Orpine

Orpine (*Hylotelephium telephium*) is a clump-forming, succulent perennial with upright stems and fleshy leaves. Dense clusters of small, star-shaped pink to purplish-red flowers appear from mid-summer to early fall. The stems and leaves remain erect through winter, adding structure after flowering. ## Garden Use Grow it as a specimen, in a border or meadow, or in a container. It suits butterfly, pollinator, cottage, cutting, drought-tolerant, and rock gardens, and its flower clusters attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. ## Growing Conditions Give it full sun and well-drained, medium-to-dry soil. NC State recommends sandy or shallow-rocky soil with neutral to alkaline pH, while the RHS also lists chalk and loam. The NC State Plant Toolbox describes mature plants about 2–2.5 feet tall and 1.5–2 feet wide, hardy in USDA Zones 3–9. ## Maintenance This low-maintenance perennial forms water-storing taproots that help it through dry spells. Divide it in spring or propagate by stem cuttings in summer. See the [NC State Plant Toolbox](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/hylotelephium-telephium/common-name/live-forever/), [RHS profile](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/159312/hylotelephium-telephium/details), and [Kew Plants of the World Online](https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/274226-1) for more information.