Sedum (Stonecrop) is a succulent plant that is easy to grow. Sedums bloom from July to late fall and thrive in zones 4-9. Some gardeners even leave the blooms in place during the winter to keep the plant looking good for longer. Sedums thrive under less-than-ideal environments. For a healthy blooming sedum, full sun and dry soil are essential. The stonecrop may not blossom as well if there is too much water or shade. If your sedum isn’t blooming, the first place to look for problems is the sun and soil conditions.
How often does sedum flower?
Members of the Sedum species, also known as stonecrops, are succulents, unlike most other perennials. These plants can tolerate dry temperatures and drought thanks to their rubbery leaves that absorb water. The sedum family comes in a wide range of sizes and habits. Some cultivars, for example, “Dragon’s Blood” slither along the ground, content to scramble over walls or weave their way through a rock garden. Others, for example, the well-known “Autumn Joy” grows erect to a height of 2 feet. Sedums bloom anywhere from early summer to late October, depending on the type. When the correct conditions are supplied, all sedums are reliable bloomers. Horticultural zones 4 through 9 of the United States Department of Agriculture are ideal for sedums.
Do sedums like sun or shade?
Sedum don’t need much water, and if they get at least 6 hours of sunlight per day, they’ll produce their greatest colors. In thick, mucky, or high clay soils, they will not thrive. If you have some high spots and some low locations in your yard, the higher spots that drain well after a heavy rain will be preferable for sedum, while low spots tend to collect water.
Some succulents thrive inside, but sedum isn’t one of them. They simply require an excessive amount of direct sunshine.
Sedum Care
Sedum plants, also known as Stonecrop, grow best in full sun with little to no water and, most importantly, well-drained soil. For the flower bed and border, there are larger types that grow to be over two feet tall and wide. There are certain old standbys in the cottage garden, such as “It’s Autumn Joy.” Ground cover types in vibrant greens, grays, and reds that may spread swiftly and flower in early summer, such as “Angelina Jolie”. And everything in the middle! They thrive in practically any garden and make excellent container plants. Sedum plants feature succulent leaves that range in size from small needles to larger and fleshier leaves, and are available in a variety of colors and patterns, including gray, green, purple, blue, and even variegated! Butterflies and bees are attracted to them. And, best of all, they are perennials, meaning they will return year after year.
- Always, always, always, always, always, always, always, always, always, always, always, always, always, always, always, always If you’re going to plant them in containers, add some shredded bark or sand to the soil mix to make it more porous. If your garden soil is heavy, fix it or plant them in raised beds and containers.
- Choose containers that complement the look and feel of the plants. To fit the contemporary vibe these plants give off, think concrete, stone, or simple round bowls if you want to go for a succulent garden aesthetic. But don’t let that stop you from utilizing them in any style of garden; it’s a terrific way to freshen things up!
- Although they can survive without water for long periods of time, I find that if they are in well-drained soil, they look best when watered on a regular basis and let to slightly dry out in between.
- They don’t require a lot of fertilizer or a lot of soil. In fact, if you fertilize your plants too much, they will become floppy, with a lot of stem but few leaves and blooms.
- They can tolerate a little midday shadow, but the taller kinds will flip over if they don’t get enough sun.
- Pinch off the tops of the main stems of taller kinds in the spring, when the plant is around six inches tall. This will drive the plant to grow more compactly, which will solve the flopping over issue I stated earlier.
Once you’ve mastered sedum maintenance, experiment with different hen and chick breeds to grow alongside them. They require the same amount of water and fertilizer as sedums and make excellent companion plants. Sempervirens is the Latin name for these succulents, so you know you’re getting the appropriate one. This image from ‘Sunset’ demonstrates how amazing they appear in containers together.
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 soil—in fact, low or little soil is their preferred medium—good 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.
Why is my sedum not flowering?
Sedums require direct sunlight for the majority of the day. A sedum will produce fewer or no blooms if it is planted in a too shaded location. Sedums want well-drained, drier soil as well. It’s possible that your plant isn’t flowering because the soil is too rich. It’s possible that you’ll have to relocate the plant to a location with poor soil. Consider how much fertilizer is applied to stonecrop. Fertilizing too much can lead to fewer flowers.
Are sedums full sun?
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.
Can sedum survive winter?
Sedums are tough succulent plants that can withstand harsh winters. It’s frequently preferable to forget about them over the winter than to over-care for them and cause damage.
How often do you water sedum?
Newly planted sedum, whether in a pot or in the garden, will need to be thoroughly watered. Water when the top inch of soil seems dry after it has been established.
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 does sedum symbolize?
Sedum is a symbol of tranquillity and peace. Because succulents have a tendency to store water in their leaves and stems for future use, they represent a timeless, enduring love. When taken together, the Sedum flower sends out a wonderful message of everlasting calm, serenity, and endurance. Isn’t it the kind of message we should be sending out in this day and age?
What does sedum look like in winter?
Autumn Joy, a tall sedum cultivar, is known for its spectacular fall flower display. Autumn sedums are in full bloom at a time when most of the garden is closing down. Tall sedums dry down as fall turns to winter, but their frost-kissed stems remain lovely. Some creeping sedums, such as Sedum tetractinum, have red or purple leaves that turn red or purple in the winter.
Sedums and Cut Flowers:
Sedums grow tall and give superb cut flowers. Cut the stem, peel some of the leaves at the bottom, and eat once the majority of the florets have opened. Cut flowers from tall sedums dry well as well.