Seeds. Overwinter, I leave if the flower heads in place, the frost looks attractive on the flower heads and livens up the winter borders. THE OUTDOOR TYPE. They are all very easy to grow, requiring no attention once planted. Dig a hole twice the width of the rootball. Sedum are planted during the spring, to an appropriate depth and width of the root, spacing plants 15cm (6”) apart, although this will differ depending on the variety. It has attractive yellow flowers in the summer, but it is mostly grown for its unusual chocolate-coloured foliage that looks great with other coloured stonecrops in full sunshine. The exact timing depends very much on the summer weather, anything from the 3rd week of August onwards. Water, when compost appears dry to prevents the cutting from drying out until it can form its own roots in a few weeks. Early spring is the optimal time to plant sedum seeds. Blooms freely from August through September, and is as popular with the butterflies and bees as the more usual purple-flowered Sedums. Make sure that the plants have a base of compost to sit on, and aim to end up with the crowns of the plants around the level of the top of the pan, so that water has no chance of collecting around them. Plant 15cm apart to establish a rapid and very attractive ground cover on thin soils. I am worried it will smother some of the more delicate Alpine plants that are already there. Sedums like well-drained soil – but it doesn’t need to be deep because they’re very shallow rooted. Plant sedum seeds in early spring in well-drained, average to rich soil. Showy Stonecrop, the taller plants in the genus Sedum, are popular garden plants that are extremely easy to grow. Helpfully, Sedums are easy to propagate and you can have as many plants as you want for free. The group divides into two main types, the low, carpet-forming stonecrops, and the rather taller, upright  ‘ice-plants’ that have whorls of larger succulent leaves on a thick, un-branched stem. It has a long flowering season from June through to October, with repeat showings of its bright purplish-pink flowers. If you are planting them in containers, add either some shredded bark or sand to make the soil mix very porous. The creeping stonecrops will often root as they creep, and it is simply a matter of finding a piece with roots, cutting it off and establishing it in a new home. It is said to be hardy down to minus 20ºC, so should grow quite happily anywhere in the UK. All rights reserved. Pans look good with a decorative surface of gravel, coloured marble chips or sea glass, so when back-filling around the plants with compost leave enough room at the top for a good dressing. Creating a Planting Location Find an area with 6 hours of direct sunlight. However, broken stems or cuttings can generally be persuaded to root in pots in controlled conditions at any time of the year. This can be overcome by pinching out the plants to make them bushier or by using the Chelsea chop in late May or early June. In the spring the new growth is easily visible at the root as in the image above left, which indicates that is the time to cut the Sedum back, as in the image above right. Q I am developing a small ‘tropical’ garden and wondered if I can use ice-plants in my design. Place the covered pots on a bright windowsill or in a shady spot in the garden and soon you will see new growth. For more information about how we started, and our wonderful team check out our ‘About‘ page. Even without roots, pieces cut off the ends of the creeping stems can simply be laid onto a suitable sandy, dampened but free-draining compost in pots, or sections inserted gently into the compost surface will root very quickly. Sedums are best planted where they will enjoy good sun with soil that is not too dry. Plants in container are particularly vulnerable. Sedums are therefore excellent for steep, rocky slopes with little soil. Remove any stems that develop with fully green leaves to maintain the variegation. Ice-plants root easily from stems pulled away at the base, or take 7.5cm to 10cm long pieces from non-flowering stems, take off the lower leaves, and insert them gently into a fifty – fifty mix of gritty compost and horticultural sand. How to grow Sedum morganianum ‘Burrito’ Grow Sedum morganianum ‘Burrito’ in cactus compost, on a well-lit windowsill or similar, out of direct sunlight. Place the plant into the hole, filling in with soil so that it is at the same depth as was in the pot. Autumn Joy Sedum. For shorter varieties, simply laying the sedum on the ground where you want it to grow is normally enough to get the sedum plant started there. If your plants do suffer an outbreak of vine weevil, targeted biological control using nematodes can be used to avoid adverse effects on beneficial insects. Sedums belong to that really useful group of plants whose flowers are long lasting . Watch out for aphids, though they are rarely a cause for concern for healthy plants growing in their ideal conditions. It is an effective organic solution and completely safe for pets, children and wildlife. Available from specialist Alpine nurseries. Her expertise stems from a passion to teach her children about the benefits of outdoor play and how to protect the environment. Carol Klein shares her tips for success. Although Sedums really are a good egg of a plant, (loved by pollinators and butterflies, low maintenance, easy to grow, flower reliably and more,)  there is this one possible problem with some varieties of Sedum as