Source: Wikimedia Commons
October daphne
BeginnerHylotelephium sieboldii
A Japanese succulent with round, grey-blue, red-edged leaves in whorls of three and clusters of pink flowers in autumn. A classic garden plant also called 'Tama-no-o'.
About
Hylotelephium sieboldii (sometimes placed in Sedum) is a succulent perennial in the Crassulaceae native to Japan. It is a classic garden plant, also called 'Tama-no-o', and its Japanese name is said to come from an old word meaning 'I want to show'. Escaped plants have naturalised in many places, but the only populations thought to be wild are at Kankakei on Shodoshima (Kagawa) and a recently found site in Nara, and Japan's Ministry of the Environment Red List classes it as Endangered (EN). Stems arch from a rhizome and then hang down, usually 20 cm long and over 30 cm in cultivation. The round, stalkless leaves, 1-1.5 cm long, are borne in whorls of three, whitish green with deep red margins. In October-November dense clusters of pale pink five-petalled flowers about 1 cm across open at the stem tips; in late autumn the whole plant turns red, then dies back to winter buds at the base. It is tough, tolerating heat and cold, and suits hanging pots where the stems can trail. A cultivar with centrally variegated leaves is also known. In Japan it is widely sold by alpine-plant nurseries and garden centres.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Size of the October daphne
The October daphne grows to Stems 20-30 cm long; leaves 1-1.5 cm.
Basic Info
Origin
Japan (Shodoshima, Kagawa, and elsewhere)
Lifespan
Perennial (dies back to winter buds at the base)
Size
Stems 20-30 cm long; leaves 1-1.5 cm
Temperature
5〜35℃
Humidity
30〜50%
Watering & Fertilizer
A little slow-release fertiliser at planting; for pots, liquid feed about twice a month in spring and autumn
Growing Tips
Light & Placement
It likes sun and good airflow all year and grows outdoors through hot summers and cold winters without trouble. The stems trail, so tall pots or hanging baskets show it off well.
Watering
Water pots regularly so they do not dry out, but as it is also drought-tolerant, hold back in rainy periods.
Temperature & Overwintering
It is hardy to both heat and cold. In winter the top growth dies back to buds at the base; tidy the dead stems and wait for spring growth.
Soil & Repotting
Use an alpine-plant mix or roughly 6:3:1 small Kanuma soil, akadama and pumice. Roots grow quickly, so repot every two years from late March to late April.
Propagation
Propagate by division at repotting, stem cuttings with about three nodes (early May to early June), or seed; seedlings reach flowering size in about two years.
Pests & Cautions
Aphids appear from bud break, and slugs and caterpillars eat the leaves. Remove debris left by millipedes and pillbugs, which harbours germs. In humid conditions soft rot can attack the base, so pick off dead lower leaves promptly.
October daphne FAQ
QWhat is the growing difficulty level for October daphne?
Beginner. A variety suitable for beginners. No special equipment or experience is required—you can grow it without problems by setting up a basic cultivation environment.
QHow large does October daphne get?
The mature size of October daphne is Stems 20-30 cm long; leaves 1-1.5 cm. This may vary slightly depending on cultivation environment and individual differences.
QHow should I water and fertilize October daphne?
October daphne: watering & fertilizer — A little slow-release fertiliser at planting; for pots, liquid feed about twice a month in spring and autumn. Aim for appropriate frequency and amount.
QWhat is the typical price for October daphne?
The price of October daphne varies significantly by variety, characteristics, size, and lineage. Please check GrowerDirect's price guide for the latest market information.
Last updated: September 23, 2026
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: GrowerDirect Editorial Team
The classifications, regulations, and growing data on this page are created and verified based on the primary information database below.
Taxonomy & Authority
Accepted name: Hylotelephium sieboldii (Regel) H.Ohba
Synonyms: Sedum sieboldii Sweet ex Hook., Sedum sieboldii Regel
Authority databases: GBIF · GBIF: Hylotelephium sieboldii
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Regulations & Conservation Status
Not listed in CITES (checked on Species+). It is classed as Endangered on the Ministry of the Environment Red List, but no law restricts transfers; plants in the trade are cultivated stock.
Sources: Species+ (CITES): Hylotelephium sieboldii / Wikipedia (Japanese): Hylotelephium sieboldii (conservation status)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Related Species
Find listings for this species
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