A collection of succulents known as sedum (Stonecrop) is simple to grow and looks excellent in summer and fall gardens. We at Plant Delights Nursery have been growing sedum plants in our hot, muggy, rainy Raleigh garden for over 25 years, so we thought we’d share our knowledge of how to grow sedum plants as well as the names of our favorite species. The Sedum genus is a diversified group that includes straight tall sedums, carpet sedums that form mats, sedums that are hardly drought tolerant and require constant watering, sedums that love the sun, and sedums for woodland gardens. Therefore, it’s crucial to understand your sedum before planting. Although some taxonomists have placed tall sedums in the genus Hylotelephium, we still refer to them as sedums.
Tall Sedum
There are two primary types of sedums for the garden: towering sedums and creeping sedums. Depending on the variety and environmental factors, the erect stems of the tall sedums (mostly Sedum spectabile and Sedum telephium) can reach heights of 1 to 3 feet. Tall sedums have been developed to grow shorter in new varieties, making them less floppy and better suited to the smaller gardens of today. Tall sedum stems are covered with soft succulent leaves along their length, and in the summer or fall, they are crowned by vibrant flower clusters. The symmetrical shape and vibrant flowers of tall sedums have long been reasons for their cultivation, but more recent types also exhibit coppery, dusky mauve, and dark purple foliage.
Spreads stonecrop quickly?
Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’ and other upright sedum types are well known among gardeners as great plants for adding color to the hot, dry days of late summer and early autumn. But in hot, arid regions where other plants struggle to survive, a number of low-growing sedum types also make excellent ground cover plants.
The Sedum genus contains 400–500 species, often known as sedums, or stonecrops, and is a member of the Crassulaceae family, which is distinguished by plants with thick, succulent leaves. Many of these species are commonly used as garden plants. Stonecrop refers to a group of plants that not only withstand dry, rocky soil but actually thrive in it. Sedums grow to a height of between 2 inches and 3 feet. While some species do well in warmer temperatures, others are only hardy up to USDA hardiness zone 3. Sedums can be annual or perennial, but they are all fleshy succulents. Sedums function so effectively in arid environments because they retain moisture in their leaves. All sedums have flowers, but they are mostly grown for their foliage, which has fascinating green hues that are uncommon in most other plants.
All sedums are incredibly simple to grow and multiply, and the only way to hurt them is to overwater them or place them in soil that is too wet. A single branch or even a leaf inserted into the ground will immediately take root and grow into a new plant with upright variations. Low-growing sedums are excellent ground cover plants because they quickly cover the ground, are not invasive, and have shallow root systems that make them simple to remove.
For your ground cover requirements, here are 10 sedum, or stonecrop, varieties to take into account.
Fun Fact
Many of the plants marketed as sedums are no longer considered sedums in the botanical sense. Plant biologists routinely shift species to new genera, and on occasion they will eject plants from an excessively big genus and create a new one specifically for them. In the horticultural industry, sedums are still frequently used to refer to a group of plants in which some common species have been moved to new genera. For instance, the well-liked sedum “Autumn Joy” is now officially known as Hylotelephium “Autumn Joy.”
The greatest places to cultivate stonecrop?
Sedum, often known as “stone crop flower,” thrives in full to part sun. While creeping varieties can thrive in partial shade, taller hybrids require full light for the finest flowering.
Soil: Sedums prefer a pH range of neutral to slightly alkaline soil that is extremely well-drained. Root and stem rot can result from 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.
Sedums should be planted in the spring after the risk of frost has passed. Till the end of the summer, you can still plant transplants in northern regions. Planting season is spring or fall in drier regions.
Does stonecrop sedum grow year-round?
Hardy and drought-tolerant perennial plants known as stonecrop (Sedum spp.) are well-liked in xeriscaping, rock gardens, and containers. From the ubiquitous, two-foot-tall, long-blooming Autum Joy to the adorable groundcover stonecrops like ‘Dazzleberry,’ stonecrop comes in a range of shapes and sizes.
When may I sow stonecrop?
Sedums have everything! This perennial produces clusters of star-shaped flowers that bloom from midsummer to fall, along with lush, luscious green leaves. It attracts pollinators and is simple to maintain. How to plant sedum in your garden is provided here.
