Sedum caeruleum

Annual of the Crassulaceae family, native to the western Mediterranean basin, mainly from Sardinia, Corsica, Sicily, northern Africa, and some stations on the Iberian coast. It is the only annual sedum with truly bluish flowers known in Europe.

In its natural habitat, it grows on siliceous and calcareous rocks, coastal rocky outcrops, open garrigues, and very poor sandy soils, in hot and dry conditions, at low altitude. It germinates in autumn or early spring depending on local conditions, quickly completes its cycle, then disappears completely as the summer heat approaches.

The entire plant is carmine red to intense blood red in sunny and dry conditions, making it one of the most striking spectacles of the genus. The upright, highly branched stems reach 5 to 15 cm in height and bear small, fleshy, cylindrical, alternate leaves. At the time of flowering, the plant is covered with a multitude of small star-shaped flowers with seven petals, from bluish-white to pale washed-out blue, unique in the genus, which contrast sharply with the intense red of the foliage and stems.

In its natural habitat, its flowering extends from March to June depending on altitude and latitude. In cultivation under a temperate climate, it generally occurs from May to July.

In cultivation, it is sown in spring directly in place, in a very drained, poor substrate, in full sun. It reseeds itself spontaneously from year to year in suitable conditions. Not hardy under cold and wet winters, it is then treated as a spring annual. Its short cycle and flamboyant red make it an unparalleled subject for rock gardens or Mediterranean troughs in the genus.