Planting, Growing, and Caring for Sedums
Read Next
Planting
Sedum enjoy full sun but will tolerate some shade. If growing sedum in an area that gets long, cold winters (Zone 5 and colder), plant in full sun to improve overwintering capability.
Sedum grows well in poor or sandy soil, but it’s important to have well-draining soil to avoid fungal diseases. It is very susceptible to root rot if grown in soil that holds too much moisture. Overly rich soil can also encourage leggy growth, which can result in upright sedum varieties becoming top-heavy when they bloom.
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-draining, average to rich soil. (Learn more about soil amendments and preparing soil for planting.)
How to Plant Sedum
- Space plants between 6 inches and 2 feet apart, depending on the variety. Low-growing sedums will readily spread to fill any gaps, while upright sedums tend to stay more compact.
- Planting full plants or divisions: Dig a hole deep enough so that the top of the root ball is level with the surface of the soil, then place the plant in the hole and fill in around it. Be careful not to bury the stems of upright sedum, as this can lead to rot.
- Planting cuttings: Like other succulents, sedum can be readily propagated via cuttings. Simply place the cut end into soil, and the cutting should have no trouble rooting under proper lighting and watering conditions.
Growing
- Once established, sedum plants require little care. During the summer, 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.
Types
- Sedum humifusum makes for a great ground cover and has beautiful, bright yellow flowers
- ‘Brilliant’, ‘Autumn Fire’, and ‘Autumn Joy’ upright sedum (Hylotelephium spectabile, aka Sedum 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
Gardening Products
More Like This
Sedums are easy to root and it should only take 2-3 weeks before they develop enough roots to survive on their own. As long as the ground hasn't frozen they should be fine. If the temperatures make you nervous you can try rooting them indoors in a container of soilless potting mix or vermiculite, or you can even root them in a glass of water on a sunny windowsill.
Hi, EJ: From a botanical standpoint, sedum and daisies (not sure what you have in mind with "daisy like") grow just fine together. That being said, the established sedum might present some physical challenges to newly growing daisies, so you might consider digging "holes" in your sedum bedsl (transplant elsewhere) to give the daisies a little space. Good luck!
Most sedums are very cold hardy. To be on the safe side you can bury the pots in your garden and add a layer of mulch over them or you can turn an empty cardboard box over them in late fall.
Spring is the perfect time to divide sedum. Cut the plant down to about 6 inches. Water well for a few days before you move it. Prepare the planting site by digging a hole 6 to 8 inches deep. When ready to divide sedum, dig straight down and lightly loosen the soil around the sedum's roots. Immediately plant in the new spot and water well for the first few weeks.
- « Previous
- 1
- 2
- …
- 10
- Next »
Comments