Sedum Reflexum ‘Blue Spruce’, also known as Blue Spruce Stonecrop, is a low-growing, succulent perennial plant that is native to Europe and Asia. It is a popular ornamental plant due to its unique, needle-like foliage and blue-green color.
The plant typically grows up to 6-8 inches in height and spreads up to 1-2 feet wide. Its leaves are fleshy and pointed, resembling the needles of a blue spruce tree. The foliage can turn purple or red in cool weather or with stress.
How to grow and take care of Sedum Reflexum ‘Blue Spruce’?
Sedum Reflexum ‘Blue Spruce’ is a beautiful and low-maintenance succulent plant that is perfect for rock gardens, borders, and container gardening. Here are some tips for growing and taking care of this plant:
- Sunlight: Sedum Reflexum ‘Blue Spruce’ loves full sun or partial shade. Make sure you plant it in a spot that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day.
- Soil: This plant prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic to neutral. If you are growing it in a container, make sure the container has drainage holes.
- Watering: Sedum Reflexum ‘Blue Spruce’ is drought-tolerant and doesn’t require frequent watering. Water it only when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Overwatering can cause root rot, so make sure the soil dries out completely between waterings.
- Fertilizer: This plant doesn’t require much fertilizer. You can add a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to the soil in spring or early summer.
- Pruning: Prune Sedum Reflexum ‘Blue Spruce’ in early spring to remove any dead or damaged foliage. You can also pinch off the tips of the stems to encourage bushier growth.
- Propagation: You can propagate this plant by taking stem cuttings in spring or summer. Allow the cuttings to dry out for a day or two before planting them in well-draining soil.
- Pests and diseases: Sedum Reflexum ‘Blue Spruce’ is generally pest and disease-free, but it can be susceptible to mealybugs and aphids. If you notice any signs of infestation, treat the plant with a neem oil solution or an insecticidal soap.
By following these tips, you can grow and enjoy the beautiful Sedum Reflexum ‘Blue Spruce’ in your garden or container.
What is the lifespan of Sedum Reflexum ‘Blue Spruce’?
Sedum Reflexum ‘Blue Spruce’ is a perennial plant, meaning it can live for several years with proper care. On average, this plant can live for up to 5-7 years or longer if it is grown in optimal conditions. However, the lifespan can vary depending on various factors such as growing conditions, care, and maintenance.
With proper watering, fertilizing, and pruning, Sedum Reflexum ‘Blue Spruce’ can thrive and continue to bring beauty to your garden for many years.
How to water it?
Sedum Reflexum ‘Blue Spruce’ is a drought-tolerant plant and doesn’t require frequent watering. Here are some tips on how to water this plant:
- Water deeply: When you water Sedum Reflexum ‘Blue Spruce’, make sure you water deeply so that the water reaches the roots. Avoid shallow watering, as it can cause the roots to stay close to the surface, which can make the plant more susceptible to drought.
- Check soil moisture: Before watering, check the soil moisture level by sticking your finger about an inch into the soil. If it feels dry, it’s time to water the plant.
- Water sparingly: Avoid overwatering, as it can cause root rot and other problems. Water the plant only when the soil feels dry to the touch. In general, this plant needs watering about once every two weeks during the growing season, but it may need less frequent watering during the winter months.
- Water in the morning: Watering in the morning allows the plant to absorb moisture before the sun is at its strongest, which can help prevent sun damage to the leaves. Avoid watering in the evening, as wet foliage can attract pests and diseases.
By following these watering tips, you can keep your Sedum Reflexum ‘Blue Spruce’ healthy and thriving. Remember that the watering needs of this plant may vary depending on the climate and growing conditions, so it’s important to monitor the soil moisture level and adjust your watering schedule accordingly.
How to prune it?
Pruning Sedum Reflexum ‘Blue Spruce’ is a simple process that helps promote healthy growth and maintain the plant’s shape. Here are some tips on how to prune this plant:
- Timing: The best time to prune Sedum Reflexum ‘Blue Spruce’ is in early spring before new growth begins. This allows you to remove any dead, damaged or diseased foliage that may have occurred over the winter.
- Tools: Use a pair of clean and sharp pruning shears or scissors to avoid damaging the plant.
- Technique: Cut back any dead or damaged foliage to the base of the stem, making sure to remove the entire stem. You can also pinch back the tips of the stems to encourage bushier growth.
- Avoid over-pruning: Be careful not to over-prune the plant, as it can result in weak growth or damage to the plant. Aim to remove no more than one-third of the plant’s total foliage during a single pruning session.
