Care Disclaimer: Plant care recommendations are general guidelines based on common growing conditions. Individual results may vary based on your local environment, climate, and care routine. If your plant is toxic, keep it away from children and pets, and consult a veterinarian if accidental ingestion occurs.
1.Sedum Telephium — Overview
Sedum telephium, commonly known as orpine or dragon's blood, is a succulent perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the family Crassulaceae. This species is native to Europe and parts of Asia, thriving in a variety of habitats including rocky slopes, dry grasslands, and open woodlands. It is characterized by its fleshy, succulent leaves, which are typically ovate to oblong, with serrated or crenate margins, and arranged alternately along the stems. The leaves are often a glaucous green, sometimes tinged with red or purple, especially in sunlight.
The plant forms clumps of erect to spreading stems that can reach heights of 30-70 cm. In late summer and autumn, it produces showy inflorescences of star-shaped flowers, usually in shades of pink, red, or sometimes white. These flowers are borne in dense, terminal cymes and are highly attractive to pollinators such as bees and butterflies. The root system is typically fibrous and shallow.
Sedum telephium is a hardy and adaptable plant, often used in rock gardens, borders, and as ground cover due to its drought tolerance and low maintenance requirements. Its succulent nature allows it to store water, making it resilient to dry conditions. The plant's common names often allude to its historical use and perceived medicinal properties.
Trusted Scientific References
Authoritative external sources for Sedum Telephium:
Sedum Telephium should be interpreted through verified botanical identity, practical care, and responsible safety language. This recovery note adds the missing context needed for a complete profile: match light to the plant's habit, use well-drained soil, water according to season, and avoid unsupported medicinal or edible claims. For publishing, the plant can be presented as a source-backed garden plant with clear care guidance, common problem diagnosis, and conservative safety wording.
1.1.Sedum Telephium — Key Features
- ["\u2713 Succulent perennial — ["\u2713 Succulent perennial herbaceous plant", "\u2713 Native to Europe and Asia", "\u2713 Fleshy, ovate to oblong leaves with serrated margins", "\u2713 Erect to spreading stems reaching 30-70 cm", "\u2713 Showy inflorescences of pink, red, or white star-shaped flowers in late summer/autumn", "\u2713 Drought tolerant and low maintenance", "\u2713 Attractive to pollinators"]
- Identified profile — Uses the accepted plant name and practical context for Sedum Telephium.
- Growth habit — Describes the plant through its visible form and seasonal behavior.
- Care fit — Connects light, water, and soil needs to cultivation.
- Garden value — Explains foliage, flowers, structure, or texture.
- Safety note — Keeps edible, medicinal, and toxicity language cautious.
- Propagation context — Mentions realistic propagation routes.
- Problem diagnosis — Links symptoms to water, light, drainage, pests, or season.
- Source ready — Keeps the profile suitable for later botanical review.
1.2.Sedum Telephium — Quick Summary
- Sedum telephium, orpine, is a hardy, succulent perennial native to Europe and Asia, known for its fleshy leaves and late-summer pink to red flowers, commonly used in rock gardens and borders.
2.Sedum Telephium — Scientific Identity
3.Sedum Telephium — Categories & Tags
4.Sedum Telephium — Appearance & Identification
5.Sedum Telephium — Water Requirements
- Plant Sedum telephium in well-draining soil, preferably sandy or gravelly.
- Full sun to partial shade is ideal.
- Water moderately during the growing season, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
- Reduce watering in winter.
- Propagate by stem cuttings or division of clumps in spring.
- It is generally pest and disease resistant.
Reviewed by the Flora Medical Global Botanical Review Panel
Multi-disciplinary editorial group · Botany · Ethnobotany · Herbal-medicine literature
Who reviewed this: This page was checked by the Flora Medical Global Botanical Review Panel — an in-house editorial group of botany graduates, ethnobotany researchers, and horticulture practitioners who collectively maintain our 7,000+ plant encyclopedia. Meet the team.
Our 4-step verification process
1. Taxonomic verification
Scientific names and synonyms cross-checked against Kew POWO, World Flora Online, and The Plant List.
2. Phytochemical & medicinal cross-reference
Active compounds, traditional uses, and reported activities are cross-referenced with PubMed, USDA Dr. Duke's database, and peer-reviewed ethnobotanical literature.
3. Conservation & distribution check
Distribution, ecology, and conservation status confirmed against GBIF occurrence records and the IUCN Red List.
4. Editorial & safety review
Every entry passes an editorial pass for clarity, originality, and safety notices (toxicity, contraindications, dosage caveats) before publication.
Last reviewed:
Editorial Note: This page is for educational and plant care purposes only.
Written by: Flora Medical Global Editorial Team
Reviewed by: Flora Medical Global Botanical Review Panel
Last Updated: June 28, 2026
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