Sedums that live for a long time have a lot to give! They are robust, sun-loving perennials, but that isn’t all they have to offer in the yard. These plants are succulents, which means they have water-retaining leaves and other plant structures. When the plants require water and cannot get it from another source, the stored water can be used. Once established, these plants are heat and drought resilient, as you might expect.
The size, leaves color, flower color, and morphology of sedum vary widely amongst species. Star-shaped blooms are frequently found in clusters or sprays. Flower color changes frequently during the season, adding to the visual appeal. There are tall plants with great blooms for cutting, as well as groundcover types that reduce weeds and even smaller varieties that thrive well in pots. Stonecrop is another name for sedums.
How to Grow Sedums
All of them grow in full sun and don’t require much attention. Plant in a well-draining garden area or planter that gets at least 6 hours of sun per day. Some types thrive in 4 hours of sunlight, while those with vibrant foliage may lose some of their color if not given enough. Root rot can develop if plant roots are kept too damp, therefore amend heavy soils to improve air flow and drainage. In the spring, remove any winter-damaged foliage.
Here are some of the varieties we currently carry (as of June 2020); inventory changes frequently, so contact to check availability. Continue reading to learn more about some of our favorite tough, sun-loving sedums!
This sedum’s deep plum foliage contrasts nicely with a lime green groundcover sedum like ‘Lemon Ball’ or ‘Angelina.’ The SunSparkler collection of sedums was chosen for its vibrant flower and foliage color. Late in the summer, ‘Plum Dazzled’ blooms with magenta pink flowers. Bees and butterflies are drawn to the blossoms. This plant is not liked by all wildlife; it is deer resistant!
‘Plum Dazzled’ (seen above) is an excellent filler plant for containers. Plant in a mass as a border plant or put one in here and there for a colorful accent in landscape plants.
This sedum stands out with lime green foliage with a crisp ruby red edge, and it’s also part of the SunSparkler line. ‘Lime Zinger’ is a low-growing groundcover that only grows to a height of 6 inches and a width of 18 inches. They do well in containers as well. Another excellent advantage is that they are bunny proof!
Hot pink flower clusters that attract butterflies appear in late summer and linger into early fall.
Although this sedum resembles ‘Plum Dazzled,’ there are a few variances.
‘Dazzleberry’ is a little shorter than its relative, growing to a mature height of 6-8 inches but the same width of 18 inches. The leaves are also a smoky blue-gray tint rather than plum. One of the most noticeable changes is that it blooms sooner and has huge raspberry-colored flower clusters. The clusters can grow up to 9 inches in diameter!
It’s rabbit resistant, as are many other sedums, and it’s disease resistant as well.
With a mature size of 4-6 inches tall and a width of 10-12 inches, this one is a little smaller than some others. Despite its small size, the brilliant chartreuse hue has a powerful visual impact. ‘Lemon Ball’ stands out in the garden, whether it’s a single plant or a large grouping. Its short height makes it ideal for contrasting with a larger perennial layer in a perennial border. It also thrives in containers, where it can be combined with other plants or used to fill a low bowl planter.
In the summer, yellow blossom clusters develop. In Central Arkansas, ‘Lemon Ball’ is deer resistant and has a winter presence. In warmer climates, it is considered an evergreen.
The small, burgundy, spherical leaves of this sedum (6-8 inches long and wide) have a mounding structure that falls gently over the sides of containers or stones.
This sedum has pink blooms in the late summer and early fall and grows quite densely.
What conditions do sedum like?
Sedums, often known as stone crop, are a large genus with over 400 species and a wide range of flowering colors and periods. Ruby Glow (above right) is a Sedum that blooms in late summer and early fall and produces gorgeous crimson flowers. Sedums come in a variety of sizes; some are small and perfect for a rock garden (middle image), while others, such as Ruby Glow and autumn flowering species, are roughly 25cm tall and ideal for the front of a mixed border.
