Many gardeners recognize upright sedum species, such as Sedum ‘Autumn Joy,’ as good plants for color in late summer and early autumn’s hot, dry days. Several low-growing sedum types, on the other hand, operate well as ground cover plants in hot, arid climates where other plants struggle to survive.
The Sedum genus contains 400500 species known as sedums, or stonecrops, many of which have been widely embraced as garden plants. It belongs to the Crassulaceae family, which is noted for plants with mushy, succulent leaves. Stonecrop gets its name from the fact that these plants not only withstand but thrive in dry, rocky soil. Sedums can grow to be 2 inches tall or 3 feet tall. Some species can withstand temperatures as low as USDA hardiness zone 3, while others are best suited to warmer regions. Sedums come in both annual and perennial varieties, but they’re always fleshy succulents. Sedums store moisture in their leaves, which is why they thrive in arid environments. Despite the fact that all sedums flower, they’re most commonly planted for their foliage, which comes in unique colors of green not found in other plants.
All sedums are incredibly easy to grow and propagate, and the only way to kill them is to overwater them or plant them in excessively moist soil. A single branch or even a leaf stuck in the ground will swiftly root and grow into a new plant in upright kinds. Low-growing sedums spread quickly but aren’t invasive, and their shallow root systems make them easy to remove, making them great ground cover plants.
For your ground cover needs, here are ten sedum, or stonecrop, varieties to consider.
Does sedum spread quickly?
A creeping sedum might be the plant for you if you’re seeking for a lovely plant that thrives in almost complete neglect. Sedums strut their stuff in places where few other plants would dare. They thrive in crevices in a garden wall or pathway, on roofs or the tops of gently sloped birdhouses, and even under big trees where their massive roots capture the majority of the soil’s moisture. They work well in rock gardens, borders, and containers as well.
Many gardeners have begun to look more closely at species of the genus Sedum as seasonal and long-term droughts become more common across the United States. Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’ is well-known for its late russet blooms, but its ground-hugging relatives are gaining popularity as well.
Stonecrops, sometimes known as creeping sedums, provide a constant source of interest in my garden. They’re some of the most adaptable, drought-tolerant, and simple-to-grow perennials I’ve ever grown in my decades as a gardener. Sedums really reduce the amount of work a gardener has to do as they grow in size. Low growers are known for their ability to spread quickly, preventing weeds from gaining root. Although it is not required to deadhead spent blooms because they will fade away on their own, aged blossoms can be easily removed with a string trimmer. They are rarely afflicted by illnesses or pests as long as they are not over-watered.
While sedums may thrive in even the poorest soilin fact, low or little soil is their preferred mediumgood drainage is essential for their growth. Too much wetness, especially standing water, will destroy a sedum faster than any drought can.
Sedums, once established, require almost no further water to thrive, even in the driest conditions. Sedums are a great choice for gardens in hot, arid areas like the western United States, but they can grow almost anyplace with sufficient drainage. They can be found sticking up from boulders or sprouting from just a few inches of scree in frigid, alpine regions. Almost every USDA Hardiness Zone has at least one Sedum species. Although most creeping sedums prefer full sun, they can also thrive in moderate shade. Sedum ternatum, a North American native, is a sedum that prefers a little more moisture and shade than its relatives.
How long does it take for sedum to spread?
Succulents grow at varied speeds depending on the variety. Climate, soil type, watering, and fertilizing all influence the size and rate of growth of a plant. In a pot, slow types will stay small, whereas fast ground cover varieties, such as Sedum, can spread up to 1″ each month during the growth season.
Does sedum multiply?
Sedums are easy to grow, and once established, they will gradually cover rock walls and creep over rock gardens on their own. Seeds and new clones at the base of mature plants are used to proliferate the plants. Sedums can be propagated in three ways: from seed, leaf cuttings, and stem cuttings. Cutting-grown sedums bloom in their first or second year, while seed-grown sedums bloom in their third year.
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.”
How do you plant ground cover for 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 do you spread sedum?
The propagation of creeping sedums is stupidly simple. Pull up or cut some of the stems and place them on top of potting soil or stick them into the soil shallowly. Large clumps of tall sedums can be grown by stem cuttings or division. Sedum stem cuttings should be 3 to 5 inches long, with the lowest inch or so removed of leaves before being stuck.
