Sedum compactum

Sedum compactum is native to the Mexican states of Oaxaca and Puebla, where it grows on rocks at altitudes between 2,100 and 2,400 metres above sea level. It prefers firm ground for its growth as its roots are very fine and will not take hold on more friable surfaces. In normal nature it resembles moss clumps, like Sedum humifusum (which you can also find in our e-shop). Unlike this representative, however, it has neither hairy leaves nor yellow flowers.

The narrowly elongated leaves grow alternately on the stem and grow up to 5 mm. They are blunt at the ends and turn shades of green. The leaves have small papillae which give them a bumpy appearance. The small, creeping stems are about 1,5 cm long and end in terminal rosettes. The stonecrop forms dense clumps of overlapping mossy carpets and may have underground tubers.

Tiny white flowers bloom from early summer. They grow to a height of about 3-4 cm and may appear outside the normal flowering time in mid-winter.

This tiny Mexican stonecrop is an ideal choice for creating an understory for taller plants. It tends to be quite fragile and is particularly suited to shallow containers. It is a typical carpet plant that will highlight the landmarks in your collection and make them stand out.