Sedum Rubrotinctum (Jelly Beans)

There are several varieties of ‘Jelly Beans’ but Sedum Rubrotinctum would be the most common of them all. It is a very hardy succulent plant that lives up to it’s common name of ‘stonecrop’ meaning that it needs just as much care as a stone.

Growth
Growing up to 20cm tall, Sedum Rubrotinctum is more of a ground cover, actively growing from late autumn through to spring. Pruning will encourage new growth throughout the growing season. Sometimes you will need to re-pot as they can start looking a little ‘rough’ towards the end of summer as that is when they become somewhat dormant. One great thing about this succulent is that it grows aerial roots that will go searching for more space to spread out. As long as the roots are touching the soil, it will fill out any gaps in your garden.

Colour
Jelly beans change colour dramatically throughout the seasons, from a dark green and maroon in its growth season of winter, through to an almost bronze and bright red in summertime.

Flowering
Sedum Rubrotinctum flowers are bright yellow little stars that bloom throughout springtime.

Pests
Sedum Rubrotinctum is relatively pest free. If anything, I’ve found they are more prone to scale than mealy bugs. In their spring flowering season, they can attract aphids so just keep a close eye on the flowers at this time.

This is a great succulent for beginners, just be sure to not overwater (you don’t need to water stones do you?), and keep in well draining soil.