Sedum - Clavatum
Sedum clavatum is a charming and relatively low-growing succulent admired for its distinctive, club-shaped leaves that often display a beautiful powdery blue-green hue, sometimes with pinkish or reddish tints, particularly when stressed by sunlight or cooler temperatures. This attractive Sedum forms dense mats or trailing stems, making it a delightful addition to rock gardens, containers, and hanging baskets.
Key Features of Sedum clavatum
- Club-Shaped Leaves: The most distinctive feature is its plump, fleshy leaves that are widest towards the tip, resembling small clubs or fingers.
- Powdery Blue-Green Coloration: The leaves typically exhibit a soft, powdery blue-green color, often enhanced by a white, waxy coating (farina).
- Pink or Red Tints: When exposed to more sunlight or cooler temperatures, the leaf tips and edges can develop attractive pink or reddish hues.
- Trailing or Mat-Forming Growth: Stems can trail or creep along the ground, forming dense mats, making it a versatile plant for various displays.
- Small, White Flowers: Mature plants produce clusters of small, star-shaped, white flowers that can create a delicate contrast with the foliage.
- Relatively Small Size: Generally remains a low-growing succulent, making it suitable for smaller spaces and arrangements.
Care for Your Sedum clavatum
- Light: Thrives in bright, indirect sunlight to maintain its compact growth and coloration. It can tolerate some direct morning sun, but intense afternoon sun may scorch the leaves. More sun exposure generally leads to more pronounced pink or red tints.
- Soil: Requires well-draining soil to prevent root rot. A sandy or gritty succulent mix is ideal.
- Watering: Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Sedums are drought-tolerant and susceptible to overwatering. Reduce watering significantly during the dormant winter months.
- Temperature: Prefers moderate temperatures and is generally frost-hardy down to a certain degree (check specific cultivar details for exact temperature tolerance), but protection from severe frost is recommended.
- Humidity: Adapts well to typical household humidity levels. Good air circulation is beneficial.
Maintenance for a Thriving Plant
- Removing Dead Foliage: Regularly remove any dead or dried leaves and stems to maintain a tidy appearance and prevent potential issues.
- Pruning (Optional): If the stems become too long or leggy, light pruning can be done to encourage bushier growth.
- Repotting (If in Containers): Repot every 2-3 years or when the plant outgrows its container, using a well-draining soil mix.
- Protecting Farina: If the leaves have a powdery coating, handle them gently to avoid rubbing it off. Water from the base.
- Pest Control: Generally pest-resistant, but monitor for common succulent pests like aphids or mealybugs.
Propagation Methods for Expanding Your Collection
- Stem Cuttings: A very easy and reliable method. Take stem cuttings a few inches long, allow the cut ends to callus over for a day or two, and then plant them in well-draining soil. They root readily.
- Leaf Cuttings: Can also be propagated from individual leaves. Gently detach healthy leaves, allow the cut end to callus before placing it on well-draining soil. New plantlets will eventually emerge.
- Division: Mature mats or clumps can be carefully divided in spring or fall.
Sedum clavatum is a delightful and easy-to-care-for succulent with its unique club-shaped, powdery blue-green leaves that often blush with pink. Its trailing or mat-forming growth habit and low maintenance requirements make it a versatile and attractive addition to any succulent enthusiast's collection.
* Picture and information intended only as a guide. Size and colours of plants will vary, not any 1 plant is exactly the same and minor variations will occur.
** All plants will be posted bare rooted.

