Sedums are a large genus of plants in the Crassulaceae family, known for their thick, fleshy leaves and stems that help them store water. These plants are succulents, which means they thrive in dry conditions, making them an excellent choice for low-maintenance gardens or areas that experience drought.
Sedums are commonly used in garden design for their groundcover, edging, and container planting potential. They come in a variety of forms, from creeping ground covers to tall, upright shrubs, and their color palette ranges from green to pink, yellow, red, and purple, making them adaptable to many different garden styles. They are also popular in green roofs due to their ability to withstand extreme temperatures and dry conditions. Whether used in a formal landscape or an informal wild garden, sedums offer versatility and beauty.
Understanding the Types of Sedum
Sedums come in various forms, including creeping ground covers, low-growing perennials, and tall shrubs. Knowing the different types of sedums can help you choose the right one for your specific garden needs. Here are some of the most common types of sedums:
1. Creeping Sedums (Groundcover Sedums)
Creeping sedums, also known as groundcover sedums, are low-growing, spreading plants that excel at covering large areas. These varieties typically have small, fleshy leaves, giving them their succulent-like appearance. They form dense mats or carpets of foliage and are ideal for filling in spaces between rocks, along pathways, or as a groundcover in garden beds. These plants are great for low-maintenance areas where you want to add greenery without much effort.
Creeping sedums are generally drought-tolerant and can thrive in a variety of conditions, including poor soils and areas with full sun. Some varieties of creeping sedums also produce small, star-shaped flowers in shades of yellow, pink, or white. These flowers attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, making them a great addition to pollinator-friendly gardens.
Varieties to Consider:
- Sedum acre (Goldmoss Sedum): This creeping sedum is known for its bright yellow-green foliage that creates a lush carpet of color. It thrives in sunny locations and is ideal for covering large areas, such as rock gardens or hillsides. Its small, star-shaped yellow flowers bloom in late spring or early summer and add a cheerful touch to your garden.
- Sedum spurium (Caucasian Stonecrop): This hardy groundcover is perfect for filling in gaps in garden beds or growing between rocks in rock gardens. It can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions and forms dense mats of succulent leaves. Its pink or red flowers bloom in summer and attract bees and butterflies. This variety is often used in xeriscaping or low-water gardens.
- Sedum sexangulare (Tangle-Headed Stonecrop): Known for its yellow-green leaves, this sedum forms a low, spreading groundcover that thrives in full sun. During the summer, it produces yellow star-shaped flowers, adding a pop of color to the landscape. It’s ideal for low-maintenance garden beds or as a border plant along paths or walkways.
2. Mounding Sedums
Mounding sedums are characterized by their compact, rounded growth habit, making them excellent choices for creating mounds of foliage that add texture and dimension to your garden. These sedums are slightly taller than creeping varieties and typically have larger, thicker leaves. They are often used in rock gardens, edging, or as container plants. Mounding sedums provide structure and contrast in mixed planting beds, where their thick foliage can complement other plants with finer textures.
While mounding sedums tend to thrive in full sun, they can tolerate a bit more shade than the creeping varieties. These sedums are also highly adaptable to a variety of soil types, as long as the soil is well-drained. Some mounding sedums also feature clusters of colorful flowers, which can last for several weeks, providing seasonal interest in your garden.
Varieties to Consider:
- Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’ (Autumn Stonecrop): One of the most popular sedum varieties, Autumn Joy is known for its dense mound of gray-green foliage and large clusters of flowers that transition in color as they bloom. The flowers start as pale pink and gradually deepen to red by the time they’re in full bloom in late summer to fall. Its striking color contrast is particularly appealing when paired with other late-season perennials.
- Sedum ‘Angelina’: A vibrant yellow-green sedum, Angelina is a low-maintenance mounding variety that forms a dense, chartreuse-yellow clump of foliage. It works well as a container plant, edging plant, or in rock gardens. Angelina also produces yellow flowers in late spring or summer, adding a touch of golden yellow to the landscape. Its succulent foliage turns a bright orange-red in fall, providing year-round color.
- Sedum ‘Lemon Ball’: This low-growing sedum forms small, compact mounds with yellow-green foliage that provides a cheerful contrast to other plants in the garden. Lemon Ball works well in mixed plantings or as a border plant around pathways. In addition to its colorful foliage, it produces small, yellow flowers in summer, adding to its charm.
3. Upright Sedums
Upright sedums, also called tall sedums, are the largest and most robust of the sedum family. These varieties typically grow as tall, bushy plants that produce large clusters of flowers. They can reach heights of 2 to 3 feet or more and are often used as focal points in garden designs. Their structural nature and sturdy stems make them perfect for adding vertical interest to garden beds or borders.
Upright sedums are often grown for their large, showy flowers and are particularly attractive to pollinators. These sedums generally prefer full sun and well-drained soil, which ensures they thrive and produce large blooms. Their flowers typically emerge in late summer and bloom well into fall, creating a long period of interest in the garden.
