Sedum, commonly known as Stonecrop, is a broad genus of succulent plants. They are celebrated for their drought tolerance and ease of care, making them a favored choice for many garden enthusiasts. The genus includes a wide array of forms, from low-growing groundcovers to upright perennials, all characterized by fleshy leaves that store water. This diversity and resilient nature allow Sedum to integrate seamlessly into various garden designs.
Why Sedum is a Gardener’s Favorite
Sedum is a gardener’s favorite due to its hardiness and minimal maintenance requirements. Its succulent leaves are a natural adaptation for storing water, enabling the plant to withstand prolonged dry periods and hot conditions without frequent watering. This drought tolerance makes it a sustainable choice for water-wise landscapes.
Sedum is also resistant to common garden pests and diseases. It flourishes in a wide range of growing conditions once established, from poor soil to hot, sunny exposures. This combination of resilience and low demands on time makes Sedum appealing for beginner gardeners or those with busy schedules.
Growing and Caring for Sedum
Successful Sedum cultivation primarily relies on ample sunlight. Most varieties thrive in full sun, meaning at least six hours of direct sunlight daily, which promotes robust growth and abundant flowering. While they can tolerate some partial shade, too little light may result in leggy growth and reduced bloom production.
Well-draining soil is paramount for Sedum, as their succulent nature makes them susceptible to root rot in waterlogged conditions. Sandy or gravelly soil is ideal, and gardeners with heavy clay soils should amend them with materials like grit or sand to improve drainage. Sedum generally prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil pH.
Watering needs are minimal once Sedum plants are established; their water-storing leaves allow them to subsist on rainfall alone in many climates. Overwatering is a more common issue than underwatering, leading to mushy foliage or disease. New plantings benefit from weekly watering until their root systems develop, but mature plants typically only require supplemental water during extended dry spells.
Sedum plants are not heavy feeders and generally do not require much fertilization. Overly rich soil or excessive nitrogen can lead to weak, leggy growth and may cause taller varieties to flop.
Basic maintenance involves deadheading spent flowers and cutting back upright varieties in late winter or early spring to encourage bushier growth. Sedum is generally resistant to pests, though fungal diseases might arise from persistently wet conditions. Propagation is straightforward, often achieved through stem cuttings or division.
Popular Sedum Types
The Sedum genus encompasses a wide array of plants, broadly categorized by their growth habits. Creeping or groundcover Sedums form low-growing, mat-forming carpets, ideal for covering bare ground or adorning rock gardens. These varieties typically spread horizontally and feature small, fleshy leaves in diverse colors. Examples include Sedum ‘Angelina’ (bright chartreuse foliage), Sedum spurium (reddish-green leaves that can deepen to burgundy), and Sedum album (White Stonecrop, which produces tiny white flowers).
Upright or border Sedums present a taller, clumping form, making them excellent candidates for perennial borders and mixed beds. These types often develop prominent flower heads that provide late-season interest, blooming from late summer into fall. Well-known upright varieties include Sedum spectabile ‘Autumn Joy’, recognized for its sturdy stems and large clusters of pink flowers that mature to reddish-bronze. Sedum telephium ‘Autumn Fire’ is another common upright type, offering robust structure and appealing blooms.
Designing with Sedum in your Garden
Sedum’s adaptability makes it a versatile plant for various garden design applications. Its drought tolerance and preference for well-drained conditions make it an excellent choice for rock gardens and xeriscaping. Upright Sedum varieties add architectural interest and late-season color to perennial borders and mixed beds, complementing other plants with their sturdy forms and long-lasting blooms.
Low-growing, mat-forming Sedums are highly effective as groundcovers, helping to control erosion on slopes or filling in gaps between stepping stones. Both creeping and upright types are suitable for container plantings, with trailing varieties spilling attractively over the edges.
Sedum is also widely used in extensive green roof systems due to its shallow root system and ability to withstand harsh conditions. Many Sedum varieties, especially the late-blooming upright types, are magnets for pollinators like bees and butterflies, enhancing the ecological value of a garden. They pair well with other drought-tolerant plants such as ornamental grasses, coneflowers, and salvia.