Sedum telephium ssp. maximum 

'Orpine'

Crassulaceae: an upright, herbaceous perennial to 60cm, with reddish-purple stems. Found in hedge banks and the shady sides of damp woods. The flowers are in flattened clusters of greenish-white flowers, blooming from July-August. The leaves are fleshy, oblong to ovate, mid- to grey-green leaves with reddish-purple midribs. Native to Europe.

USES:

The leaves can be eaten raw or cooked, they have occasionally been used in salads. The root – cooked can also be used in soups, and stews.

the whole plant has astringent and cytostatic properties. It is a popular remedy for diarrhoea, stimulates the kidneys and has a reputation in the treatment of cancer. A poultice of the crushed leaves has been used in the treatment of boils and carbuncles.

GROWING INFORMATION:

Seed is best sown in the autumn, but the seed can be stratified and sown in spring but will then be slow to germinate. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a cold frame for their first winter.

Surface sow in well-drained soil in a sunny position in a greenhouse. Do not allow the soil to dry out. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle. If sufficient growth is made, it is possible to plant them out during the summer, otherwise keep them in a cold-frame or greenhouse for their first winter and plant them out in early summer of the following year. Succeeds in most soils but prefers a fertile well-drained soil that is not too dry, and tolerant of quite deep shade. Good bee plant. Watch for vine weevil.

HARVESTED: 2021

 
APPROX. 200 SEEDS