Sedum, commonly known as stonecrop, is a popular garden plant valued for its drought tolerance and minimal care. These succulents offer a significant resource for pollinators, particularly due to their late-season blooms, extending foraging opportunities for beneficial insects.
Why Sedum Is a Pollinator Magnet
Sedum plants possess several attributes that make them highly attractive to a diverse range of pollinators. Their flower structure, often forming flat, accessible clusters of tiny, star-shaped florets, provides an ideal landing platform for insects. This design allows various sizes of pollinators to easily access the nectar and pollen.
A significant aspect of sedum’s appeal lies in its late-summer to fall blooming period. Many sedum varieties, such as ‘Autumn Joy’, flower as other plants fade, providing a crucial late-season food source when other nectar and pollen sources become scarce. This extended bloom time ensures a continuous supply of sustenance for pollinators preparing for winter or migration. Sedum flowers also produce an abundance of both nectar and pollen, making them a rich and rewarding foraging site.
Key Pollinators Drawn to Sedum
Sedum plants attract a wide array of pollinators, including various bee species, butterflies, and certain flies and wasps. Bees, such as honeybees, bumblebees, and native bees, are frequently observed on sedum blooms. They are drawn to the plentiful nectar and pollen, particularly in the later growing season when other floral resources diminish.
Butterflies are also strongly attracted to sedum, finding the broad, flat flower heads convenient for landing and feeding. Species like Monarchs use sedum as a refueling station during their long migratory journeys. Other butterflies, including Eastern tiger swallowtails, common buckeyes, and variegated fritillaries, are known to visit sedum. The pink and purple hues common in many sedum flowers are particularly appealing to butterflies.
Beyond bees and butterflies, sedum also attracts flies and wasps. Syrphid flies, also known as hoverflies, are common visitors and contribute to pollination while also having larvae that prey on aphids. Wasps, including solitary species and pollen wasps, are drawn to the nectar, especially in early spring when some sedum varieties begin to bloom. These diverse insect visitors highlight sedum’s role in supporting garden biodiversity.
Cultivating Sedum for Maximum Pollinator Appeal
To maximize sedum’s appeal to pollinators, gardeners should consider several cultivation practices. Planting location is important, as sedums thrive in full sun, requiring at least six hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal bloom and pollinator activity. Well-drained soil is also necessary, as sedums, being succulents, are susceptible to root rot in overly wet conditions. Amending heavy soils with horticultural grit or sand can improve drainage.
When selecting varieties, many sedums are beneficial, but some, like ‘Autumn Joy’, are particularly noted for their pollinator attractiveness and accessible flower clusters. Once established, water sedums infrequently, as they store water in their fleshy leaves; overwatering is more detrimental than underwatering. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil is dry, allowing it to dry completely between waterings.
Pest management should prioritize methods that do not harm pollinators. Avoiding broad-spectrum pesticides is important, as these can indiscriminately impact beneficial insects. Leaving dried flower heads intact over winter can provide structural interest and offer shelter or food for birds. Pruning can be done in early spring to encourage new growth. Pinching back upright varieties in late spring can also promote bushier growth and sturdier stems, preventing flopping.