Sedum (hylotelephium) 'CHOCOLATE CHERRY'^®

Stonecrops (ice plants) are variable and usually very tough perennials popular for their zero requirements for water and maintenance. Most of our C.E. cultivated hardy species and varieties are best grown in xeriscape conditions, and offer a good range of foliage and flower colours. In order to separate the taller ones with stems from the groundcovering species, botanists and growers prefer to use hylotelephium for the taller ones.

Chocolate Cherry^®, yummy! Though inedible, this ice plant invented by Dutch breeder Marco van Noort was named aptly describing the coloration of flowers and foliage. It makes small, only about 4cm across, dome-like inflorescence composed of tiny star-shaped flowers. They emerge dark cherry red and mature to pale purple pink with garnet red centres. Such colour combination is enhanced by exquisite background of deep burgundy red to almost chocolate brown, broadly oval, thick leaves which exhibit very good resistance to common sedum diseases. Flowering begins in late August and as the flowers become dry they turn dark brown which along with healthy foliage makes a handsome display through to October, especially if planted next to plants with light green, yellow or pale blue foliage. Chocolate Cherry is compact, dense, and grows about 30 cm tall and a little wider.

Stonecrops are perfect plants for autumn borders. They provide an extra colour on plant of architectural value. These perennials are easy to grow, they will like almost any well-drained soil, they do well in rockeries and outdoor pots (without a saucer). Cut them back in early spring but be careful not to damage young buds at the ground which are frequently formed yet before winter and overwinter until springtime. Let them dry out before next watering - excess water brings a danger of fungi diseases. Fully hardy to min. -34 °C (USDA zone 4).

Last update 20-09-2019; 03-10-2021