Our favorite sedums:
Among the tall sedums, ‘Dynomite’ is a favorite because of its great bloom color and purple foliage. Russet blooms and variegated foliage characterize ‘Frosted Fire.’ The blue foliage of S. bithynicum is one of our favorite creeping sedums. The leaves of S. tetractinum are a lovely green color that turns scarlet in the winter. Sedum spurium is a pretty little plant with tiny leaves. Try Sedum mexicanum, especially its brilliant yellow-leaved cultivar ‘Lemon Ball’, if you want incredibly little.
Is sedum ground cover a perennial?
Stonecrop (Sedum spp.) is a tough, drought-tolerant perennial plant that is commonly used in xeriscaping, rock gardens, and containers.
From the ubiquitous two-foot tall long-blooming Autum Joy to the beautiful groundcover stonecrops like ‘Dazzleberry,’ stonecrop comes in a variety of varieties.
These succulent perennials need little water and thrive in poor soil, making them ideal for sun-baked containers or the dreaded ‘hellstrip.’
- Autumn Joy, a taller sedum that blooms from August to November with pink flowerheads that mature to a coppery color that blends well with Autumn hues, looks stunning in a bed or border.
- The blooms attract butterflies and bees, and if left uncut, they provide food for birds throughout the winter.
- Angelina, Fuldaglut, and Dragon’s Blood are low-growing sedums that fill in gaps in a rock garden or gracefully pour over a stone wall.
Sedum
There are roughly 400 species of leafy succulents in the Stonecrop genus, which includes this perennial. Water-storing leaves and five-petaled blooms characterize these plants. The color of the foliage is varied, and the flower designs are intriguing. They are drought tolerant and resilient.
Low-growing species are excellent for rock gardens and green roofs, and they thrive as groundcover for difficult places, with colorful fleshy foliage and vibrant blooms in whites, yellows, pinks, and reds.
Sedum uprights look great with ornamental grasses, Rudbeckia, and Echinacea, while groundcover species look great in rock gardens, along stone walls, and between patio pavers.
Low Growing
With golden blossom and bright gold/yellow/peach needle-like leaves. In better light, the color of the foliage stands out more. 3-6
Drought-tolerant ground cover with narrow blue foliage that resembles spruce needles and yellow flowers that grow to be 3-5″ tall and 15-18″ wide.
4″ height24″ spread, purplish red fleshy foliage with red blossom, evergreen, full sun
Full sun, 4-6″ height spread indefinitely, hardy alpine, deep pink flowers over somewhat bronzed summer foliage
Evergreen, little scalloped leaves with pink blooms, full or partial sun. 6-9″ spread 2″ height
In the summer, the pinkish gray/green foliage becomes a reddish brown color. Pink blooms bloom from September 10 to 12″
Upright Sedem
‘Autumn Joy’ has richer, longer-lasting blossoms and tougher, sturdier branches than the popular ‘Autumn Joy.’ For arrangements, both fresh and dried flowers are suitable.
Large green blossom turns pink in the summer and bronze in the fall, with fleshy medium green leaves that measures 24″ to 35″ tall.
From late summer to fall, this plant has a compact habit and huge clusters of vivid magenta pink flowers held on reddish stalks.
Over gray/green leaves with a pink edging, gleaming scarlet stems with delicate pink blooms 30-36
What plants go well with sedum?
Sedum’s Companion Plants
- Chrysanthemums and asters Hardy perennials like asters and chrysanthemums bloom in the fall.
- Fescue in the color of blue. Autumn Joy’s gentle green stems and leaves contrast wonderfully with blue fescue’s spiky, blue-gray foliage.
Can sedums be divided?
You should know how to divide sedum so you can spread more of these attractive plants, whether you have little spreading rosettes or towering Autumn Joy stonecrop. Sedums thrive in hot, dry climates and bring lively color and quirky form to difficult-to-plant regions. Sedum separation is a simple project that will quickly increase the number of easy-to-grow plants. New divisions form quickly and require little more attention.
Late fall to early spring is the best time to divide perennial perennials. When you know when to divide sedum, you can ensure that it recovers quickly and roots well. Because many sedum plants die back in colder climates, determining where the plant is until new growth appears in early spring can be difficult. It is best to separate the plants at this time.
Plant division can increase blooms and improve plant health. Every three to four years, sedum should be divided. Some growers advise dividing the plant after it has blossomed and while it is still developing. Although recovery will be longer, these resilient small succulents should be able to bounce back rather quickly.
When can you transplant sedums?
In cooler climes, early spring, after the last frost of the season, is the best time to transplant sedum, as they die back during the winter. This makes it difficult to pinpoint the plant’s position before fresh growth emerges in the spring.