Sea Star Succulent

Sea Star Succulent (Sedum pulchellum 'Sea Star') is a low, spreading sedum 10cm to 20cm high and 30cm wide, with slender foliage that flushes pink in the warmer months. In late spring and summer, mature plants send up branched stems of pale pink, star-shaped flowers that look like a starfish or a piece of coral. It needs almost no looking after once established.

Why you'll love it

• Starfish flowers. Pale pink, star-shaped flowers branch out on slender stems, for a delicate and slightly quirky look.
• Pink-flushed foliage. The slender leaves take on a pink flush in warm weather, so the plant carries colour before it flowers.
• Extremely frost hardy. As long as the soil is free-draining, cold winters are not a problem for it.
• Fills small spaces. A 30cm spreader that roots along its stems squeezes into tight spots and covers ground in tough locations.
• Almost no work. Once established, it needs very little attention.

Where it works best

Rockeries and roof gardens. Plant 20cm apart for a low, spreading drift. Shallow soil and full sun suit it.

Waterwise and coastal beds. Rocky, sandy soil and exposed locations are fine, so it suits dry beds and gardens near the sea.

Gaps and edges. Use it between stepping stones and along edges, where its stems can root and cover bare soil.

Growing Sea Star Succulent in Australia

Position and climate. Bright sunlight in free-draining ground. It suits subtropical, warm temperate, cool temperate, Mediterranean and arid climates, and is extremely frost hardy as long as the soil drains freely. In humid, wet-summer districts, sharp drainage is the thing to get right.

Soil. Free-draining, gritty soil. Rocky, sandy ground is ideal. Wet soil is the main risk to an otherwise frost-proof plant, so raise heavy ground with grit.

Water and feed. Water new plants until they are established. Afterwards, water if the plant softens, droops or wrinkles, especially in extended heat.

Pruning. No pruning is needed. Stems root as they spread, so pull up any that stray further than you want, or mulch with stone chips beneath them to slow the spread.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Sea Star Succulent as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. It arrives small and slender, and it spreads steadily once it is in bright light and gritty soil. Plant it out soon after delivery and water it in lightly.

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

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

• Rockery plants
• Groundcover plants
• Frost hardy plants
• Succulent growing guide

Common questions

Why is it called Sea Star?

In flower it looks like a starfish or an exotic coral, with pale pink star-shaped blooms branching from slender stems.

When will it flower?

From late spring to summer. Flowers appear on mature, happy plants, so a new plant may need time to settle before it blooms.

How cold can it get?

Very cold. It is rated extremely frost hardy, provided the soil drains freely. Wet soil in winter is a bigger threat than frost.