Quck answer
Sedum, also known as stonecrop, is a versatile and easy-to-grow plant. To grow sedum successfully, follow these steps:
1. Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil.
2. Plant sedum in the spring or early summer, when the soil is warm.
3. Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball and place the sedum plant in it.
4. Backfill the hole with soil and gently firm it around the plant.
5. Water the newly planted sedum thoroughly and then allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
6. Sedum is drought-tolerant, so avoid overwatering.
7. Fertilize sedum once a year with a balanced fertilizer.
8. Prune sedum in early spring to remove dead or damaged growth.
9. Enjoy the beautiful flowers and foliage of your sedum plant throughout the growing season.
What is as effortless to cultivate as a rock? One response would be sedum, a collection of perennial succulent plants in the Crassulaceae family that includes over 400 different species in various genera. Although certain types of sedum plants still belong to the Sedum genus, others have now been reclassified into different genera, such as the Hylotelephium genus and Phedimus genus. These plants grow in clusters or crawl along the ground, and the crawling varieties are so simple to cultivate that they are often referred to as “stonecrop.”
Are Sedums Toxic?
While some succulents are poisonous to humans, pets, and horses, sedums are safe to cultivate in your garden. Although not toxic, if your pet consumes excessive amounts of “roughage,” it may cause temporary gastric distress and vomiting.
Where is the Best Environment for Sedum Growth?
Many sedum cultivars, such as Dragon’s Blood (Phedimus spurius ‘Dragon’s Blood,’ previously known as Sedum spurium ‘Dragon’s Blood’), can withstand harsh conditions in USDA plant hardiness zones 4 to 9, but a few, such as Brilliant (Hylotelephium spectabile ‘Brilliant’), Autumn Joy (Hylotelephium ‘Herbstfreude’ AUTUMN JOY), and Purple Emperor (Hylotelephium telephium ‘Purple Emperor’), are winter-hardy in zone 3. Sedum may die back during the cold winters of the Northern zones, but it typically recovers in the spring, and after removing the dead growth, it regains its vitality and produces flowers as spring transitions into summer.
The majority of sedum species are native to North America, and you can find them thriving in barren crevices in the Rocky Mountains and peeking out from boulders, as well as crawling along outcrops in arid desert regions. The term “stonecrop” likely refers to the fact that sedum can grow on rocks, but it also implies that cultivating it is extremely effortless, which it is.
Although most sedum species cannot tolerate the extreme heat of zones 10 and higher, a few native to Mexico, including Sedum oxypetalum and Sedum praealtum, can grow in zone 11, as well as Sedum sediforme, which is native to the Mediterranean.
When is the Optimal Time to Plant Sedum?
Whether you plant sedum in store-bought pots or sow seeds directly into the ground, the best time to do so is in the spring after the risk of frost has passed. If you choose to start seedlings indoors, you want to allow the seedlings time to grow and acclimate before moving them outside. The seeds take approximately 14 to 21 days to sprout under grow lights or on a windowsill, and an additional six to eight weeks to reach a suitable size for transplantation, so it is advisable to sow them about eight to 10 weeks prior to the last frost.
Plant Profile: Sedum
Stonecrop: A Drought-Tolerant Succulent
- Common Name: Stonecrop
- Botanical Name: Various genera and species, including Sedum spp., Hylotelephium spp., and Phedimus spp.
- When to Plant: After the final frost of spring and before the summer heat
- USDA Zones: 3-11, depending on the specific species and cultivar
- Sun Exposure: Requires full sun but can tolerate shade
- Soil Type: Loose, well-draining soil with a neutral or slightly alkaline pH
- Signs of a Problem: Stem and root rot in wet soil, leggy growth in overly rich or clay soil
- Signs of a Healthy Plant: Abundant fleshy, green foliage year-round with vibrant summer blooms
Utilizing Sedum in the Garden
It is evident that sedum, a drought-tolerant succulent, is an excellent addition to your xeriscape landscape. It thrives in gravel mulch, rock gardens, and even crevices in rock walls, adding texture and color. Due to its low maintenance needs, sedum is commonly used as a ground cover in landscapes, and the upright varieties can also be used as foundation plantings. Additionally, sedum can be grown in containers, allowing for enjoyment even without a garden.
Sedum prefers full sun but is equally tolerant of shade and drought. The creeping varieties, which are the most shade tolerant, can be planted in areas where few other plants thrive. If it happens to creep into a sunny area, it will still tolerate direct sunlight. The only thing sedum cannot tolerate is excessive moisture, so it should be grown in well-draining soil. This plant exemplifies nature’s ability to adapt and survive.
Upright sedums can reach heights of 1 to 3 feet and form clumps of thick, fleshy greenery that resemble broccoli. When they bloom, they add vibrant colors to the garden. Unlike other plants that die off or go dormant in winter, many types of sedum become visually appealing as their colors deepen, with foliage that remains vibrant throughout the winter. During the summer, both upright/clumping and creeping sedum attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, and they provide a steady supply of cut flowers for indoor arrangements.