- Clean up: After pruning, make sure to remove any debris or dead foliage from the plant’s base to promote air circulation and prevent disease.
By following these tips, you can keep your Sedum Reflexum ‘Blue Spruce’ healthy and looking its best. Regular pruning can also help prevent the plant from becoming too leggy or top-heavy, and can promote a more compact and attractive appearance.
How big does Sedum Reflexum ‘Blue Spruce’ grow?
Sedum Reflexum ‘Blue Spruce’ is a low-growing succulent that typically reaches a height of 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) and a spread of 12-18 inches (30-45 cm). It has a spreading habit and produces dense clusters of blue-green needle-like leaves that resemble the foliage of a blue spruce tree, hence the common name.
In addition to its attractive foliage, Sedum Reflexum ‘Blue Spruce’ also produces small yellow flowers on tall stems in late spring or early summer. The flowers can attract bees and butterflies to your garden.
Overall, Sedum Reflexum ‘Blue Spruce’ is a great choice for gardeners who want a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant plant that adds color and texture to rock gardens, borders, and containers. Its compact size makes it suitable for smaller spaces, and it can be grown as a ground cover or as a feature plant in a rockery.
Which soil is the best for growing it?
Sedum Reflexum ‘Blue Spruce’ prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Here are some tips on the type of soil that is best for growing this plant:
- Soil type: Sedum Reflexum ‘Blue Spruce’ grows well in a variety of soil types, but prefers sandy or loamy soil that is well-draining. Avoid heavy, clay soil, which can retain too much moisture and cause root rot.
- Soil pH: The ideal soil pH for Sedum Reflexum ‘Blue Spruce’ is between 6.0 and 7.5, which is slightly acidic to neutral. If your soil is too acidic or alkaline, you can adjust the pH by adding lime or sulfur as needed.
- Soil amendments: To improve soil quality, you can amend the soil with organic matter such as compost or aged manure. This can help improve soil fertility and drainage, and provide the plant with essential nutrients.
- Container growing: If you are growing Sedum Reflexum ‘Blue Spruce’ in a container, use a well-draining potting mix that is specifically formulated for succulents and cacti.
- Mulching: Apply a thin layer of organic mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture and suppress weed growth. Avoid piling the mulch too high around the stem, as this can cause the plant to rot.
By following these soil tips, you can provide the ideal growing conditions for Sedum Reflexum ‘Blue Spruce’ and help ensure its healthy growth and development.
Where can I buy it?
Sedum Reflexum ‘Blue Spruce’ is a popular plant and can be found at many garden centers, nurseries, and online plant retailers. Here are some places where you can buy this plant:
- Local garden centers and nurseries: Check with your local garden center or nursery to see if they carry Sedum Reflexum ‘Blue Spruce’ or can special order it for you.
- Online plant retailers: There are many online retailers that specialize in selling plants and offer a wide selection of sedums, including Sedum Reflexum ‘Blue Spruce’. Some popular online retailers include Amazon, Etsy, and The Sill.
- Specialty succulent and cacti nurseries: If you’re looking for a wider selection of succulents and cacti, you may want to check with specialty nurseries that specialize in these types of plants.
- Plant swaps and sales: Check with local plant swaps and sales in your area to see if anyone is selling Sedum Reflexum ‘Blue Spruce’ or may be willing to trade plants.
When purchasing Sedum Reflexum ‘Blue Spruce’, make sure to choose a healthy plant with no signs of damage or disease. Look for a plant with vibrant green foliage and a compact, bushy growth habit. With proper care, your Sedum Reflexum ‘Blue Spruce’ should thrive and add beauty to your garden for years to come.
Summary
- Sedum Reflexum ‘Blue Spruce’ is a low-growing succulent that produces blue-green needle-like leaves that resemble the foliage of a blue spruce tree.
- It prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter, and should be watered sparingly to avoid over-watering and root rot.
- Sedum Reflexum ‘Blue Spruce’ is a low-maintenance plant that can be grown in a variety of settings, including rock gardens, borders, and containers.
- It can be pruned to maintain its shape and size, and should be fertilized sparingly to avoid excessive growth.
- Sedum Reflexum ‘Blue Spruce’ can be purchased at local garden centers and nurseries, online plant retailers, specialty succulent and cacti nurseries, and plant swaps and sales.
Overall, Sedum Reflexum ‘Blue Spruce’ is a great choice for gardeners who want a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant plant that adds color and texture to their garden. With proper care, this plant can thrive and add beauty to your garden for years to come.
Have a nice day!