Burro's Tail
By Alissa Bright UCCE Master Gardener
Burro's Tail/Donkey's Tail
Sedum Morganianum
Planting Area: USDA zones 9-11
Size: Tails can grow to 18”- 24”long
Bloom Season: Perennial
Exposure: Bright, indirect sun
Pruning needs: None
Water Needs: Burro's tail is more high maintenance than it's succulent sisters. To keep the leaves moist & plump, thoroughly soak the soil (at least 1”deep around the plant) and wait to until the topsoil dries out (roughly every 9-14 days) before watering again. Do not overwater.
Snapshot: Savvy ornamental gardeners know the ideal recipe for a decorative potted plant contains three ingredients: a “thriller”(a vertical reaching plant), “filler”(mid-size plants to fill the space), and a “spiller”(a cascading plant that tumbles over the edge of the container). Burro's tail makes a gorgeous “spiller”for container gardens with other low-water plants, and is especially attractive in hanging baskets.
Heavy, water-filled leaves reach toward the ground in long, trailing tails. Be careful not to bump these sea foam green tails, as the leaves'hold on the stem is fragile and prone to breaking off. When they do break away, they can be propagated into new plants by allowing the leaves or stem to dry and callus over for about two weeks. Then, set the leaves on or pin the stems into well-drained, moist soil.