stonecrop Interesting Notes

A low-growing, succulent native groundcover for shade, Sedum ternatum ‘Larinem Park’ carpets the woodland floor with whimsical round leaves arranged in threes. In spring, wild stonecrop is covered in white star-shaped flowers with flowers reaching a max of 6” tall. ‘Larinem Park’ is a slow-spreading, floriferous selection from Mineral County, West Virginia and was introduced by The Primrose Path in 1991. 'Larinem Park' is more tolerant of shade and moisture than other Sedum species while also demonstrating its ability to thrive in limestone-based, dry conditions, reflecting its origins from the shale barrens of West Virginia.

S. ternatum can be found in the wild growing on stony ledges and in woods from New Jersey to Iowa south to Arkansas and Georgia. Stonecrop prefers moist, well-drained soil in full sun to full shade. In full sun conditions, Sedum ternatum prefers more soil moisture. It can be propagated by division or vegetatively by stems that have broken off from the mother plant. The plant grows steadily and is rarely bothered by disease or insects.

Sedum ternatum ‘Larinem Park’ is excellent as a groundcover or in rock gardens, especially along woodland edges or in dry shade locations. The flowers support early season pollinators and the roots support small vertebrates, such as chipmunks, foraging in the winter. ‘Larinem Park’ is truly adaptable and one of the few Sedum species that are native and endemic to the Mid-Atlantic.

Sedum ternatum 'Larinem Park' Growing and Maintenance Tips

Prefers moist, well-drained soil in full sun to full shade. Propagate by division or vegetatively by stems that have broken off from the mother plant. Excellent as a groundcover or in rock gardens.

"It is typically found in large mats covering rocks, trees and mossy areas on the ground and near streams. Although it would prefer shady woodland soil, it will tolerate other conditions if not too dry. Look for it in areas of full sun to full shade along bluff bases and stony ledges. Although it spreads slowly by creeping stems, any unwanted plants are easy to remove."- Wild Ones Lexington Chapter Newsletter, Volume 12: Issue 1

Good Substitutions

Sedum spurium 'John Creech'

Sedum kamtschaticum var. floriferum 'Weihenstephaner Gold'