Green Jelly Beans

Green Jelly Beans (Sedum x rubrotinctum) is a low, spreading succulent with clusters of plump, bean-shaped green leaves on trailing stems, about 20cm high and at least as wide. It likes a hot, dry, brightly lit spot, bursts into golden flowers in summer, and its leaves can blush reddish in strong sun. It needs very little looking after, but it must be kept from frost.

Why you'll love it

• Leaves like jelly beans. Plump, fleshy, bean-shaped leaves cluster along the stems, which makes it a talking point in a rockery or a pot.
• Golden summer flowers. Golden flowers burst out above the green foliage in summer.
• Blushes in the sun. In summer the leaves can develop a reddish blush, a kind of natural sunscreen, so the plant shifts from green to rosy over the season.
• Low maintenance. It is happy in a hot, dry, brightly lit spot and rarely needs more than an occasional drink.
• Spreads to cover ground. Stems root along the ground, so it fills small spaces and tough spots as a groundcover.

Where it works best

Rockeries and roof gardens. Plant 20cm apart and let it spread over stones and between paving. It squeezes into small spaces and gives them a soft, fleshy texture.

Waterwise beds and coastal gardens. Rocky, sandy soil and exposed positions suit it, so it works near the sea and in dry beds, in front of taller waterwise plants.

Keeping it in check. It roots along the stems, so it will creep. Encourage stems to lie on the soil if you want more of it. Pull them up, or mulch under them with stone chips, if you want less.

Growing Green Jelly Beans in Australia

Position and climate. Bright sunlight is best. It will grow in shade, but the leaf colour is not as strong. Protect it from frost: it suits frost-free subtropical, warm temperate and Mediterranean gardens, and in frosty areas it is best grown in a pot that can be moved under cover.

Soil. Free-draining, gritty soil. Rocky and sandy ground and exposed locations suit it.

Water and feed. Water new plants until they are established. After that, give a drink if the plant softens, droops or wrinkles, especially in extended heat.

Pruning. No pruning is needed. Pull up any stems that stray further than you want. They root readily wherever they touch the soil.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Green Jelly Beans as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. It arrives small, with only a few stems, and it spreads steadily once it is in bright light and warm soil. Plant it out soon after delivery and water it in lightly.

Tube stock comes from our grower and is not always available. When the grower has none, the tube shows as sold out, and the notify button on the page emails you the day it is back.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse our succulents
• Rockery plants
• Succulents for hot climates
• Succulent care guide

Common questions

Why is it called jelly beans?

The fleshy, bean-shaped leaves look like jelly beans. In summer they can blush reddish, which gives the plant its other common name, pork and beans.

Will it survive frost?

No, protect it from frost. In frosty districts grow it in a pot and move it under cover for winter.

How do I know it needs water?

The leaves soften, droop or wrinkle, especially in a long hot spell. Give it a drink then, and otherwise leave it alone.