Sedum spurium ‘Voodoo’ is a popular and resilient succulent groundcover, offering a vibrant display. It thrives with minimal attention, making it an appealing choice for gardeners seeking both beauty and ease of care. Its striking foliage and charming blooms make it a favored option for diverse landscape designs.
Characteristics of Sedum spurium ‘Voodoo’
Sedum spurium ‘Voodoo’ features distinctive succulent foliage, ranging from deep burgundy to reddish-purple, with green undertones more dominant in cooler temperatures. The thick, obovate leaves are typically one inch long, toothed near their ends, and arranged along creeping, branching stems. This mat-forming perennial generally reaches 2 to 6 inches tall, spreading widely to cover 12 to 24 inches.
In summer, small, star-shaped flowers emerge in shades of rose-pink to magenta. These blooms typically appear from June through September, creating a lovely contrast against the dark foliage. ‘Voodoo’ sedum is hardy in USDA Zones 3 through 9, and its foliage remains evergreen or semi-evergreen in milder climates, providing year-round visual interest.
Planting and Care for ‘Voodoo’ Sedum
For optimal growth, Sedum spurium ‘Voodoo’ thrives in full sun, requiring at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. While it can tolerate some light shade, especially in hotter climates, its vibrant foliage color is best expressed in brighter conditions. It adapts well to a variety of well-drained soil types, including sandy, gravelly, or rocky compositions. Good drainage is important, particularly to prevent issues in wet winter months.
Sedum ‘Voodoo’ is drought-tolerant once established, making it suitable for water-wise landscapes. It prefers deep, infrequent watering, allowing the soil to dry completely between applications. Overwatering should be avoided, as keeping the soil on the drier side benefits the plant’s health and intensifies the rich color of its leaves.
Maintaining ‘Voodoo’ sedum requires minimal effort. Pruning is generally not necessary, but dead stems can be removed in early to late spring to encourage compact growth. It typically does not require fertilization, performing well in lean to average fertility soils. If faster growth is desired, a light application of slow-release fertilizer can be considered. ‘Voodoo’ sedum is resistant to most pests and diseases, although occasional issues with slugs, snails, or scale insects may occur.
Best Uses for ‘Voodoo’ Sedum
The mat-forming and spreading habit of ‘Voodoo’ sedum makes it an effective groundcover, forming a dense carpet that helps suppress weeds. It is particularly well-suited for rock gardens, thriving in the rocky, well-drained conditions often found there. It also performs excellently in containers, where its trailing stems can spill attractively over the edges.
‘Voodoo’ sedum can be utilized along pathways and as an attractive border plant, defining garden spaces with its low-growing, colorful foliage. Its robust root system also makes it a good choice for erosion control on slopes and sunny banks. Its low maintenance needs, drought tolerance, and year-round visual appeal contribute to its versatility in various landscape designs.