Jelly Bean Plant, Jellybean Plant, Christmas Cheer, Pork and Beans
Sedum x rubrotinctum (Jelly Bean Plant) is a versatile and visually striking plant that can brighten up any space with its colorful, dynamic foliage and easy-going nature. Whether planted in the ground or grown in containers, it brings a touch of playful charm to its surroundings.
Sedum x rubrotinctum, commonly known as Jelly Bean Plant or Pork and Beans, is a colorful and intriguing succulent that adds a playful touch to any garden or indoor collection. It is renowned for its small, jelly bean-shaped leaves which change color from green to bright red under stress conditions such as bright sunlight and cold temperatures. The plant has a sprawling, slightly trailing habit, making it ideal for containers where it can drape over the edges
Native: This succulent is a hybrid and does not have a specific native range. It is believed to have been cultivated from species native to Mexico. It belongs to the Crassulaceae family, commonly known as the stonecrop family. This family includes a diverse range of succulent plants such as Crassula, Kalanchoe, Aeonium, Echeveria, Sedum, and Sempervivum. These plants are well-known for their water-storing leaves and ability to thrive in dry, rocky environments.
Plant Type and Habit: It is a perennial succulent with a ground-hugging habit that tends to spread out and occasionally trail. Its thick, fleshy leaves are tightly clustered around the stems, giving the plant a lush, full appearance.
Size: The Jelly Bean Plant typically grows to about 4-8 inches (10-20 cm) in height with a spread of up to 10-12 inches (25-30 cm), depending on growing conditions and container size.
Flowers: The plant produces small, yellow, star-shaped flowers in winter and early spring. These flowers appear on erect stems above the foliage, adding a delicate contrast to the robust leaves.
Foliage: The vibrant, chubby, jelly bean-shaped leaves, about 1 inch long (2.5 cm), spiral around the stem. They are the main plant attraction, transitioning in color through the seasons from bright green to shades of red and orange, enhancing its decorative appeal. Red at the tips with exposure to heat or cold, the leaves turn almost entirely red in summer before changing back to bright green in winter. The sprawling stems root readily where they contact the soil.
Award: Recipient of the Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
Hardiness: Sedum x rubrotinctum is hardy in USDA zones 9 to 11. Heat tolerant, it can tolerate temperatures down to about 30°F (-1°C) for short periods. While it can withstand a light frost, it should be protected from harsh winter conditions.
Uses: Ideal for rock gardens, succulent gardens, and as a ground cover in xeric landscapes. It’s also popularly used in containers, terrariums, hanging baskets, and as an element in drought-tolerant garden designs.
Wildlife: While it does not specifically attract wildlife, its flowers can be visited by bees and butterflies during the blooming season.
Toxicity: This plant is considered mildly toxic if ingested. Its leaves may cause irritation to the skin in some individuals, so handling with care is recommended, especially around pets and children.
Deer and Rabbits: It has a good degree of resistance to deer, likely due to its succulent nature which tends to be less appealing to these critters.
Drought: Highly drought-tolerant once established, making it an excellent choice for water-wise gardening.
Invasiveness: It is not considered invasive. While it spreads effectively in suitable conditions, it is easily controlled and does not aggressively invade areas beyond its intended boundaries.
Benefits: Sedum x rubrotinctum is low-maintenance, requiring minimal care. It is excellent for erosion control on slopes and is effective at filling in spaces in a succulent display, providing year-round interest due to its colorful foliage.
Light: Jelly Bean Plant thrives in full sun to partial shade. Full sun exposure encourages the leaves to develop their characteristic red color. However, in extremely hot climates, some afternoon shade is beneficial to prevent leaf scorch.
Soil: This succulent prefers well-draining soil. A mixture specifically designed for cacti and succulents, which typically includes components like perlite or sand, is ideal. This ensures that water drains quickly and helps prevent root rot.
Water: Watering correctly is crucial for the Jelly Bean Plant. During the growing season (spring and summer), water the plant thoroughly, then allow the soil to completely dry out before watering again. Reduce watering in the fall and winter when the plant’s growth slows down.
Fertilizer: Feed the Jelly Bean Plant with a diluted low-nitrogen fertilizer once at the beginning of the growing season to promote growth without encouraging too many leaves at the expense of the colorful foliage.
Pruning: Pruning is not usually necessary but can be done to shape the plant or remove any damaged or diseased leaves. This will also encourage thicker growth.
Propagation: The Jelly Bean Plant can be easily propagated from leaves or stem cuttings. Simply lay leaves on the surface of the soil or insert stem cuttings. Make sure to allow the cut surface to callous over for a day or two before planting to prevent rot.
The Jelly Bean Plant is generally easy to care for. However, like all plants, it can encounter certain issues. Addressing these problems promptly will help keep your plant healthy and vibrant. Here are some common problems and solutions for the Jelly Bean Plant:
Hardiness |
9 - 11 |
---|---|
Heat Zones |
9 - 10 |
Climate Zones | 8, 9, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2 |
Plant Type | Cactus & Succulents |
Plant Family | Crassulaceae |
Genus | Sedum |
Common names | Stonecrop, Sedum |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest | Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter |
Height | 4" - 8" (10cm - 20cm) |
Spread | 10" - 1' (25cm - 30cm) |
Spacing | 8" - 10" (20cm - 25cm) |
Maintenance | Low |
Water Needs | Low |
Soil Type | Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Plant of Merit, Showy, Evergreen |
Tolerance | Drought, Deer, Rabbit, Dry Soil |
Garden Uses | Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers |
Garden Styles | Mediterranean Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden |
Hardiness |
9 - 11 |
---|---|
Heat Zones |
9 - 10 |
Climate Zones | 8, 9, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2 |
Plant Type | Cactus & Succulents |
Plant Family | Crassulaceae |
Genus | Sedum |
Common names | Stonecrop, Sedum |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest | Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter |
Height | 4" - 8" (10cm - 20cm) |
Spread | 10" - 1' (25cm - 30cm) |
Spacing | 8" - 10" (20cm - 25cm) |
Maintenance | Low |
Water Needs | Low |
Soil Type | Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Plant of Merit, Showy, Evergreen |
Tolerance | Drought, Deer, Rabbit, Dry Soil |
Garden Uses | Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers |
Garden Styles | Mediterranean Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden |
How many Sedum x rubrotinctum (Jelly Bean Plant) do I need for my garden?
Plant | Quantity | |
---|---|---|
Sedum x rubrotinctum (Jelly Bean Plant) | N/A | Buy Plants |
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Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
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