The Summer Surprise orpine (Sedum telephium) is, as its variety name suggests, a true surprise. This easy-to-grow and reliably flowering perennial owes its decorative assets not only to flowers and leaves, but to contrastingly coloured shoots too. The 50 to 60 centimetres tall, dense, bushy Summer Surprise orpine has shoots that take on a bright carmine-red colour that might bring rhubarb stalks to mind. Green, fleshy, ovate leaves grow along the entire length of the stems. Presented plant blooms abundantly in the second half of summer and in autumn. Its creamy-white, broad flower umbels not only look great, but also provide food for butterflies, bees, and other useful insects.

The unique appearance of the variety that we offer here, in our garden store, is paired with its durability and easy cultivation. Orpines adapt well to various environments. They are hardy, drought-resistant, and seldom fall to diseases. This orpine, or livelong, as it is also called, should feel at home in every sufficiently permeable garden soil, including the lime and dry types. Choose between sunny sites and partial shade. The tall Summer Surprise orpine with its white flowers and red shoots constitutes a wonderful decoration of a rock garden, border, and naturally arranged place of relaxation. Offered variety looks good in company of ornamental grasses, low evergreen shrubs, and late summer perennials, such as dahlia and eastern purple coneflower.

One package contains 1 first choice seedling. Essential growing instructions have been printed on each package.

• Variety: Summer Surprise
• Use: ornamental - garden; melliferous
• Growth form: dense, bushy
• Flower colour: creamy-white
• Vegetation form: perennial
• Foliage: green, fleshy, ovate on crimson stems
• Flower type: small, gathered in umbels
• Site: sunny or partial shade; lime, permeable soil
• Bulbs: 1
• Height: 50 to 60 cm
• Flowering period: August to October
• Wintering in the ground: yes