The Mojave Jewels Diamond Sedum is a popular perennial valued for its distinctive visual appeal and straightforward care. This succulent thrives with minimal intervention, offering vibrant color and texture to various garden settings. Its ability to withstand challenging conditions contributes to its ease of cultivation.
Unique Characteristics
Mojave Jewels Diamond Sedum is characterized by its unique foliage that changes color with sun exposure. Its succulent leaves typically emerge reddish-green and deepen to a dark red-blue or deep purple with increased direct sunlight, providing a striking contrast in the garden. The plant forms a dense, upright, and spreading mound, reaching 12 to 16 inches in height and spreading 18 to 20 inches wide. Its sturdy, non-flopping stems support clusters of rose-red or coral-pink star-shaped flowers that emerge from red buds in late summer to early fall.
Ideal Growing Environment
To ensure optimal growth and vibrant coloration, Mojave Jewels Diamond Sedum requires specific conditions. Full sun exposure is preferred, as it intensifies foliage color and promotes a compact growth habit. While it can tolerate some partial shade, the deepest red-blue hues are achieved in direct sunlight.
The plant thrives in average to poor soil conditions, emphasizing excellent drainage. Sandy or gritty soil is suitable, as rich soil can lead to leggy and open growth. This sedum is highly drought-tolerant once established, requiring infrequent watering. Overwatering should be avoided, as it can lead to root rot due to its succulent nature.
Ongoing Care
Mojave Jewels Diamond Sedum is a low-maintenance plant once established. Fertilization is typically unnecessary, as it performs well in nutrient-poor soil. Overly rich soil can promote weak, lanky growth. If soil fertility is extremely low, a small amount of compost can be incorporated.
Pruning is minimal, usually performed to maintain shape or remove spent flower heads. Pinching back taller varieties in early summer can encourage a bushier form and prevent stems from splitting. Dried seed heads can be left on the plant through winter, providing visual interest and a food source for birds, then removed in early spring for new growth. This sedum is hardy in USDA Zones 3-9, tolerating a wide range of winter temperatures and typically dying back to the crown in colder climates, regrowing in spring.
Design and Landscaping Applications
The distinctive appearance and low-maintenance nature of Mojave Jewels Diamond Sedum make it a versatile choice for various garden designs. Its compact, upright growth habit and unique foliage coloration are well-suited for rock gardens, where its texture and color can provide contrast against stones and other drought-tolerant plants.
This sedum is an excellent option for xeriscaping, a landscaping method that reduces the need for supplemental water, due to its strong drought tolerance. It also performs well in containers, adding vibrant color to patios or balconies. It can be effectively used as a groundcover, in mass plantings, or along borders to create a striking impact, especially when its foliage deepens in color under full sun. Its strong stems ensure it maintains its form without flopping, even when in bloom.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Mojave Jewels Diamond Sedum is generally resilient and not commonly bothered by pests or diseases. The most frequent issue is root rot, which typically results from overwatering or poorly drained soil. To prevent this, ensure the plant is in well-draining soil and allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
While deer tend to avoid this plant, it can attract butterflies, adding beneficial pollinators. In rare cases, powdery mildew or leaf spots might occur, especially in humid conditions, though these are not common for this specific variety. Addressing fungal issues usually involves improving air circulation and proper watering practices.