Light
Give it full sun. It tolerates light shade, but NC State Extension and Missouri Botanical Garden both warn that too much shade, like too-rich soil, gives weak, floppy growth. If you bring it indoors for winter, give it your sunniest window.
Water
It tolerates heat and drought and seldom needs watering in the ground, though it will grow in moister soil if it drains well. Pots and hanging baskets dry out faster, so water those when the mix has dried. Soggy soil rots it.
Soil & pots
Sandy or rocky, well-drained soil of no more than average fertility, neutral to alkaline. In warm climates it works as a ground cover, in rock gardens and along walls. It's at its best spilling out of containers and hanging baskets. It takes only occasional foot traffic.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 7–11, according to both NC State Extension and Missouri Botanical Garden. Anywhere colder, it won't survive winter outdoors. Grow it in a pot and bring it into a bright, frost-free spot before hard frost, or treat it as an annual and replant in spring.
Is Lemon Coral sedum safe for pets?
Pet safety not yet confirmed. It isn't on the ASPCA's toxic or non-toxic plant lists, and we haven't found a veterinary source. NC State Extension notes that eating it in quantity can cause stomach upset. We haven't found a reliable source yet, so keep it out of reach of pets that chew plants.
Propagation
Lemon Coral drops leaves easily, and NC State Extension notes the fallen leaves can be used to start new plants. The RHS recommends softwood cuttings.
- Collect plump fallen leaves, or snip a few shoot tips a couple of inches long.
- Leave them in a dry, shady spot for a day or two so the cut ends dry.
- Lay leaves on gritty, well-drained mix, and push cuttings in up to their lowest leaves.
- Keep them in bright light and water lightly until roots and new shoots appear.
Common problems
FAQ
Is Lemon Coral sedum Sedum mexicanum?
Sources disagree. NC State Extension files it under Sedum mexicanum but calls it a hybrid, Missouri Botanical Garden lists it simply as Sedum Lemon Coral, and the RHS treats Sedum mexicanum 'Lemon Coral' as another name for Sedum 'Lemon Ball'. All three agree it's a Sedum.
Is Lemon Ball sedum the same plant?
The RHS treats them as one plant, listing Sedum mexicanum 'Lemon Coral' as another name for Sedum 'Lemon Ball'. US references use Lemon Coral. Care is the same either way.
Can Lemon Coral sedum stay outside in winter?
Only in USDA zones 7–11. In colder areas, bring the pot indoors to a bright spot before hard frost, or replant in spring.
Why is my Lemon Coral sedum losing leaves?
Some leaf drop is normal, because NC State Extension notes the leaves fall off easily. If the stems are also soft and dark at the base, the soil is staying too wet.
Does Lemon Coral sedum flower?
Yes. Small clusters of star-shaped yellow flowers open from late spring through summer, June to August in Missouri Botanical Garden's notes. Pollinators visit them.
Is Lemon Coral sedum toxic to cats and dogs?
We don't know for sure. It isn't on the ASPCA's lists and we haven't found a veterinary source. NC State Extension notes eating it in quantity can upset the stomach, so keep pets from chewing on it.
Sources
- Sedum mexicanum 'Lemon Coral' (NC State Extension Plant Toolbox)
- Sedum LEMON CORAL (Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden)
- Sedum mexicanum 'Lemon Coral', a synonym of Sedum 'Lemon Ball' (RHS)
- Sedum mexicanum (Plants of the World Online, Kew)
- Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, Cats (ASPCA)
- Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, Dogs (ASPCA)