clavatum blooms just about every year and has cute little clusters of white flowers that bees and other pollinators love. I grow mine in containers and in the ground. They seem to do fine in either situation.
