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Sedums are one of the most popular varieties of succulents. Succulents are well known for their fleshy leaves which makes them drought resistant. Sedum plants are not only great during the hot season, but they can also survive during the winter.
Sedum plants, also known as “Stonecrop”, can survive in full sunlight, infrequent watering, and most of all in well-drained soil. There is a wide variety of sedums and some of them can grow more than two feet tall. They can look great on a flower bed, but they can also be used as a border. The best Sedum variety for your old cottage garden is the Sedum spectabile “Autumn Joy”. For ground covers, you can use Sedum reflexum “Angelina”. Sedum plants in reds, grays, and greens are also great for ground covers.
There are different varieties of Sedum plants that can look great on containers as well as in any gardens. Its fleshy leaves can range from tiny to large. Commonly, succulent leaves are green, but they can also come in gray, green, blue, purple or variegated! These plants can easily attract butterflies and bees. Succulents are considered perennials, so you can always see them year after year.
Tips on How to Grow and Care for Sedums
If you are growing your succulents in containers, then you can add sand to make the soil mixture very porous. If you are planting them in a garden with heavy soil, then you should change it. Or you could choose to plant them in containers or in raised beds.
Although these plants can survive without water for a long period of time, it is still best to use well-drained soil. Average watering would be great and keep them slightly dry in between.
When choosing containers, be sure to match it with the look of your plants. If you want to obtain a succulent garden look, then you can use stone or concrete containers and round bowls. This can make your succulent garden look fantastic.
You don’t have to apply heavy fertilizers on them. The fact is, over-fertilizing your succulents can cause them to grow floppy. Obviously, you don’t want your plants to have numerous stems, but lesser flowers and leaves.
When it comes to the taller varieties, it is best to take off the top portion of its main stems during springtime. This can make the plant grow efficiently and prevents them from flopping over.
You could mix your Sedums with other succulent varieties such as Sempervivum tectorum (Hens and Chicks). They could create a great combination for your Sedums.
Different Sedum Varieties
There is a plethora of sedum varieties, so we are only going to feature some cold-hardy sedum plants that can survive in any gardens.
Sedum acre “Goldmoss”
This sedum variety blooms bright yellow flowers during the summer and spring. They can quickly attract butterflies. They can grow well in zones 3-9 and are drought tolerant. These plants can reach a height of three inches and a width of 18-24 inches. Whether you grow them in rock gardens, containers, or simply use them as ground covers, they can look amazing.
Sedum rupestre “Angelina
These sedum plants are commonly found in every garden since they are a favorite of most people. They look gorgeous in green and yellow combination. These plants are also tough since they can tolerate drought, heat, and even poor soil. They can also enjoy having an afternoon shade. Sedum Angelina can grow up to six inches with a width of 2-3 feet. These succulents are best grown in zones 3-11 and can perform well whether you grow them in gardens or containers.
Sedum spurium “Dragon’s Blood”
This is one of the best sedums to plant in containers. Although they can also look stunning as a ground cover. These plants can reach a height of 4-6 inches with a width of 24 inches. Their leaves are green, but when fall comes they will turn into bright red. Dragon’s Blood will bloom red flowers during the summer. These sedums can grow excellently in zones 3-9.
Sedum reflexum “Blue Spruce”
These sedums have fine, needle-like foliage making it a favorite of every succulent grower. These succulents grow well in zones 3-11 and can make a magnificent ground cover. Its remarkable blue color can create a wonderful contrast in your garden. In the early summer, it will bloom beautiful yellow flowers. They can reach a height of 5 inches tall and a width of 18 inches.
Sedum spectabile “Autumn Joy”
This amazing sedum variety was previously used by the legendary garden designer Gertrude Jekyll back in the late 1800s. This tough sedum must be grown in zones 4-11. Its flower heads are in pink during its early stages. However, in the fall, the color will change into rosy red. They can look stunning when placed in the garden throughout the winter. These plants can reach as high as 24 inches and as wide as 24 inches. They require full sunlight to prevent them from flopping over.
Sedum spectabile “Autumn Fire”
This is basically the improved version of Sedum spectabile “Autumn Joy”. They are much bigger and have bigger flower heads. Most of all, their flowers can last longer. In late summer, these plants will bloom rose-pink flowers.
Although this is a fairly new variety, it has caught a lot of attention. They are perfect for any fall garden with their long-lasting flowers. Its maximum height is 18 inches and it has a width of 24 inches. These succulents are more suitable for hardy zones 3-11.
Sedum spectabile “Hot Stuff”
Compared to Sedum spectabile “Autumn Joy”, Sedum spectabile “Hot Stuff” is much smaller. The fact is, they can only grow less than 12 inches. However, they have similar upright growth. These plants have tough stems that won’t flop. From summer through fall, they can bloom pink flowers. These sedums must be planted in zones 4-10. They are excellent for flower beds as well as for containers.
So, what are you waiting for? Grow your sedum succulents now so your garden can enjoy an upgrade. At Eden Succulents, we have several posts that can help you in growing your succulents. We provide useful information about succulents to help you enjoy growing your succulents. What succulent variety are you growing right now? Please share it with us in the comments below!
