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Name: sedum, stonecrop, Sedum species and varieties.
Height: from around 1cm to 0.5m, depending on variety.
Foliage: evergreen.
Climate: cold temperate, warm temperate, arid/semi-arid, sub-tropical and tropical.
Soil: prefers well-drained soil.
Position: full sun.
Flowering: tiny white flowers to showy large pink ones, depending on variety.
Feeding: rarely required.
Watering: once established, very rarely requires watering, except in extended very dry periods.
Sedum is a group of fleshy leaf succulents that are quite variable. Some are tight ground covers, while others can look like small shrubs. Foliage colour also varies, with leaves of yellow, grey, green and purple, with many combinations of these colours. All varieties of sedum feature leaves that are thick and store moisture, giving the plant solid drought resistance.
Most often, sedum is used as ground covers, particularly in hot and dry areas. The different foliage colours and types mean various types can be grown next to each other to provide a contrast in texture and colour.
A number of varieties of sedum have quite showy flowers, and some, like “Autumn Joy”, are seen in massed plantings for their pink autumn flowers.
These plants do very well in pots and containers, and are often seen in with other succulents in mixed plantings in pots.
As with most succulents, the real key to success with sedum is getting the soil right. It is essential that it is free-draining. If your soil is heavy or sits wet, add some gritty sand to it, and also raise the garden bed up a little. If growing in a container, use a cacti and succulent potting mix, as this has been formulated for just these sort of plants.
Different types of sedum can be planted in the same part of the garden, or in the same container. Their different characteristics will offer contrast and year-round interest.
Sedum really doesn’t need much work. It is important to grow it in a sunny spot, as shade will make it lose its lovely compact habit. Watering is rarely required, although you will need to give it a drink in the hottest and driest weather. Frequency will depend on your location and the position of the plants—those in containers in a hot courtyard will dry out much more quickly than those in the ground. Once a fortnight will probably be more than enough.
Pruning is generally not required. However, flowering forms that have their flowers at the top of tall stems—such as “Autumn Joy”—will look much neater if the dead flower stems are removed.
Occasionally, sedum may be attacked by insects, but these can be removed by hand or by using a garden insecticide.
The easiest way to propagate most sedum plants is by dividing existing clumps. Most forms will put down roots as they grow across the ground. Once established, simply lift the existing clumps and break them apart, making sure each new section has roots attached, then plant out or pot up.
Some sedum plants can be grown from cuttings.
Bonsai: the Japanese art of growing miniature trees and landscapes.
Cactus: the classic dry-adapted plant, which comes in many forms.
Desert rose: lovely flowers on a succulent plant that’s great for growing in pots.
Check out our huge range of plants now and get your garden growing!
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