Get To Know Sedums

 

Meet Succulents’ Cousins: Sedums!

 

We all love those cute little succulents that we plant in everything, but you need to get to know their cousins, the Sedums, better!

Also commonly called Stonecrops, Sedums are a diverse group of plants known for their fleshy, succulent-like foliage. They come in an incredible range of sizes, colors, shapes, and textures and can be used in containers, landscape beds, rock gardens, along retaining walls, and more.

Many Sedums are drought tolerant once established and require relatively little maintenance. Cold hardiness and whether the foliage remains through winter vary by species and variety, so don’t assume every Sedum will stay green year-round or tolerate the same winter temperatures.

 
 

Two Main Types of Sedum

 

Groundcover Sedums

 

Groundcover Sedums stay relatively low and spread as they grow. Depending on the variety, they can create a colorful groundcover, trail over the edge of containers and hanging baskets, creep between rocks, or spill over retaining walls.

The different shapes, colors, and textures of their foliage lend themselves to so many “cool” planting ideas! Many varieties also produce clusters of small flowers during the growing season, but their foliage alone can provide plenty of interest.

 

 
 

Upright Sedums

 

Upright Sedums have fleshy, succulent-like leaves and develop into larger, more upright clumps as they mature.

Many popular upright varieties bloom in late summer into fall, producing broad clusters of tiny flowers that can gradually change color as the blooms mature. These late-season flowers are also attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.

Some Sedums may retain foliage for much of the year in mild conditions, while others die back or become dormant during winter and return from the roots in spring. This depends on the particular species, variety, and winter conditions.

 

 
 

Tips for Growing Sedums in Pots

 

• Use a well-draining potting mix. Sedums don’t like sitting in constantly wet soil, which can contribute to root and stem rot.

• Make sure your container has drainage holes. Good drainage is one of the most important things you can give a Sedum.

• Choose the right container. Many Sedums have relatively shallow root systems, so they can work beautifully in bowls and other lower-profile containers as long as there’s adequate room for the particular variety.

• Don’t overdo the fertilizer. Sedums generally don’t need heavy feeding. If fertilizer is needed, choose an appropriate product and follow the label directions.

• Give them plenty of light. Many Sedums perform best with abundant sunlight, although light requirements vary by variety. In East Texas, some varieties may appreciate protection from the harshest afternoon sun.

• Don’t keep them constantly wet. Allow the potting mix to begin drying between waterings rather than watering on a fixed schedule.

• Check the soil before watering. Container size, temperature, sunlight, rainfall, and the potting mix all affect how quickly a Sedum dries out.

 
 

Here Are Some of My Favorites!

 

 

 

 
 

So Many Ways to Use Sedums!

 

Sedums are a great choice when you want interesting texture, beautiful foliage, and relatively easy care. Mix different varieties together in containers, tuck them into rock gardens, use spreading varieties as groundcovers, or add upright varieties to perennial beds for late-season color.

Just give them plenty of drainage, the right amount of sunlight for the variety, and avoid loving them a little too much with the watering can!