Sedum dasyphyllum major

Sedum dasyphyllum 'Major' is a compact, spreading stonecrop with attractive blue-grey foliage and a dense, softly textured growth habit. Its numerous branching stems gradually spread across the soil, forming low mats of closely packed succulent leaves. Larger and more robust than some of the finer forms of Sedum dasyphyllum, 'Major' is an excellent choice for rockeries, borders, miniature landscapes, retaining walls, mixed succulent gardens and containers where it can gradually spill over the edges.

Blue-grey succulent foliage

The small, fleshy leaves are rounded to slightly oval and densely arranged along the stems, giving the plant its distinctive textured appearance. A fine glaucous coating contributes to the soft blue-grey colouring of the foliage, while growing conditions can influence both colour and compactness. Brighter light and cooler or drier conditions may bring out subtle mauve, pink or purplish tones, while plants in active growth are generally greener.

The freely branching stems can grow horizontally, rise slightly above the surrounding foliage or cascade as they lengthen. Where stems come into contact with suitable growing media, they can readily produce roots, helping the plant gradually develop into a broader, established mat.

Delicate summer flowers

Small, star-shaped white flowers are produced above the foliage, typically during the warmer months. Although individually delicate, the flowers can be produced in clusters and create an attractive contrast against the blue-grey foliage below.

Hardy and easy to propagate

Sedum dasyphyllum 'Major' is a resilient succulent once established and is particularly well adapted to free-draining conditions. Its fleshy leaves store moisture, allowing established plants to tolerate periods of dry weather, while its spreading and readily rooting stems help it recover and establish quickly.

Propagation is particularly easy from stem pieces. Sections can be placed onto or lightly pressed into a free-draining succulent mix, where nodes in contact with the growing medium can develop roots and establish new growth. Small pieces accidentally detached during handling will also often take root, making this an easy plant to propagate and spread through a rockery or container arrangement.

Growing Sedum dasyphyllum 'Major'

Grow in a free-draining succulent or cactus mix in a bright position with good airflow. It performs well in bright light to full sun, although some protection from intense afternoon sun can be beneficial during periods of extreme Australian summer heat, particularly for plants grown in small containers.

Allow the growing medium to dry between waterings and avoid prolonged wet or waterlogged conditions. Once established, 'Major' is drought tolerant and generally requires little maintenance. Its ability to grow in relatively shallow, free-draining soils makes it particularly useful for rock gardens, crevices, embankments and other areas where a low-growing succulent groundcover is desired.

With its blue-grey foliage, spreading stems and naturally dense growth habit, Sedum dasyphyllum 'Major' provides year-round texture in both garden and container plantings. Its slightly larger, more substantial growth also gives it a noticeably different appearance from the finer forms of this highly variable species.

Sedum dasyphyllum 'Major' plants for sale are shown in 70 mm pots. You will receive the same or similar plants to those shown in the images. Colours will vary depending on the time of year and growing conditions.

Explore other forms of Sedum dasyphyllum

Sedum dasyphyllum is a highly variable species, with naturally occurring populations differing in leaf size and shape, colour, surface texture and growth habit. Numerous distinctive forms and varieties have been described over the years, while cultivated selections add even more diversity. This remarkable variation makes Sedum dasyphyllum an especially interesting species for succulent collectors, as different forms can appear surprisingly different despite belonging to the same species.

We currently grow four distinctly different forms, including 'Major' featured on this page. You can also explore Sedum dasyphyllum 'Lilac Mound', a compact, mound-forming selection known for its beautiful lilac, mauve and pink seasonal colouring; Sedum dasyphyllum 'Minor', a particularly compact miniature form with fine foliage and beautiful seasonal colouring; and Sedum dasyphyllum var. glanduliferum 'Fuzzy Wuzzy', a distinctive hairy form.

Growing several forms together is an excellent way to appreciate the diversity found within this fascinating species.