Varieties to Consider:
- Sedum ‘Matrona’: Known for its striking purple-red stems and gray-green leaves, Matrona is an upright sedum that produces pinkish-red flowers in late summer to fall. Its purple stems add an interesting contrast to the soft green leaves, and its flowers provide a brilliant splash of color in the late-season garden. Matrona is perfect for creating vertical interest in mixed beds or as a focal point in a border.
- Sedum ‘Herbstfreude’ (Autumn Joy): Another member of the Autumn Joy family, Herbstfreude is an upright variety that offers large, pink flower clusters that deepen to a dark red color as the season progresses. This sedum thrives in sunny garden beds and is often used to add height to planting schemes. The flowers attract bees and butterflies, making it an excellent choice for pollinator-friendly gardens.
- Sedum ‘Tertill’: This bold sedum variety has red stems and large white flowers that create a striking visual in the garden. Tertill is perfect for adding a unique touch to your garden with its vibrant foliage and bold flowers. It thrives in sunny, well-drained soils and can be a dramatic focal point in a late-season garden, with its white flowers blooming from late summer to early fall.
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Right Sedum
Now that we’ve covered the various types of sedums, it’s time to consider the factors that will help you choose the perfect sedum for your garden. Understanding your garden’s conditions will guide you in selecting the most suitable variety. Here are some key factors to keep in mind:
1. Sunlight Requirements
Sedums generally prefer full sun, meaning they thrive in areas that receive at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. However, some varieties can tolerate partial shade, particularly in hotter climates. When selecting sedums for your garden, it’s essential to assess the sunlight in the planting area.
- Full Sun: For vibrant growth and flowering, choose sedums that thrive in full sun, such as Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’ or Sedum ‘Matrona’.
- Partial Shade: If your garden has more shaded areas, consider varieties like Sedum spurium or Sedum ‘Lemon Ball’, which can tolerate some shade while still thriving.
2. Soil Type and Drainage
Sedums are drought-tolerant and thrive in well-drained soil. They do not perform well in overly moist or heavy soils. If your garden has clay or compacted soil, it’s important to amend it with sand or compost to improve drainage. Adding a layer of gravel or small rocks can also help ensure good drainage.
- Well-Drained Soil: Most sedums prefer soil that drains well and isn’t too rich in nutrients.
- Dry, Rocky Areas: For dry, rocky spots in your garden, opt for varieties like Sedum acre or Sedum sexangulare, which can handle low-nutrient soils.
3. Climate and Hardiness Zones
Sedums are generally hardy plants that can tolerate a range of temperatures, but it’s still essential to choose varieties that match your hardiness zone. Some sedums are more cold-hardy, while others are better suited to warmer climates.
- Cold Climates: If you live in a colder climate, look for sedums with cold hardiness, such as Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’ or Sedum ‘Matrona’, which can handle freezing temperatures.
- Warm Climates: For hot climates, consider sedums that thrive in dry, sunny conditions, such as Sedum ‘Angelina’ or Sedum ‘Tertill’.
4. Size and Growth Habit
Consider the size and growth habit of the sedum when planning your garden layout. If you need a groundcover, choose low-growing creeping sedums that will spread out and fill spaces. For border plantings, mounding sedums are a great option. If you need a focal point, upright sedums with large flowers can provide height and structure.
- Small Gardens: In small gardens, groundcover or mounding sedums are ideal because they won’t overwhelm the space.
- Large Gardens: For larger landscapes, consider using upright sedums or mixing different varieties of sedums for a varied look.
5. Seasonal Interest
One of the most attractive features of sedums is their ability to provide seasonal interest. Many sedums have attractive flowers in the late summer or fall, while others offer interesting foliage color throughout the year. Choosing sedums that bloom at different times can extend the beauty of your garden across the seasons.
- Summer Blooms: Sedums like Sedum ‘Matrona’ or Sedum ‘Herbstfreude’ bloom in the summer and fall, providing color when many other plants are finishing their bloom cycles.
- Year-Round Interest: Some varieties, such as Sedum ‘Angelina’, offer year-round interest with their evergreen foliage and bright colors.
Planting and Caring for Sedums
Once you’ve selected the right sedum for your garden, it’s time to plant and care for them. Fortunately, sedums are low-maintenance, but they do require some basic care to thrive.
Planting Sedums
Best Time to Plant
Sedums are best planted in spring or early fall when temperatures are moderate, typically ranging between 60°F and 70°F (15°C to 21°C). During these seasons, the soil is warm enough for root growth, but temperatures aren’t so hot that the plants will struggle with heat stress. Spring planting allows sedums to establish themselves before the heat of summer, while fall planting gives them time to root before winter sets in.
Choosing the Right Location
Sedums thrive in full sun but can tolerate light shade, especially in hotter climates. Choose a spot in your garden that receives at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight per day. In shadier spots, sedums may become leggy and fail to produce the vibrant flowers they’re known for. For best results, plant sedums in well-draining soil, as they do not like soggy or overly moist conditions.
