How big does Orpine grow?

About 60 cm × 60 cm after ten years (height × width). Its ultimate size is 45–75 cm × 45–60 cm.

What soil does Orpine grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, sandy, calcareous.

Hardy down to -40 °C (USDA zone 3, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

When does Orpine flower?

Flowering: August–October, pink, purple, red.

How much water does Orpine need?

Water need: low. Drought tolerance: high.

Orpine

Sedum telephium

Orpine (Sedum telephium) is a perennial that reaches 60 cm × 60 cm after ten years. Light: full sun. Hardy down to -40 °C. Drought tolerance: high. Sold in local shops from about €6.20.

Illustration of Orpine — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

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 bees and butterflies. Plant it in full sun and lean, well-drained soil, where it more or less looks after itself and shrugs off drought. Leave the dried flower heads standing for winter, they look good, and cut back only in spring.

Watch out for

In shade or in rich, fertilised soil it grows lanky and the clump flops open at flowering time. In heavy, wet soil crown and root rot can kill it. Aphids, slugs and vine weevil larvae feeding on the roots are occasional pests.

Key facts

Light: Full sun
Water need: Low
Care: Low
Size after 10 years: 60 cm × 60 cm
Hardiness: down to -40 °C
Foliage: Deciduous
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D August–October, pink, purple, red

Group	Perennial
Light	Full sun
Size after 10 years	60 cm × 60 cm
Ultimate size	45–75 cm × 45–60 cm
Hardiness	down to -40 °C (USDA 3, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Sandy, Calcareous
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	August–October, pink, purple, red
Water need	Low
Drought tolerance	High
Maintenance	Low
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no data
Spreading	Low
Distance from buildings	no data
Distance from paving	no data
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	45 cm
For dogs	no data
For cats	no data
For children	no data
Typical price	from about €6.20

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
size not stated	approx. €6.20

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 8, 2026 · How our data is made

Appears in these lists

Perennials for full sun Drought-tolerant plants Drought-tolerant perennials Drought-tolerant plants for sandy soil Perennials for pollinators Plants for containers Low-maintenance perennials Plants for a Mediterranean garden

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