How to Grow Angelina Sedum
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Angelina Sedum
Sedum rubrotinctum
succulentAngelina Sedum is a tender succulent groundcover with small, cylindrical leaves that transform from green to vibrant red-orange when exposed to full sun and cool temperatures. This evergreen perennial forms low mats and produces delicate yellow or orange flowers in summer. It's prized for container gardening, rock gardens, and as a drought-tolerant landscape accent.
When should you plant Angelina Sedum in your zone?
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Example Angelina Sedum timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Angelina Sedum
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Angelina Sedum
Around Apr 19≈ 2 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Angelina Sedum dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 9b-11; grown as an annual or container plant in colder regions
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Establishment
2-3 weeksYoung rosettes establishing roots, typically green with possible red tinting
Water lightly until established (2-3 weeks); avoid full sun initially if from nursery
Vegetative Growth
4-8 weeksRapid leaf production, mat formation begins, color response to light conditions
Increase sun exposure gradually; water when soil is completely dry; minimal fertilizer needed
Color Development
Ongoing with environmental conditionsLeaves transition from green to red-orange depending on sun exposure and temperature
Maximize sunlight exposure; cool temperatures (below 60°F) enhance red coloration; reduce nitrogen fertilizer
Flowering
Summer, 3-4 weeksSmall star-shaped flowers appear at branch tips, typically yellow or pale orange
Flowers are secondary to foliage appeal; deadheading not necessary but can redirect energy to growth
Dormancy/Winter
3-4 months (November-February in Northern Hemisphere)Growth slows significantly; color intensifies with cool temperatures
Reduce watering to minimal; cease fertilizing; provide bright light but can tolerate cooler conditions
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; isolate affected plants; remove with rubbing alcohol on cotton swab
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Prune infested parts; treat with horticultural oil or systemic insecticide; improve air circulation
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Increase humidity slightly; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; rinse leaves with water
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Improve drainage; reduce watering; repot in fresh soil; remove rotted roots with sterile tools
Uses
Edible succulent
CulinaryAngelina Sedum is technically edible and is sometimes used in contemporary cuisine as a garnish or salad ingredient, though it has minimal nutritional value. Its crisp texture and mild, slightly tart flavor make it a novelty addition to culinary presentations. [source]
Ornamental container and landscape plant
HouseholdIts vibrant red-orange foliage makes it exceptionally popular for container gardens, living walls, fairy gardens, and xeriscaping. The color transformation provides visual interest year-round and requires minimal maintenance. [source]
Air purification and indoor decoration
HouseholdLike most succulents, Angelina Sedum absorbs carbon dioxide at night and releases oxygen, making it beneficial for indoor air quality. It's commonly grown in desk planters and indoor arrangements. [source]
Living art and arrangement
CraftThe plant is frequently used in succulent arrangements, living wreaths, and decorative planters as a focal point or accent. Its prostrate growth habit and color make it ideal for designing living garden art. [source]
Pollinator attraction
WildlifeSmall flowers attract bees and beneficial insects, providing summer nectar sources in drought-prone landscapes. The dense mat formation also provides shelter for ground-dwelling beneficial insects. [source]
Harvest Tips
Not typically harvested, but can be propagated year-round from leaves or stem cuttings. Remove healthy leaves or 2-3 inch stem pieces, allow to callus for 3-5 days, then place on moist soil. Roots develop within 2-3 weeks. Harvest mature specimens to share or rejuvenate overgrown plants.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Angelina Sedum's red coloration is caused by the production of anthocyanin pigments, a stress response to cold temperatures and intense sunlight—the same pigments that make blueberries blue and beets red.
- 🌱 This sedum was named 'Angelina' as a cultivar name, though its exact origin is unclear; it's sometimes incorrectly attributed to other Sedum species but is definitively Sedum rubrotinctum.
- 🌱 A single leaf can regenerate into an entire new plant, making it one of the easiest succulents to propagate and share with friends—a single leaf placed on moist soil can produce roots and a new rosette in just 3-4 weeks.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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