About Sedum
Sedum, a genus of succulents with fleshy stems and succulent leaves commonly known as “stonecrop,” is one of the easiest perennial plants to grow. This sedum cultivar is suitable for practically all gardens because it is a hardy plant that thrives in shallow soil.
Based on how the plants develop, we like to split sedum into two primary categories: low-growing sedum and upright sedum.
- Sedum that grows slowly spreads throughout the ground and only grows to a height of a few inches (or less). As a result, they are ideal for use as ground covers along pathways, in rock gardens, or cascading over stone walls.
- Sedum that is tall or upright often grows in tall, upright clumps with dense clusters of tiny reddish-pink flowers in their huge flower heads. They make excellent candidates for border gardens or pollinator gardens due to their height and lovely blossoms. Despite upright sedum’s recent reclassification into the Hylotelephium genus, it is still frequently referred to as a “sedum.”
Although they prefer full sun, Sedum may tolerate partial shade. Plant sedum in full sun to enhance overwintering potential if you live somewhere with long, cold winters (Zone 5 and colder).
Although sedum thrives in sandy or poor soil, it needs to be well-drained to prevent fungus problems. If cultivated in soil that retains too much moisture, it is highly prone to developing root rot. Additionally, overly fertile soil can promote lanky growth, which can cause upright sedum species to bloom with a top-heavy appearance.
When to Plant Sedum
- Typically, sedum is purchased in plugs or pots and then planted in the garden. Sedum is best planted in the spring, after the risk of frost but before the summer heat arrives.
- In early spring, sow sedum seeds in average to rich soil that is well-drained. (Learn more about adding amendments to the soil and getting it ready for planting.)
How to Plant Sedum
- Depending on the kind, space plants anywhere between 6 inches and 2 feet apart. While upright sedums tend to keep more compact, low-growing sedums will quickly fill in any gaps.
- When planting whole plants or divisions, dig a hole deep enough so that the top of the root ball is level with the soil’s surface. Then, insert the plant, and then cover the area around it with soil. Avoid burying upright sedum stems in particular as this can cause rot.
- Planting cuttings: Sedum is easily propagated through cuttings, just like other succulents. Under the right lighting and watering conditions, the cutting should easily root if the cut end is simply inserted into the soil.
- Sedum plants require little maintenance once they are established. Check on your plants frequently over the summer to make sure they are not getting too dry, and water them (sparingly) if necessary. Sedum shouldn’t require extra watering if your area receives rain at least one every two weeks.
- After flowering, prune the plants to keep their shape or confine them to a single location.
- Advice: After blooming, leave upright sedum flowers alone for more winter interest. They will produce lovely seed heads.
- To stop your plants from spreading, remember to divide them in the spring or fall. Divisions and cuttings root easily all summer long.
- Sedum humifusum has stunning, bright yellow flowers and produces an excellent ground cover.
Is stonecrop an effective ground covering?
Sedum plants are valued for their quick establishment and “set it and forget it” character. They come in a variety of sizes and shapes. While young plants need some attention, once they have been in place for a few months, these adorable succulents can often be left alone. Sedum groundcover, one of the group’s lowest forms, thrives in rockeries, walkways, containers, and uneven terrain.
For good cause, low-growing sedum is also known as stonecrop. Even in the crevices of a stone wall, they can actually swell to bursting with vitality. Sedum groundcovers range in shape from those with rounder, pink-tinged leaves to those with thick, spiky, yellow-green foliage. Sedums are able to store water and survive in hot, dry environments because of their thick leaves.
The blossoms are a spectacular surprise and a stark contrast to the fascinating leaves. Yellow to pink hues are present in dense, airy clusters of tiny starry blooms that rise over low-lying plants, adding drama and a riot of color.
Sedum Care
Sedum plants, often known as stonecrop, do best in full sun, with little to no water, and, most critically, on soil that drains properly. For the flower bed and border, there are larger kinds that reach heights and widths of exceeding two feet. Old favorites for cottage gardens include “Fall Joy. Bright green, gray, and red ground cover kinds that spread swiftly and blossom in the early summer include “Angelina. everything in between as well! They are excellent container plants and do well in most gardens. Sedum plants feature succulent leaves that can be any color—gray, green, purple, blue, or even variegated—and can have anything from tiny needles to larger, fleshier leaves. Bees and butterflies adore them. The nicest part is that they are perennials and return year after year.