Spacing and Arrangement
When planting sedums, it’s important to consider their growth habits, as many varieties have a natural spreading or mounding tendency. To accommodate their growth and allow them enough space to flourish, make sure to space your plants accordingly:
- Groundcover sedums: Space these varieties about 6-12 inches apart. This allows them to spread and form dense mats or carpets of foliage that will effectively cover the ground.
- Mounding and upright sedums: These varieties tend to grow taller and need more room to spread. Space them about 12-18 inches apart. This will give them ample room to grow without overcrowding each other.
Planting Depth
When planting sedums, it’s important to plant them at the correct depth. The top of the root ball should be level with the soil surface. Planting sedums too deeply can lead to poor air circulation around the roots and cause them to rot, particularly in wet soil conditions. If you’re planting sedums in containers, make sure the soil level is just below the edge of the pot, leaving some room for watering.
Caring for Sedums
Sedums are known for their low-maintenance nature, but they do benefit from a few basic care practices to help them thrive. Here’s what you need to know:
Watering Sedums
One of the best features of sedums is their drought tolerance. These plants are highly adapted to survive in dry conditions, so you don’t need to water them frequently. Overwatering can actually be detrimental to their health, leading to root rot and other issues.
- When to water: Water your sedums deeply when the soil feels dry to the touch, but be sure not to let them sit in standing water. Sedums prefer deep, infrequent watering rather than shallow, frequent watering. It’s always best to check the soil moisture before adding water.
- Watering tips: In hot, dry conditions, sedums will benefit from a deep watering every 1-2 weeks, depending on the weather. However, during the cooler months or in areas with regular rainfall, you may not need to water at all.
Fertilizing Sedums
Sedums are not heavy feeders, and in many cases, they will thrive without any added fertilizer. However, if you have poor soil or want to encourage extra growth or flowering, a light application of fertilizer in the spring can be beneficial.
- When to fertilize: If necessary, apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer (such as a 10-10-10 blend) in early spring when the plants begin their growing season. A light dose of fertilizer will support the growth of healthy foliage and vibrant flowers.
- Organic options: Sedums also respond well to organic amendments like compost or organic mulch. These can help improve the soil’s structure and provide a slow-release source of nutrients.
- Avoid over-fertilizing: Sedums do not require heavy feeding, and too much fertilizer can lead to leggy growth and fewer flowers. If you do apply fertilizer, err on the side of caution and use less rather than more.
Pruning and Maintenance
Sedums generally don’t require a lot of pruning, but a little maintenance can go a long way in keeping them looking tidy and healthy.
- Remove dead or damaged leaves: Regularly inspect your sedums for any dead, damaged, or yellowing leaves. Removing these will help prevent disease and encourage new, healthy growth.
- Pinch back leggy stems: If you notice that your sedums are becoming too leggy, especially in the early spring, you can pinch back the tips of the stems to encourage more compact growth. This can also promote a bushier appearance.
- Cut back spent flowers: After flowering, sedums generally don’t need much attention, but cutting back spent flowers can help tidy up the plant and prevent the spread of diseases. If you don’t mind the appearance of spent flowers, you can leave them as they are, as they often attract birds who feed on the seeds.
- Winter care: In colder climates, many sedums will go dormant in the winter. To help protect them, cut back the stems after the first frost has killed the foliage. You can also add a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to help insulate the roots during freezing temperatures. However, most sedums are cold-hardy and don’t require much extra attention during the winter months.
Pest and Disease Control
Sedums are relatively pest-resistant, but they can occasionally be affected by common garden pests, particularly if the weather is hot and dry. Here’s how to keep them healthy:
- Pests: Sedums are generally not prone to pests, but occasional visits from aphids, spider mites, or mealybugs may occur. If you notice small, discolored spots or sticky residue on your sedums, inspect them closely for these pests. A simple spray of water or an application of insecticidal soap can help control these issues.
- Diseases: Overwatering and poor drainage can lead to issues like root rot or fungal infections. To prevent disease, ensure that your sedums are planted in well-draining soil and avoid overcrowding them. If you notice any signs of rot, remove affected plants immediately to prevent the disease from spreading.
In Short
With so many varieties of sedums to choose from, selecting the right one for your garden depends on factors such as sun exposure, soil type, climate, and desired aesthetics. Whether you’re looking for a drought-tolerant groundcover, a vibrant flowering plant, or a low-maintenance landscape option, sedums offer a wide range of choices.
By considering your garden’s needs and preferences, you can find the perfect sedum to complement your space, adding beauty, texture, and color to your outdoor environment. From rock gardens to container plantings, sedums can thrive in many different settings, making them a valuable addition to any landscape.
Now that you’re equipped with the knowledge to choose the right sedum for your garden, it’s time to start planting and enjoy the benefits of these resilient and beautiful plants!