Sedum acre
Sharp Stonecrop
Common names: Gold Moss
At a glance
- Light
- Full sun
- Pot size
- from 2 l
- Lifespan
- Perennial
- Flowering
- Jun–Jul
- Hardiness
- Hardy
- Origin
- Native to Germany
Photo: Ivar Leidus · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Source
This description was machine-translated.
Description
Sedum acre, commonly known as Sharp Stonecrop or Gold Moss, is a perennial succulent that forms dense, low cushions of tiny, fleshy leaves. From June to July, the cushion is covered with bright yellow star-shaped flowers that reliably attract bees and hoverflies. It originates from dry rocks and dunes and is therefore very tolerant of poor, well‑drained soils. It is often found on wall crowns, in cracks, on gravel surfaces, and is one of the most important species for extensive roof greening. All parts of the plant taste sharp and contain alkaloids that can irritate the mouth and stomach in larger amounts; caution is advised around children and pets who might taste it.
Care instructions
Plant in sparse, well‑drained substrate; rainfall alone usually suffices. Water newly planted cushions only during the first weeks if dry, then they need no additional water. Avoid fertiliser; nutrient‑rich soil can cause the plant to become limp and disease‑prone. In late summer, trim faded shoots lightly if the cushion spreads too much. The plant tolerates frost without protection and requires no special winter care.
The care notes were machine-translated from German.
Garden year
FloweringJun–Jul
Soil & site
Soil pH
Soil type
well-drained, sandy, lean, dry
Biting stonecrop loves well-drained, sandy, lean soils and even copes with pure gravel or grit. It does not tolerate waterlogging at all; it makes the shallow roots rot quickly. Nutrient-rich, heavy soil only leads to soft, susceptible growth, so the soil may well stay poor.
Feeding
Light feeder
Biting stonecrop needs practically no feeding and rather repays too many nutrients with loose, sickly growth. A thin layer of ripe compost at planting is enough for years. If you like, scatter a little sieved compost between the cushions every few years; no more is needed.
Overwintering
Biting stonecrop is fully hardy and gets through even severe frosts outdoors without any trouble. The evergreen cushions need no winter protection; all that matters is a well-drained site without standing wet in winter. In pots a raised position helps so that meltwater can drain away well.
Propagation
Methods
- Division
- Cuttings
- From seed
The easiest way is to divide existing cushions in spring or early autumn and set the pieces straight in their new place. Individual broken-off pieces of shoot also root surprisingly reliably; just lay them flat on lean soil and press lightly. Sowing works too; scatter the fine seeds only on the surface and do not cover them, as they are light germinators. Within a few weeks new small cushions form this way.
For your garden
Grow Sharp Stonecrop yourself
Gartenkern tells you when frost is coming, when to sow and when to harvest, for your location.
Free, no time limit
Notes from real gardens
What other gardeners have written down about this variety, anonymous and voluntary.
No notes shared yet. Will you be the first to write one down?