Here are a few expert recommendations for growing sedum plants that will look their best:
- Use a well-drained soil at all times. If you’re planting them in containers, make the soil mixture very permeable by adding some shredded bark or sand. Grow them in raised beds and containers if your garden soil is heavy, or amend it.
- Consider how the plants will feel while selecting your containers. To fit the modern vibe these plants exude, think concrete, stone, or simple round bowls if you want to create a succulent garden effect. However, don’t let that deter you from utilizing them in any type of garden—this is a fantastic way to modernize!
- Although they can go without water for extended periods of time, I find that if they are in well-drained soil, they look their best with moderate watering and a little bit of drying time in between.
- They don’t need rich soil or substantial fertilizers. Your plants will really become floppy with lots of stems but few leaves and blossoms if you overfertilize.
- Although the larger kinds will fall over if they don’t get enough sun, they can tolerate some afternoon shadow.
- Speaking of taller types, snip off the tops of the main stems in the spring when the plant is about six inches high. This will make the plant grow more tightly, which will solve the flipping over problem I stated earlier.
Try out various varieties of hen and chicks to plant with your sedums after you have the caring for them down. They are excellent sedum companion plants because they share the same needs for water and fertilizer. These are known as Sempervirens in Latin, so you can be sure you are purchasing the correct succulent. They look fantastic together in containers, as this image from “Sunset” demonstrates.
How can you help sedum spread?
A: To give your new sedum a good start, it’s more crucial that you create hospitable soil with sufficient drainage. Sedum will root and expand through the bark without any problems if you choose varieties that can withstand heat and drought and water them thoroughly during the first summer and autumn. A gravel mulch works nicely for sedum as well.
Sedum Can it endure the winter?
Succulent plants called sedums thrive in climate zones 3 to 9. Sedum is one of the toughest succulents available due to the fact that succulents are notorious for storing water in their leaves. Sedums can withstand hot weather, dry soil, and cold temperatures. Sedum won’t need a lot of winter maintenance, unlike most perennials.
Sedums can be neglected when you tidy up and cut your garden space for the winter. Sedums are hardy plants that can withstand cold and temperatures below zero. Sedums that are standing upright will eventually fade back to the ground, but the surviving stalks with spent flowers will still provide color and food for the birds. Pruning the stalks all the way to the ground is an option. The plant and the spring’s fresh growth won’t be harmed.
How large can a stonecrop grow?
Award-winning Sedum ‘Brilliant,’ which is incredibly well-liked, is one of the toughest and easiest border sedums to grow. This upright type has flat clusters of bright, light pink blooms with long filaments that extend over the ends of the petals that are 3–4 inches across (7–10 cm) in size. They turn rust crimson in the early fall. The foliage is glaucous below, smooth, and light green, and it looks fantastic all year long. This exceptional perennial is simple to cultivate and grows as an 18–24 in. tall and broad (45–60 cm) cluster of succulent, dense foliage topped with blossom buds that resemble broccoli. In the middle to late summer, these tightly packed buds will gradually open to produce tiny, star-shaped soft pink flowers. As they age and die in the fall, these flowers will gradually become rusty red and finally coppery-rust. 1993 recipient of the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit
What plants complement stonecrop well?
Consider putting hostas in the bed if your Autumn Joy is placed in some shade. They demand the same amount of water and sunshine as sedum. The long, prickly flower stalks of hostas will enhance Autumn Joy’s blossoms.
- Autumn Joy’s light green stems and leaves contrast well with the blue fescue’s spiky, blue-gray foliage.
- Most produce gorgeous leaves that frame your sedum until they flower in the late spring.
Does stonecrop grow better indoors or outdoors?
Sedum is rapidly gaining popularity as an indoor plant. Stonecrop is tolerant of an indoor environment even in the worst circumstances. The sedum may survive inside with a little extra care. For sedum to thrive, full sun and warmth are essential. The hues in its leaf will pop with lots of sun. Avoid placing the plant near a north-facing window because it requires at least six hours of sunlight every day. Stonecrop will flourish in a container with drainage holes that allow the soil to dry up and drain effectively. The optimal environment for the sedum is a warm, sunny space.