Sedum telephium, commonly known as Orpine, is a deciduous perennial succulent native to a variety of habitats including open woodlands, forest edges, and rocky outcrops in Europe and Asia. It can grow up to 24 inches (60 cm) tall and wide, with a clumping habit. The fleshy leaves are often green but can have purplish tones, especially in cultivars. From late summer to fall, dense clusters of star-shaped flowers appear in shades of reddish-pink or creamy white, depending on the variety, and are quite attractive to pollinators.

Orpine is valued for its drought tolerance and low maintenance requirements, making it a popular choice for rock gardens, borders, and xeriscaping. It is also used in green roofs and as ground cover due to its hardy nature. The plant thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soil. While it is generally pest and disease-free, it can suffer from root rot if overwatered. The cultivar ’Herbstfreude’ (’Autumn Joy’) is particularly noted for its robust growth and vibrant autumnal flower color. Although it is not aggressive, there is a potential for this plant to naturalize in some regions outside its native range.CC BY-SA 4.0