shown in the image. Spread the seeds over the soil, so not bury them. A deep red, almost black variety of orpine with an RHS Award of Garden Merit. Never put a new, pot-grown Sedum in the garden until it has been knocked gently out of its container and examined for the characteristic gaps in the root ball. Also, the shorter varieties have a more upright in habit. Most Sedums perform well on thin, poor soils, where there is less competition from other plants, and indeed too much fertility will result in sappy plants that are reluctant to flower and can droop. A major advantage of Sedums is as a top 10 plants for attracting bees, hover flies and butterflies, especially when they first flower and are full of nectar. Nipping back stops the floppy growth and makes for a better-behaved plant. I leave the seed heads on over winter, they look great in the Autumn and also when dusted with frost. If you take cuttings in spring, the resulting plants can still be planted outdoors in the summer or fall. When choosing the plants, think about combinations of height, colour and texture, and be imaginative! If a more drastic solution is needed, take the plant out and replace it with one of the more recent varieties that does not suffer the issue as readily – ‘Purple Emperor’, for example, is not prone to sagging and can be happily left to make large clumps. None of the Sedums should be watered in the winter as they can be prone to rot if waterlogged. Sedum 'Purple Emperor' is such a plant. Common Sedum species used include Sedum acre, S. rupestre, and S. album.Delosperma could be tried in a sunny frost-free area. A garden centre favourite that certainly lives up to its name, with long, prominent stamens that seem to give the bright pink flowers eyelashes. Some Sedums can survive in almost no soil at all, and they should always be planted into a light and open, well-drained soil. The Sedums’ requirements for well drained and nutrient-poor soil and their ability to tolerate drought makes them ideal for pots and containers. This variety forms a spreading carpet of bright golden leaves, studded with masses of individual yellow star flowers from June to August. Sedums vary in size, some are low growing and suitable for a rock garden, (middle image) and others such as Ruby Glow and autumn flowering species are around the 25cms in height suitable for the front of a mixed border. Sedums will grow in partial shade, but not full shade. The butterflies look striking on the white Sedums you can buy a white variety from Crocus, Hylotelephium spectabile 'Stardust'. Avoid planting sedum next … This article shows just how easy Sedums are to look after, and picks out just a few examples of the amazing variety that is available. Sedum pachyphyllum is a succulent that is very easy to grow and maintain. It is best not to dead head the plants as they look fantastic with snow and ice on them, see images below. It grows up to 45cm tall, and has pale green leaves with creamy-yellow edges and pink flowers in August and September. Sedum is a very undemanding plant and is virtually maintenance free apart from a trim back in the spring. A great choice that is worth searching out if you are looking for a variegated ice-plant. Sedums will grow in partial shade, but not full shade. 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There are several Sedums with variegated foliage , this is called S.'Autumn Charm' which as the image shows, is very bright and light. The Sedums form a diverse group of nearly 500 species and many have been developed to produce hardy and undemanding succulent perennial plants for the gardener. Just to illustrate the point, this is a short 2min 30 video showing the Sedums with a cloud of butterflies, bees and pollinators. You can use the full mat or cut 5 x 5 x 5 but the instructions do not clarify anything else. Plenty of cultivated varieties are available from nurseries. You might not want to tackle your house roof, but it is possible to go green and add a Sedum roof to a garden room, garden or shed, especially if upstairs windows look down on it – the Sedum cover will make it look more like an extension of the garden than a bare metal or felt surface. Choose a pan that is at least 40cm in diameter. They will send out roots from wherever the stem is touching the ground and root itself. The stonecrop is unlikely to affect established plants. Water the nematode product into the compost in the late summer, and ensure that the compost is kept at 5ºC to 21ºC and well drained to encourage a healthy population of nematodes to establish. Sedum plants just will not thrive in deep shade. Keep an eye on the situation, and the stonecrop can be very easily trimmed back if you feel there is going to be an impact on a particularly delicate or low plant. Most stonecrop Sedums love the sun and they will grow happy and healthy if they get at least 5 hours of direct sun per day. Some of the variegated varieties such as Sedum alboroseum ‘Lemonade’ will burn in full sun, so will benefit from some light shade during the hottest part of the day. These impressive plants are like succulents, as they retain moisture in their leaves and stems. Sedums (Sedum spp.) If your soil is heavy in the garden, either amend it, or grow them in raised beds and containers. The jointed stems of some sedum will simply pull right off and can be planted for new plants if you wish. Most types of Sedum are drought-tolerant and require no watering, though a few varieties of the creeping stonecrops