Sedum ‘Bertram Anderson,’ commonly known as stonecrop, is a popular succulent perennial. This plant is valued for its attractive foliage and flowers, offering a low-maintenance option for various garden settings. Its robust nature and visual appeal make it a favored selection for gardeners.
Identifying Sedum Bertram Anderson
Sedum ‘Bertram Anderson’ is characterized by its distinctive foliage and growth habit. The leaves are oblong-ovate, rounded, and fleshy, typically displaying a burgundy-black to greyed purple. This color can intensify to a deep eggplant purple in full sun. Dark red stems further complement the rich leaf coloration.
This cultivar exhibits a low, sprawling, and prostrate growth habit, forming a mound of thick foliage 6 to 8 inches high. The plant spreads 12 to 39 inches wide. In late summer to autumn, it produces clusters of small, star-shaped, purple-red flowers from umbrella-shaped inflorescences up to 4.7 inches in diameter. These flowers gradually change to a chestnut-bronze as they mature in fall, providing extended seasonal interest.
Cultivating Sedum Bertram Anderson
Sedum ‘Bertram Anderson’ thrives in full sun, requiring at least six hours daily for strong leaf coloration and a compact form. While it tolerates partial shade, insufficient light may lead to leggy growth. The plant prefers well-dr aining soil, thriving in sandy, gravelly, or loamy conditions. Incorporating coarse sand, pumice, or perlite can prevent root rot, particularly in containers.
This sedum is drought-tolerant once established, requiring infrequent watering. During the growing season, water thoroughly but allow the soil to dry completely between waterings. Overwatering should be avoided, especially in winter when watering should be minimal to prevent shriveling. It is hardy in USDA zones 3 through 9, demonstrating tolerance to a range of temperatures.
Sedum ‘Bertram Anderson’ generally requires minimal supplemental fertilization. Overly rich soil can result in weak, leggy growth. If soil quality is very poor, incorporating compost can provide sufficient nutrients without encouraging excessive growth. This plant is generally resilient to pests and diseases. However, issues like scale insects, mealybugs, slugs, and snails may arise, particularly if plants are overwatered or overcrowded.
Propagating Sedum Bertram Anderson
Propagating Sedum ‘Bertram Anderson’ is straightforward, primarily through stem cuttings or division. For stem cuttings, healthy 3 to 6-inch portions can be taken in spring during active growth. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting and plant the cut end directly into soil. These cuttings often root readily, with direct planting promoting more robust growth.
Division is another effective method, typically performed in spring every two to three years. Gently dig up a mature plant and carefully separate the root mass into sections, ensuring each has a good portion of roots. Replant these sections at the same soil level as the original plant. Both stem cuttings and divided sections usually establish roots quickly.
Landscaping Uses for Sedum Bertram Anderson
Sedum ‘Bertram Anderson’ is a versatile plant suitable for various landscaping applications due to its attractive foliage and low-maintenance qualities. Its low-growing, spreading habit makes it an excellent choice for groundcover, particularly in hot, dry areas with poor soil. It also functions well as an edger or border plant, providing a striking dark color contrast.
This sedum is suitable for rock gardens, gravel gardens, and xeriscaping due to its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in lean soils. It can be effectively used in containers and patio pots, where its smoky-purple leaves and crimson-pink flowers create visual interest. The plant attracts bees and butterflies, enhancing its appeal in garden designs. Its foliage and spent flower heads remain attractive through winter, offering year-round interest.