Jelly bean plant (pork and beans) Sedum rubrotinctum
Jelly bean plant (pork and beans) (Sedum rubrotinctum) is an evergreen perennial groundcover in the Crassulaceae family, native to Mexico (known mostly from cultivation). It grows 10–20 cm (4–8 in) tall and 20–40 cm (8–16 in) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -3 °C (27 °F). Space plants about 20 cm (8 in) apart.
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Jelly bean plant (pork and beans) at a glance
| Type | Perennial groundcover, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Crassulaceae |
| Mature height | 10–20 cm (4–8 in) |
| Mature spread | 20–40 cm (8–16 in) |
| Spacing | 20 cm (8 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About -3 °C (27 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 9) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 40 °C (104 °F) |
| Flowering | about 52–104 weeks after planting, for 3–4 weeks |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Mexico (known mostly from cultivation) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇲🇽 Mexico, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇦🇺 Australia, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇯🇵 Japan |
Is Jelly bean plant (pork and beans) toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
- Parts: sap
The sap may irritate sensitive skin; there are no reliable reports of poisoning.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Jelly bean plant (pork and beans)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Jelly bean plant (pork and beans)
- How far apart should I plant Jelly bean plant (pork and beans)?
- About 20 cm (8 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 20–40 cm (8–16 in).
- Does Jelly bean plant (pork and beans) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Jelly bean plant (pork and beans) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Jelly bean plant (pork and beans)?
- It tolerates about -3 °C (27 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 9.
- When does Jelly bean plant (pork and beans) flower?
- About 52–104 weeks after planting, for 3–4 weeks.
- Is Jelly bean plant (pork and beans) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people mildly toxic. The sap may irritate sensitive skin; there are no reliable reports of poisoning.
- What grows well with Jelly bean plant (pork and beans)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Jelly bean plant (pork and beans). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- LLIFLE Encyclopedia of Cacti and Succulents, LLIFLE (Living Encyclopedia), Italy
Notes and assumptions
- A plant of dry, sunny places: grow it in gritty, free-draining soil and water deeply but rarely; cold and wet together kill it faster than frost or drought.
- Short stems crowded with glossy, bean-shaped leaves that turn from green to bright red in strong sun and cold. Bits that break off root anywhere, so it fills gaps in rockeries and pots.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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