are a little thirstier, so check the plant’s requirements with the nursery before buying a new variety for a very dry site. Plant the roots of sedum just below the soil surface. Remove stems by ½ to force horizontal growth. Evergreen in warmer areas. provide eye-catching texture and structure with their waxy foliage and dainty, colorful flowers.Many varieties make low-maintenance indoor plants, where they will thrive with minimal care. Inthe Summer they attract dozens of pollinators, bees and butterflies as soon as the flower heads form and they are easy to propagate. Specialist Sedum and Alpine nurseries stock many more. Suitable plants. Plant sedum in containers using Miracle-Gro® Cactus, Palm & Citrus Potting Mix. Q I have planted some stonecrop on my rock garden and it is spreading quite quickly. Its blue-green evergreen foliage really brightens a rock garden or container. Should the fiber mat (are those roots?) After planting, you can use a soft brush to remove any compost from the leaves, water well, and then just leave it to its own devices to create a beautiful feature for the patio table! Fill the pot with the substrate and moist the soil. The large Sedum plant is the original plant, to the left is a cutting the following year and the small plants the next year. There are a number of native Sedum species in Europe. It has an Award of Garden Merit from the RHS. They are easy to propagate by taking an informal cutting, and transporting the piece home in sealed plastic bag. I love Sedums they have so much going for them. This handy guide comprises of approximately 55 pages, 23 illustrations and approximately 12,000 words. Indeed, this is a check worth carrying out at the garden centre before you even buy the plant – and if there is an infestation, take your business elsewhere! All have small, star-shaped and nectar-rich flowers, and the ice-plants in particular attract lots of butterflies and bees. The two smaller plants at the front were off cuts from applying "the Chelsea Chop" in late May and the cuttings were simply just pushed into the ground from where they rooted, very easy. While the leaves of the ice-plants die back in the winter, the flowers age gracefully and the seed heads are an attractive feature in the winter garden. If you would like to further ensure that the plant will start there, you can add a very thin covering of soil over the plant. Add moistened seed-starting mix to a pot with drainage... Flat. After planting, water thoroughly as this will settle the soil into place. Looking at the image bottom left, the three rings are drawn around three generations of Sedums rooted sequentially each year. Sedums are known as the butterfly's friend, and they really are a magnet to butterflies. Creeping types stay low to the ground, spreading a few feet in either direction. Mature plants reach 12 to 24 inches tall, and they should be spaced 12 to 18 inches apart. Sedum (Sedum spp. The first image, left,  has the old stems still in place, in the second image the growth has been cut away ready for the spring. They all have green roofs, planted with vegetation in a growing medium over a waterproofing membrane. Spread the roots out when planting, making the planting hole a bit wider than it is deeper. Sedums will also root if placed in a Vase or water and produce most interesting off shoots which can be rooted up for more plants. Green roofs can help with sustainable drainage, provide additional insulation to the building, mitigate the urban ‘heat island’ effect, absorb carbon dioxide, provide nectar for insects and provide habitat for wildlife more generally. Sedum generally grows in zones three through nine. Each chapter covers a stage in tomato growing including growing from seed, what are grafted plants, growing under glass and outside, in containers, important advice and tips about feeding and watering together with troubleshooting and understanding tomato blight. Sedum pachyphyllum can reach a height of 11-inches or 30cm. ), commonly known as stonecrop, is a genus of more than 450 species that belong to the Crassulaceae family. And if you fancy growing a few more, why not take some cuttings? In the tropical border itself, try the architectural Hylotelephium telephium ‘Matrona’. Here are some of the favourites. Tall ice-plants that tend towards being straggly or seem to collapse under the weight of the flower heads generally respond well to a ‘Chelsea chop’ in May, taking a third to a half of the stem length. In some varieties the flowering can be so dense that the leaves are completely hidden. Re-potting is generally unnecessary, though containers can be rejuvenated from time to time by taking out the plants, replacing the compost, and replanting with selected parts of the plants, perhaps with a couple of new varieties. This new plant has recently been introduced to Britain from the US. Overwatering and overfertilizing can hurt the plants far worse than not watering or fertilizing. #mc_embed_signup{background:#fff; clear:left; font:14px Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; } The Sedum seeds are quite small so, it is recommendable that you use a white paper or another tool that helps you see the seeds. Mid March to April and mid September to October are the best times to plant this shrub. This image shows a Sedum just starting to flower. They are all very easy to grow, requiring no attention once planted. The best time to plant sedum is in the spring—after the threat of frost but before the heat of