Sedums are one of my favorite plants since they have so much going for them. Sedum look magnificent when they first emerge with robust green waxy foliage, when the buds first appear, and when they are fully in flower. I let the seed heads on over the winter since they look lovely in the fall and when frost falls on them. As soon as the flower heads form in the summer, they attract dozens of pollinators, bees, and butterflies, and they are easy to reproduce. Many photographs of Sedum may be found on this page, and they are one of my top 10 plants. They’re all simple to cultivate and don’t require much maintenance once established.
Sedums thrive in areas with plenty of sunlight and somewhat moist soil. Sedums may tolerate moderate shade but not complete shade. Sedum is a low-maintenance plant that requires only a spring trim to keep it looking well.
Can sedum tolerate heat?
There’s no reason why your garden can’t be as brilliant, vibrant, and lush in the summer as it is in the spring. In fact, as soon as the temperature starts to rise, you can add these magnificent, heat-loving plants to your beds, borders, and containers to keep your garden blooming all season. While most are perennials in warm areas, they can be planted as annuals in hotter climates to replace springtime species that suffer.
Lantana is a tropical plant that thrives in hot, humid environments and grows best in moist, well-draining soil (but can withstand drought conditions). It blooms year-round in dense clusters of red, orange, yellow, pink, or white in the sun, especially in the afternoon sun. Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds love the blossoms, so they’re perfect for putting around the edges of vegetable gardens. Place them near pollinator-dependent crops like squash and melons.
These tall, beautiful annuals with silky, daisy-like petals are native to Mexico and can withstand heat and drought, making them perfect for desert gardens or poor soil areas. In fact, too much soil will leave them weak-stemmed and floppy, so put them in beds that have been neglected for a long time if you want a lot of color with little to no maintenance.
Marigolds are on practically every list of perfect warm-weather flowers for a reason: they’re traditional (particularly as container plants and bedding plants), easy to cultivate, come in colorful tones of orange and yellow, and bloom in the summer and fall when many other plants are complaining about the heat. Plant them in full sun in well-draining soil and water them thoroughly at the root zone, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Geraniums have traditionally been known to survive heat better than most plant species, but the recent development of hybrid geraniums has resulted in variations that can withstand harsh climes such as Texas and Arizona, where summers can reach temperatures of over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. However, they require constant hydration to stay healthy and should be irrigated with a Thumb Control Watering Nozzle when the first 2 inches of soil are dry. They’ll be happier in the long run if they get some dappled afternoon shade during the summer.
Salvias (also known as sages) bloom for a long time, are deer-resistant, easy to grow, and maintain. Salvias, which are native to the Mediterranean, are heat-tolerant, love full sun, and grow with little summer irrigation, making them excellent for drought-tolerant gardens and landscapes. Salvias with the most spectacular blossoms have masses of gorgeous blue or purple flowers that bloom all summer and attract a variety of pollinators.
Sedums (stonecrops) are a type of succulent that requires very little care. Sedums live in less-than-ideal conditions by storing moisture in their thick, succulent leaves, which are resistant to drought, heat, humidity, and poor soil. These characteristics make them ideal for arid locations and rock gardens that seek a burst of color when the dense clusters of flowers bloom in the summer. Sedums don’t like damp feet, so make sure they’re in full sun and in well-draining soil.
About Sedum
Sedum, often known as “stonecrop,” comes in a wide variety of types and species, making it suited for use in practically any garden design. They’re hardy, easy to care for, and pollinators adore them!
Based on the growth characteristics of the plants, we split sedum into two categories: low-growing sedum and upright sedum.
- Sedum is a low-growing plant that spreads along the ground and grows to only a few inches (or less) in height. They’re ideal as a ground cover along walks, in rock gardens, or cascading down a stone wall because of this.
- Sedum that grows upright forms tall, upright clumps with a dense mass of tiny reddish-pink flowers. They’re ideal for border gardens or pollinator gardens because of their height and gorgeous blossoms. Although upright sedum was reclassified to a different genus, Hylotelephium, a few years ago, it is still referred to as a “sedum.”
