Sedum is a perennial plant with thick, succulent leaves, fleshy stems, and clusters of star-shaped flowers. Here’s how to grow sedum in your garden!
There are many, many different varieties and species of sedum—also called “stonecrop”—which makes them suitable for use in almost any garden design. They’re hardy, easy to care for, and beloved by pollinators!
We like to divide sedum into two main categories based on the plants’ growth habits: low-growing sedum and upright sedum.
Low–growing sedum spreads along the ground, reaching only a few inches (or less) in height. This makes them perfect for use as a ground cover along paths, in rock gardens, or cascading down a stone wall.
Upright sedum tends to form tall, upright clumps that produce a tight mass of tiny flowers. Their height and attractive flowers make them good candidates for border gardens or pollinator gardens.
PLANTING
WHEN TO PLANT SEDUM
Sedum is usually bought in plugs or pots and transplanted into the garden. The best time to plant sedum is in the spring—after the threat of frost but before the heat of summer kicks in.
Plant sedum seeds in early spring in well-drained, average to rich soil.
CHOOSING AND PREPARING A PLANTING SITE
Low-growing and vigorous species will tolerate partial shade, but most sedum do best in full sun.
If growing sedum in an area that gets long, cold winters (Zone 5 and colder), plant in full sun to improve overwintering capability.
Sedum requires well-draining soil; it is susceptible to rot due to too much moisture.
Overly-rich soil can encourage leggy growth, which can result in upright sedum varieties becoming top heavy when they bloom.
HOW TO PLANT SEDUM
Space plants between 6 inches and 2 feet apart, depending on the variety.
You can also plant divisions or cuttings:
For divisions: Dig a hole so that the top of the root ball is level with the surface, then place the plant in the hole and fill it in.
For cuttings: Simply place the cut end into soil and the cutting should have no trouble rooting under proper lighting and watering conditions.
CARE
HOW TO GROW SEDUM
Once established, sedum plants require little care. Check your plants regularly to make sure they are not too dry and water (sparingly) if needed. As long as your area gets rain every couple of weeks at the least, sedum shouldn’t need any extra watering.
After flowering, cut back the plants to maintain their shape or contain them in one area.
Tip: For added winter interest, leave the flowers of upright sedum alone after they bloom. They will form attractive seed heads.
Remember to divide your plants in the spring or fall to control their spread. Throughout the summer, divisions and cuttings root readily.
PESTS/DISEASES
Mealybugs
Scale insects
Slugs
Snails
Birds may eat the succulent foliage of sedum.
RECOMMENDED VARIETIES
Sedum humifusum makes for a great ground cover and has beautiful, bright yellow flowers
‘Brilliant’, ‘Autumn Fire’, and ‘Autumn Joy’ upright sedum (Sedum spectabile, aka Hylotelephium spectabile) add bursts of bright pink and magenta to your garden
‘Blue Spruce’ (Sedum reflexum) is a low-growing sedum with blue-green, spruce-like foliage and yellow flowers