Showy stonecrop (Hylotelephium spectabile 'Meteor')

Overview

Hylotelephium spectabile ‘Meteor’ is a highly valued herbaceous perennial prized for its robust, late-season color. This cultivar of Showy stonecrop produces striking masses of deep rose flowers just as many summer blooms fade. It is recognized for its succulent foliage and upright, sturdy habit, making it an excellent structural element in the perennial border late into the autumn months.

As an easy-to-grow variety, Hylotelephium spectabile ‘Meteor’ thrives in challenging conditions where other plants might struggle. It handles dry spells exceptionally well once established, making it a staple for low-water gardening schemes. The flower heads of the Showy stonecrop offer vital late-season nectar for pollinators before the foliage turns attractive burgundy brown shades for winter interest.

Gardeners appreciate the minimal effort required to maintain this resilient plant. Its performance in standard, well-drained conditions ensures reliable beauty across Zones 3 through 9. The structural integrity of the stems means staking is rarely necessary, providing neat texture from summer until frost.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Crassulaceae
• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 3-9
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 1-1.5 ft
  • Spread: 1-1.5 ft
• Bloom Time: August to October
• Bloom Description: Deep rose
• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Water Needs: Dry to medium
• Maintenance Level: Low

How to Grow

Planting Hylotelephium spectabile ‘Meteor’ is best achieved in spring or early autumn after the threat of hard frost has passed. This cultivar demands full sun for the most compact, upright growth, though it tolerates light afternoon shade in very hot climates. The key to success lies in soil preparation: ensure the site offers excellent drainage, as this plant absolutely requires it to prevent stem rot over winter. It thrives in average soil but does particularly well in lean, sandy, or gravelly media.

Care routines are typically minimal once established. Water sparingly; allow the soil to dry out thoroughly between irrigation, reflecting its drought-tolerant nature. Avoid rich soils and excessive feeding, as this encourages weak, floppy stems uncharacteristic of the vigorous Hylotelephium spectabile ‘Meteor’. No routine fertilization is usually necessary.

Maintenance mainly involves cutting back the faded flower heads and stems in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. The dried structure often persists beautifully through winter. Propagation is straightforward; divide established clumps in the spring, or take stem cuttings in summer for rapid multiplication. Even detached leaves can often be lightly pressed into soil to form new plants.

Landscape Uses

The structural form and late-season bloom of Hylotelephium spectabile ‘Meteor’ make it incredibly versatile. It is ideally suited for the front or middle of perennial borders, providing solid texture where summer flowers are waning. Its upright habit also makes it perfect for large rock gardens or along raised beds where soil is naturally drier and shallower.

For a more formal appearance, plant in uniform groups or specimens to showcase the consistent deep rose flower heads. Because it performs well in containers, the Showy stonecrop can add reliable, sturdy color to patio plantings, often paired with trailing annuals or contrasting textures like ornamental grasses. Its tolerance for dry soil makes it a reliable choice for sustainability-focused landscapes.

Consider pairing Hylotelephium spectabile ‘Meteor’ with late-blooming ornamental grasses, which complement its evolving flower color through the autumn. Its robust nature also means it holds up well when used near pathways or less-visited borders where access for intensive care is limited.

Standout Features

Flower Qualities

• Showy

Noteworthy Characteristics

Hylotelephium spectabile, commonly known as hylotelephium, showy stonecrop, live-forever, ice plant or orpine, is a succulent herbaceous perennial which typically grows in an upright to semi-upright mound on unbranched stems typically rising to 18-24” tall. It features (a) fleshy, flat, coarsely-toothed, elliptic, opposite (sometimes in whorls of 3-4), dull green to blue-green leaves (to 3” long), (b) fleshy stems and (c) tiny, star-like, pink flowers (to 1/2” across) which bloom from late summer to frost (August-October) in dense rounded flower heads (corymbose cymes to 3-4” across). ‘Meteor’ features masses of tiny, star-like, deep rose flowers in large, 3-6” across, flattened heads (cymes) atop stems of pale grayish-green, fleshy, succulent-like leaves growing in upright to slightly spreading clumps typically to 18” tall.

Tolerances

• Drought
• Clay Soil
• Dry Soil
• Shallow-Rocky Soil

Potential Problems

Hylotelephium spectabile ‘Meteor’ generally avoids serious insect or disease complications, reinforcing its low-maintenance reputation. However, under very damp or overly rich conditions, vigilance against slugs and snails is necessary, as they may chew on the succulent foliage. Occasionally, soft-bodied pests such as scale, mealybugs, aphids, and even weevils might appear.

Preventative cultural care is the best defense. Ensuring the plant receives sufficient sun and, critically, excellent soil drainage minimizes stress, making the plant less susceptible to pest pressures. Hand-picking visible pests or using horticultural oils can manage minor outbreaks quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Showy stonecrop suitable for?

Hylotelephium spectabile ‘Meteor’ is reliably hardy in USDA Zones 3 through 9, offering wide adaptability across many regions.

How large does Hylotelephium spectabile ‘Meteor’ grow?

This cultivar typically achieves a height between 1 and 1.5 feet tall with a spread of 1 to 1.5 feet wide, forming an upright clump.

What exactly is the bloom of Hylotelephium spectabile ‘Meteor’?

The flowers bloom from August to October, offering masses of tiny, star-like blooms described as deep rose, which mature to a burgundy brown.

What sun exposure does Showy stonecrop need?

For the best performance, Hylotelephium spectabile ‘Meteor’ thrives best when situated in full sun conditions throughout the day.

Conclusion

The reliability, dramatic late-season color, and drought tolerance cement Hylotelephium spectabile ‘Meteor’ as an essential backbone plant for late-summer and autumn interest. This vibrant Showy stonecrop requires minimal input, rewarding gardeners with strong structure and brilliant deep rose blooms. Always confirm your USDA hardiness zone compatibility and ensure your planting site has sharp drainage for long-term success.

Companion Planting

Choosing suitable companion plants is simple for Hylotelephium spectabile ‘Meteor’ due to its rugged nature. Because this stonecrop prefers somewhat drier, less fertile soil, pair it with other drought-tolerant perennials that share a love for high light and well-drained conditions. Good companions include ornamental grasses like Panicum virgatum cultivars, which provide contrasting vertical texture as the stonecrop blooms.

Plants such as Sedum rupestre varieties, Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia), and various low-maintenance coneflowers (Echinacea) work well alongside the Showy stonecrop. These selections won’t require rich compost or heavy watering, ensuring all neighbors benefit from similar cultural care routines, keeping your border uniformly successful through dry spells.

Propagation Tips

Hylotelephium spectabile ‘Meteor’ is exceptionally easy to reproduce, making it great for sharing with fellow gardeners. The primary methods involve stem cuttings or crown division. Stem cuttings, taken during the summer months when the plant is actively growing, root readily in light, moist soil or even water.

For larger numbers, crown division is ideal and should be performed in early spring before new shoots become extensive. Simply lift the clump and gently separate existing root sections, ensuring each new division has several healthy stems attached. Furthermore, as noted in its characteristics, this incredible plant can often regenerate from individual detached leaves placed on soil.