Does sedum do well in pots?
The succulent plant Sedum (Stonecrop) is a flowering perennial. In gardens, creeping sedum is commonly employed as a ground cover, but clumping sedum grows taller. Stonecrop, which is normally grown in the ground, may also be grown in containers. Sedum plants are low-maintenance and can endure heat and drought. Its thick waxy leaves can hold water for a long time, making it ideal for container gardening. Sedum is an excellent potted plant for decks, patios, and rooftop garden areas since it thrives in full sun and well-drained, dry soil. Sedum has short roots. As long as the pot contains drainage holes, it can be grown in any size or shape. Smaller containers, such as our bowl planters, are ideal for succulents.
Where is the best place to plant sedum?
Sedum (also known as’stone crop flower’) thrives in full to part sun. While taller hybrids require full sun to flower well, creeping varieties can thrive in partial shade.
Sedums prefer a well-drained soil with a pH range of neutral to slightly alkaline. Root and stem rot can be caused by wet, heavy clay.
Tall growing sedums should be spaced 1 to 2 feet apart. Depending on the kind and how rapidly you want it to fill in an area, space low-growing, creeping sedums 6 to 12 inches apart.
Plant sedums when the risk of frost has passed in the spring. Planting transplants till late summer is possible in northern locations. Plant in the spring or fall in warmer climates.
How often do you water sedum?
Sedum thrive in well-drained soil and are drought tolerant. It’s best to give the plant a good drink and then let the soil dry up before watering again. Stonecrops thrive in broad sunlight and a dry climate. Water every 7-10 days throughout the hot summer months. In the fall and winter, water every two to three weeks.
The watering requirements of container sedums are determined by a number of factors. An outdoor container may not require any watering depending on rainfall, however an indoor container will require weekly watering. In comparison to a small or shallow container, a large container will hold more moisture and require less watering. Give the sedum a long sip until the drainage pores are completely dry. Allow the soil to dry completely before watering again. Once a week, examine the soil is a reasonable rule of thumb.
What grows well in full sun?
Flowers that thrive in direct sunlight are often found in sunny borders. When choosing plants for full-sun regions, it’s best to stay with native plantings whenever possible. These plants are well-suited to your specific location and environment, ensuring their success. Plants with similar growing characteristics, such as soil type, light, and water requirements, can also be chosen based on your site.
What plants grow well in pots in full sun?
The Best Flowers for Full-Sun Pots
- Euphorbia with a Diamond Frost. You’re planting one of the most award-winning plants ever cultivated when you plant Diamond Frost euphorbia.
Can succulents take full sun?
Succulents require approximately six hours of direct sunlight per day, depending on the species of succulent. Because newly planted succulents can scorch in direct sunlight, you may need to gradually expose them to full sun or shade them with a transparent curtain.
Can sedum tolerate shade?
HARDINESS: Sedum is a genus of succulent annuals, perennials, biennials, subshrubs, and shrubs native to the Northern Hemisphere, with over 400 species. Many cultivars of sedum are creeping ground coverings. Each USDA Hardiness Zone has at least one species that is hardy. The majority of them are hardy in Zones 4 to 9.
APPEARANCE: Succulent leaves in a variety of colors, from green to bluegray to reddish bronze, are capped with five-petaled yellow, white, or pink flowers. In the winter, evergreen plants’ leaves change colors of crimson and russet.
PROPAGATION: Seeds can be planted in the spring or fall, while divisions or cuttings can be used from spring to mid-summer.
Plant in rock gardens, walls, route niches, and containers; as a border edging; or in sweeping sweeping sweeping sweeping sweeping sweeping sweeping sweeping sweeping sweeping sweeping sweeping sweeping sweeping sweeping sweeping sweeping sweeping sweeping sweeping sweeping sweeping sweeping
The majority of creeping sedums like full sun, but they will tolerate moderate shade. They prefer poor to medium well-draining garden soil and do not require supplementary irrigation once established. They will not be able to survive in standing water for long periods of time.