Orpine and Showy stonecrop are often considered for the same spot in the garden (flowers, pollinator friendly, container). The data below shows where they differ: size, hardiness, care, toxicity and price.
Sedum telephium 60 cm × 60 cm after 10 years
A fleshy-leaved, upright succulent perennial with flat heads of pink, purple or reddish flowers from late summer into autumn, when it is covered in…
Sedum spectabile 50 cm × 50 cm after 10 years
A succulent perennial forming a neat clump of fleshy, blue-green leaves, with flat, hand-sized flower heads from late summer into autumn that are…
Orpine is hardier: down to -40 °C, against -34 °C for Showy stonecrop.
Showy stonecrop is cheaper: about €4.10 at the size usually planted, against about €6.20 for Orpine.
|
Feature
|
Orpine
|
Showy stonecrop
|
|---|---|---|
| Group | Perennial | Perennial |
| Size after 10 years | 60 cm × 60 cm | 50 cm × 50 cm |
| Ultimate size | 45–75 cm × 45–60 cm | 30–60 cm × 30–60 cm |
| Growth rate | Medium | Medium |
| Light | Full sun | Full sun |
| Soil | Average garden soil, Sandy, Calcareous | Average garden soil, Sandy, Clay, Calcareous |
| Hardiness | down to -40 °C (USDA 3, RHS H7) | down to -34 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7) |
| Foliage | Deciduous | Deciduous |
| Flowering | August–October, pink, purple, red | August–October, pink, red, white |
| Water need | Low | Low |
| Drought tolerance | High | High |
| Maintenance | Low | Low |
| Planting distance | 45 cm | 40 cm |
| For dogs | no data | Non-toxic (uncertain) |
| For cats | no data | Non-toxic (uncertain) |
| For children | no data | Mildly toxic (uncertain) |
| Typical price | approx. €6.20 | approx. €4.10 |
Prices are rounded, indicative values. Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor. Data updated: October 8, 2026
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