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 red creeping sedum spread?
Sedums are excellent for erosion management in addition to covering stonewalls and pathways. Choose a fast-growing sedum that will cover a slope quickly. During the growth season, the roots hold the soil in place and give a welcome mat of red-tinted foliage. The majority of red sedums bloom in early June and give a carpet of flowers until the first frost.
Are sedum plants invasive?
While creeping sedums are known for their dependability and lack of fussiness, I’m also drawn to them because of their succulent leaves, long flowering cycles, and, in certain cases, year-round interest in the garden. Sedum blooms are normally small, starlike clusters, no more than an inch in diameter and 4 inches or 5 inches in height, with a preference for whites, yellows, purples, and pinks. When mass-planted, the carpets of blossoms they generate are breathtaking. Many evergreen sedums, such as Sedum album ‘Murale’ and Sedum stenopetalum, turn a rich crimson or bronze color in the fall and winter, lasting until early spring, offering stunning contrasts to an otherwise inert landscape. They look especially nice against a snowy backdrop.
Sedums are one of the most simple plants to grow from seed, cuttings, or divisions. Because sedums don’t usually come true from seed, stem cuttings or divisions will ensure that the attributes of a plant you like are preserved. Sedums are not invasive, despite their fast expansion. They are easily lifted and transported due to their shallow roots. They’ll also overwinter in most pots if there’s enough drainage, and come out of dormancy in early to midspring.
I complained as a kid on my family’s farm in northeastern Maryland, removing rocks from my father’s farmed fields. Decades later, in a fitting irony, I’m still scouring those same fields for fascinating stones to use as backdrops and emphasis points for my ever-growing sedum collection.
How fast does creeping sedum 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.
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 tall does red creeping sedum get?
Sedum spurium (creeping sedum) takes the phrase “thrives on neglect” to its horticultural extreme. The red-leaved creeping sedum cultivars ‘Red Carpet’ and ‘Dragon’s Blood’ thrive in climates ranging from USDA plant hardiness zones 3 to 8. The succulent groundcovers, which grow four to six inches tall and spread one to two feet wide, change color from greenish- or bronze-red in the summer to crimson or rich burgundy in the fall. ‘Dragon’s Blood’ plants are crowned with delicate, star-shaped mauve flowers throughout the summer. The deep-red blossoms of ‘Red Carpet’ are less reliable, but equally beautiful. Even inexperienced gardeners may grow these drought-, pollution-, and salt-tolerant plants effectively with minimal effort.
How fast does red sedum grow?
Simply snip a 3- to 4-inch tip from the stem and plant it in wet potting soil. Place the cutting in a cool, shady spot with indirect sunlight, and keep the soil moist. In about three weeks, the cuttings should root and be ready to plant outdoors.
How deep do you plant creeping red sedum?
- Sedum is commonly purchased in the form of plugs or pots, which are then transplanted into the garden. Sedum is best planted in the spring, after the fear of frost has passed but before the summer heat sets in.
- Sedum seeds should be planted in well-drained, average to rich soil in the early spring. (Learn more about soil amendments and planting preparation.)
Choosing and Preparing a Planting Site
- Although certain low-growing and robust sedums may survive partial shade, most sedums thrive in full sun.
- If you’re planting sedum in a location with long, cold winters (Zone 5 or colder), place it in full sun to help it overwinter.
- Sedum thrives on poor, sandy soils with good drainage. If cultivated in soil that retains too much moisture, it is prone to root rot.
- Excessively rich soil encourages lanky growth, which can cause upright sedum species to bloom top heavy.
- The succulent foliage of Sedum makes it a tempting snack for deer, chipmunks, and other garden visitors.
How to Plant Sedum
- Depending on the cultivar, space plants between 6 inches and 2 feet apart. Low-growing sedums will quickly fill in any gaps, whilst upright sedums will remain more compact.
- Planting whole plants or divisions: Dig a hole deep enough for the root ball to be level with the soil surface, then set the plant in the hole and fill in around it. It’s especially important not to bury the stems of upright sedum, as this might cause rot.
- Cuttings: Sedum, like other succulents, can easily be grown by cuttings. Simply place the cut end of the cutting into the soil, and under correct lighting and watering conditions, the cutting should root easily.
Will sedum choke out other plants?
The vivid red tones of this ground cover plant darken as the summer and fall progress. Its thick foliage chokes out weeds and spreads swiftly. Because it can grow up to six inches tall, this ground cover choice may need to be clipped to a desired height.
Outside of Pride, Dragon’s Blood Sedum Seeds will undoubtedly succeed. This packet contains 5,000 seeds, which should be enough to cover most lawns because this plant grows quickly.