Companion Plants for Sedum
There are a few other plants that thrive in less-than-ideal conditions and make suitable companions for sedum. Asters, with their small and multicolored star-like flowers, complement sedum nicely. Chrysanthemums, with their oversized blooms, create an attractive contrast. Purple cornflower (Echinacea purpurea) can also tolerate sun or shade, although it requires slightly more water than sedum when exposed to full sun. Its spiky stalks create a distinctive framework for the lush greenery of sedum cultivars, such as Autumn Joy, throughout the autumn season.
How to Start Sedum from Seed
The most popular method of planting sedum is by using starts that are purchased from a garden center or online. However, it is also possible to grow sedum from seeds either in containers or directly in the garden. When sowing seeds, it is important to remember that they require light to germinate. Therefore, they should be sown directly on the ground and covered with a thin layer of vermiculite to protect them from birds. If germinating seeds in containers, it is recommended to fill pots with a cactus mixture that has good drainage. When sowing seeds outdoors, it is necessary to prepare the soil by turning it to a depth of 6 to 12 inches.
Transplanting Seedlings and Starts
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When transplanting potted seedlings or planting store-bought starts, it is important to choose a location with full sun and good drainage. The spacing between plants should be from 6 inches to 2 feet apart depending on the species. To transplant, it is necessary to dig a hole that is large enough to accommodate the root ball. Then, remove the starts from their pots and separate the roots from the dirt by hand. Place the root ball level with the surface of the ground and backfill the hole. Finally, apply a layer of mulch to protect the roots and retain moisture.
While adding compost to enrich the soil is generally a good idea, it is optional when planting sedum because the plant can thrive in almost any soil type. It is recommended to choose a cloudy day for planting to minimize the effects of transplant shock. Transplants require a good watering to get them started, but once the plants become established, they require very little water.
Dividing and Propagating Sedum Plants
In addition to growing sedum from seed or starts, it is also possible to divide sedum plants and plant them in other areas of the garden. Dividing the plants is beneficial because sedum clumps tend to become overgrown over time and need to be thinned out. To divide a plant from a clump, it is necessary to dig around the root ball to expose the roots. Then, use a sharp garden knife that has been sanitized with alcohol to cut the plants that you want to extract. Dig a hole for the divided plant and plant it as you would a store-bought start.
Another easy way to grow sedum is from cuttings. Simply cut a stem from an existing plant, place the cut end in the soil, and water it well until it becomes established. As long as the cutting receives enough light and air circulation, it should quickly take root.
Caring for Sedum
Sedum thrives in loose, well-draining soil, so little soil preparation is needed other than turning it to a depth of 6 to 12 inches. It is important not to plant sedum in compacted or clay soils, or in low-lying areas where water collects, as this can lead to stem and root rot. While compost can provide nutrients for sedum, it is not necessary for its growth. In fact, clumping varieties that grow upright may become top-heavy and crowded if the soil has too many nutrients, especially nitrogen.
Young sedum plants should be placed in full sun, but as they mature, particularly the creeping varieties, they can tolerate some shade. In general, it is recommended to plant sedum in a sunny location, but if it becomes shaded by larger plants later in the season, it should not be a concern. Sedum is highly drought-tolerant and only requires watering when the soil has completely dried out.
Sedum, like other succulents, has the ability to store water in its leaves and stems, making it resilient to drought. Overwatering can actually be more harmful than neglecting it. Some sedum plants have bluish-green leaves, while others have variegated leaves. The flowers of sedum are five-petaled and star-shaped, and can come in yellow, white, pink, or red. Sedum is a hardy plant that can even withstand being trimmed with a string trimmer without significant damage. It will continue to produce new growth.
To harvest sedum seeds, wait for the flowers to wither and turn brown. Cut off the flowers and place them in a paper bag to allow the seed heads to dry. Once dry, use a screen or fine-mesh colander to separate the small seeds from the debris. Store the seeds in a dry place for planting in the spring, or keep them in the refrigerator for up to a year.
In order to prevent old, dead growth from interfering with new growth in the spring, it is recommended to cut back sedum to ground level for winter. However, any healthy and green foliage should be left for winter color.
While sedum leaves are not as attractive to insects, they can still be affected by pests. Aphids and mealybugs may gather on the leaves, sucking the juices and leaving sticky secretions that promote mold growth. They can be rinsed off with water. Slugs and snails can also cause damage to sedum leaves, and can be controlled by manually hunting them down at night or using a beer trap or diatomaceous earth.
Sedum is generally resistant to diseases, but it can be susceptible to fungal infections such as botrytis leaf blotch and powdery rust. Affected leaves and flowers should be removed and cutting tools should be sterilized. In severe cases, a copper-based or sulfur-based fungicide labeled safe for succulents can be used.