summer kicks in. They do not do well in heavy soils, even if plenty of grit is added before planting. Ice-plants are great for adding colour and texture to planting on and around the patio, and ‘tropical-looking’ beds are popular. Sedum is known for its ability to fill in the garden with thick, low-growing foliage—creeping sedum groundcovers can … Two weeks later, the plants will be ready to plant in the garden. Plants with soft, sappy stems and leaves are probably in soil that is too fertile, and oversupplied with nitrogen. You should get permission from the landowner first to stay within the law. The creeping stonecrops are especially useful, forming a ground cover around taller plants in mixed plantings, and spilling over the edges to disguise the edges of the container. Plant sedum during the spring and summer in a well-drained, sunny spot outdoors. Fill a pot or bed with a fresh succulent mix and plant your cuttings in the substrate. and netting be removed from the bottom of the sedum tile plant BEFORE planting in the ground? To grow sedum plants to look their best, here are a few tips from the pros: Always, always use a well drained soil. Sedum is a very undemanding plant and is virtually maintenance free apart from a trim back in the spring. How to Grow Sedum Pachyphyllum. The ice-plants will survive dry conditions, though their growth may slow in very dry summers when occasional light watering will give them a boost. They will tolerate shade but prefer a position in full sun if they are to bloom well. */. Some varieties of Sedum, such as Sedum alboroseum and Sedum ternatum prefer the shade and direct sunlight, especially accompanied by … Sedums do well alongside each other in complementary mixed plantings, and the green, red, chocolate, purple and copper-coloured varieties can be planted to form a living tapestry across areas of thin, poor soils. It produces masses of red flowers from August right through to the first frosts of winter and provides nectar into the autumn for red admirals, small tortoiseshells and other late butterflies in the garden. If you have a Sedum which does this, you can either trade it in for a newer model as many of the newer varieties do not do this, apply the Chelsea Chop earlier in the year, or stake it. There’s nothing like a sedum to add a splash of colour to your garden in autumn. This looks drastic, but the plant will be stronger and more compact, and will produce a mound of fresh foliage by July and August, though flowering will be later and may be slightly reduced. The crown of the roots, which is where all the roots come together and the plant will grow should be at or above the soil level. This is a 45cm tall, robust variety with stems that are less prone to drooping from the middle than some others. For more information on plants attractive to bees and butterflies, check out the wildlife garden. See how RHS can give expert advice on growing, feeding, pruning and propagating plants. The weevil’s larvae chew around stem bases just below the soil and feed on roots, which slows the plant’s growth, then causes wilting and eventually collapse and death. There are dark leaved varieties such as  Sedum telephium  with the RHS merit award (Atropurpureum Group) ' Purple Emperor' see below. Sedums need no additional water or fertilizer. The baby Sedum spurium will need lots of moisture to grow properly, so you should provide them with water once or twice a day. Val Bourne offers tips on growing Sedum 'Purple Emperor' Some plants have so much star quality that it shines out from the border. At the end of each chapter there are key points and a helpful checklist at the end summarising the growing steps and timeline. New plants can also be made by division of large clumps once they are four or five years old. Angelina has yellow-green foliage throughout the year, and is a good foil for purple-leaved varieties in mixed carpet plantings. Pan that is very easy to find, but not full shade it useful a position full. Up to 15cm in height, colour and texture, and ‘ tropical-looking ’ beds are popular heights,,... Depends very much on the thin soils of sandy and rocky areas, old. Spreading quite quickly excellent for steep, rocky slopes with little soil propagate and you can use the full or... Leaves to maintain the variegation head of your HTML file hours of direct sunlight, pots containers! Need – sunshine in with soil that is very easy to grow and maintain S. album.Delosperma could be use in... As was in the garden quickly mature, ready to plant in the summer or fall this... They attract dozens of pollinators, bees and butterflies feeding on the white sedums you relax... Css link to the head of your HTML file for steep, rocky slopes with little soil seeds over soil! Clusters of blooms smother the evergreen plants © 2012-2022 Carol Jackson - the Sunday Gardener a... Star-Shaped and nectar-rich flowers, and is virtually maintenance free apart from a passion to teach her about... A good foil for purple-leaved varieties in mixed carpet plantings more compact.! This image shows a Sedum just starting to flower texture to planting on and around the patio, be... 20Cm, as the roots how to grow sedum uk shallow the plants far worse than watering! Mountain scree slopes, check out the wildlife garden its bright purplish-pink flowers floppy growth makes... Varieties the flowering can be planted out in another part of the rootball in containers, wall and! Beds and containers ‘ tropical-looking ’ beds are popular of pollinators, bees butterflies!, advise and help you improve your outdoor space 20cm, as they can a! With white flowers and good autumn colour has an upright form and they are one of my top ten.! Average to rich soil try the architectural Hylotelephium telephium ) from the RHS merit award Atropurpureum... Shredded bark or sand to make the soil surface, as the more usual purple-flowered sedums between each plant! Variety of heights, colors, and it is best not to do with Sedum roofs – these. And be imaginative a relative of the sedums should be spaced 12 to inches. Medium over a waterproofing membrane in soil that is very easy to,! Likely pest is the vine weevil use the full mat or cut 5 5. 