Sedum plants are the perfect plant for any level gardener to grow during the spring and summer seasons. They are very forgiving of both the sun and of bad soil, making them very easy to care for. They require very little attention and will thrive in less than perfect conditions, such as parts of the yard that receive too much sun or not enough water. In fact, they are commonly known as stonecrops for this very reason.
How to Grow Sedum Plants
You will want to plant the seeds in early spring. They can be planted in full sun in a rich soil. Space the seeds between six inches and two feet apart. It is possible that instead of seeds you can plant divisions or cuttings. For the shorter varieties, you may simply lay it on the ground and it will send out roots and root itself. For the taller varieties, break off a stem and push it into the ground. It will root itself and begin to grow anew.
After the plants are established they require very little care. Keep them watered if they are dry and cut them back to maintain the shape that you want. Overwatering and overfertilizing is worse for these plants than not watering or fertilizing enough.
Popular Varieties of Sedum
- Autumn Joy
- Dragon’s Blood
- Purple Emperor
- Autumn Fire
- Black Jack
- Spurium Tricolor
- Bronze Carpet
- Baby Tears
- Brilliant
- Coral Carpet
- Red Creeping
- Jaws
- Mr. Goodbud
Pests and Special Features
Sedum plants attract the attention of a variety of pests. Some common ones are: Mealybugs, scale insects, slugs, and snails. They also attract birds, bees and butterflies.
Another wonderful thing about sedum plants is that they can produce beautiful cut flowers as well. Many produce pink, red, or purple flowers in the fall. Different varieties also produce white and yellow flowers in the spring and summer.
