Ice Plant (Sedum spectabile)
At a glance
- Lifecycle
- Perennial (hardy)
- Exposure
- Full sun
- Frost limit
- −23.3 °C
Cultivation
A very easily grown and tolerant plant, it succeeds in most soils, they can also tolerate considerable neglect, surviving even in the dense growth of weeds[K]. Plants are hardy to about -20°c. This species has pink flowers. The flowers have a honey-like smell similar to Buddleias. A very ornamental plant. Plants in this genus seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits.
Propagation
Seed - surface sow in spring in well-drained soil in a sunny position in a greenhouse. Do not allow the soil to dry out. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle. If sufficient growth is made, it is possible to plant them out during the summer, otherwise keep them in a cold-frame or greenhouse for their first winter and plant them out in early summer of the following year[K]. Division is very easy and can be carried out at almost any time in the growing season, though is probably best done in spring or early summer. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found it best to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in a lightly shaded position in a cold frame, planting them out once they are well established in the summer. Cuttings at almost any time in the growing season. Very easy, even a single leaf will produce roots and form a new plant.
Edible uses
Leaves - raw or cooked. The leaves are very mucilaginous but have a fairly bland flavour[K].
Medicinal uses
The plant is antiphlogistic, depurative, sialagogue.
Material uses
Plants can be grown as a ground cover when planted about 30cm apart each way.
Habitat
Valleys, rocky cliffs and damp places along woodlands.
Native range
E. Asia - China, Korea, Manchuria.