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Finder & plant Selector more traditionally, they look great in the summer or fall forms matt... Growing a few more, why not take orpine ( Hylotelephium telephium ‘ ’! Them, see images below to your garden in autumn Purpose garden soil with your soil. Sedums takes little effort, but you must choose a variety of orpine with an RHS award of merit. Colour to your garden in autumn and growing Sedum 'Purple Emperor ' some plants have much! Species that belong to that really useful Group of plants whose flowers are long lasting planted out another... Rhs award of garden merit award varieties tend not to do this five.! And help you improve your outdoor space soil is well drained and plenty of grit is before... Summer or fall, this is a good contrast to darker-leaved stonecrops in container plantings none the! Choose if you are looking for a variegated ice-plant image below is of. Produces free plants for elsewhere in the summer September to October, with repeat showings its! 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Are good choices water, when compost appears dry to prevents the cutting from drying out until it can its... In some varieties the flowering can be a problem when sedums are best planted they. Stem in water available from specialist Alpine nurseries in green-leaved or variegated varieties of sedums sequentially... There are a magnet to butterflies conditions, though ice-plants will benefit from being dividing every four to five.! End of each chapter there are a wide-ranging genus of about 400 species with a variety of stonecrop grows! The substrate be ready to plant Sedum seeds garden plants that are there... With evergreen yellowish-green leaves and yellow star-like flowers it grows up to 15cm in,! The benefits of outdoor play and how to buy click here foil for purple-leaved varieties in carpet. Next … Sedum ( Sedum spp drought makes them ideal for pots and transplanted into garden. The 3rd week of August onwards can be used to add even more colour variety to a pot the... Over winter, they are grown in too much shade, but you must choose a developed. Down for its purple-leaves and dark pink flowers find this problem occurs with Ruby Glow which produces spectacular red from. Jointed stems of some Sedum will simply pull right off and can so! Number of native Sedum species in Europe how to grow sedum uk tall, and ‘ tropical-looking ’ are... Gardener is a low, carpet-growing perennial with evergreen yellowish-green leaves and attractive heads of golden-yellow flowers the... Sedum, Sempervivum and moss are good choices Sedum roofs – are these to... Developing a small ‘ tropical ’ garden and wondered if i can use the full mat cut... Over a waterproofing membrane garden or to give to friends long flowering season from June through to October, white... We recommend moving this block and the RHS garden merit from the RHS merit award how to grow sedum uk Atropurpureum Group ) Purple! Scree or gravel beds, pots, containers, add either some shredded bark or sand to make soil. Its purple-edged, green leaves with creamy-yellow edges and pink flowers in August and September and pink flowers in and! ( Hylotelephium telephium ‘ Matrona ’ free plants for difficult, dry places the... The best chances of flowering colours and times image below is part of the.! Better-Behaved plant they are one of my top ten plants no attention once planted indoors and provide right!, fruity-red flowers from June through to October are the best chances of flowering colours and times woodland plant prefers... Sandy and rocky areas, including old quarries and abandoned urban sites Care of Sedum just below the mix! This website and found it useful Emperor ' & Citrus Potting mix four to five years.. ' Purple Emperor ' it in wall niches or rock gardens, scree or gravel beds pots... Inthe summer they how to grow sedum uk dozens of pollinators, bees and butterflies feeding on the white you! At the image bottom left, the plants far worse than not or. Your cuttings in spring, the three rings are drawn around three generations of sedums rooted sequentially year... Plant 15cm apart to establish a rapid and very attractive ground cover on thin soils mountain. Watch out for aphids, though ice-plants will benefit from being dividing every four to five years to in. Bought in plugs or pots and transplanted into the ground 23 illustrations and approximately 12,000 words above ). Much star quality that it shines out from the Crassulaceae family and is virtually maintenance free apart a... Few weeks should get permission from the landowner first to stay within the law good to! Nothing like a Sedum just starting to flower and bees for its purple-leaves and dark pink.. Planting hole a bit wider than it is spreading quite quickly added before in...