Silver Mound Succulent

Silver Mound Succulent (Sedum rupestre 'Silver Mound') is a trailing, clustering stonecrop about 10cm high, with soft cushiony rosettes that sparkle silver in the sun. Yellow star flowers appear in the warmer months. It is a low, drought hardy groundcover for rockeries, pots, wall tops and cracks in paving.

Why you'll love it

• A silver note. The cushiony silver rosettes brighten a bed and contrast well with darker foliage.
• A trailing habit. It clusters and trails, so it spills softly over wall tops, pot rims and rockery edges.
• Yellow stars. Starry yellow flowers in the warmer months add a second colour to the silver.
• Waterwise and exposure ready. Rocky, sandy soil, coastal air and exposed positions all suit it.
• Easy care. Sun and sharp drainage are about all it asks for, and it needs no regular feeding or trimming.

Where it works best

Rockeries and waterwise beds. Plant 25cm apart around larger feature succulents so the silver clusters knit into a carpet.

Walls, roof gardens and paving. It grows on green roofs, along the tops of walls and in cracks in paving, where little else will.

Pots and hanging baskets. Its trailing stems soften the rim of a pot or basket. Use a gritty, free draining mix and a bright position.

Growing Silver Mound Succulent in Australia

Position and climate. Bright sunlight is what it wants. It is very happy in exposed positions and suits coastal gardens. In humid districts with wet summers, a raised gritty bed or a pot keeps the roots dry.

Soil. Free draining, gritty soil. It is very happy in rocky, sandy ground.

Water and feed. Water if the plant softens, droops or wrinkles, especially in extended periods of heat. The rest of the time, it is better left a little dry than a little wet.

Pruning. No regular pruning is needed. Trim any stems that stray beyond their patch, and tidy dead growth in spring.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Silver Mound Succulent as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. It arrives small, so plant it out soon after delivery in gritty soil, water it in lightly and let it dry out between waterings. Expect it to sit quietly for a few weeks while the roots settle.

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 succulents
• More rockery plants
• Drought tolerant plants
• Rooftop garden ideas

Common questions

How big does it get?

It stays low, around 10cm high, and spreads into a trailing, clustering mat. Leave about 25cm between plants to let it knit together.

Does it like coastal conditions?

Yes. It is happy in rocky and sandy soils and in exposed locations, which makes it a good seaside choice.

How do I know when to water it?

Water when the plant softens, droops or wrinkles, particularly in long periods of heat. Otherwise, keep it on the dry side.