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Planting, Growing, and Caring for Sedums
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鈥檚 important to have well-drained 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鈥攁fter 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. (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鈥檛 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.
Catherine Boeckmann
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My Sedum has turned a very light green, almost yellow color. It is usually a darker green. We have had a drought so I've watered about once a week. It is Nov, so it should die back soon (I'm in GA), but I was wondering if I need to fertilize it now, to have a healthier plant in the Spring. Thanks for the help.
The foliage is yellowing because it is starting to die back—completely normal. It’s time to stop fertilizing to allow it to go dormant. Begin fertilizing again in early spring.
For some reason my GIANT sedum opened up and the center is open to the elements, the effect is not that appealing, however, I noticed that my smaller sedum also did the same thing. I live in Dayton, Ohio and was just wondering if this is normal? Do I need to dig them up and divide? Just wondering in Ohio.
I'm in zone six, can implant sedums in the fall?
My sedum wants to flop in the center when it gets to be about 12 or 14 inches high, so what am I doing wrong. I see others that are blooming nicely and standing up firmly,
There is a little trick that goes a long way toward having strong, standing sedum blooms. About half way through the growing season (before they have bloomed) cut them back to about 6 to 8 inches. It may feel counterintuitive, but it really works! By mid- to late summer, your plants will look like those you are admiring. Also, they can be staked, if necessary.
How would sedums do in a five foot rectangular outdoor planter? Do wildlife (deer, rabbits, etc.) like them? Any ideas about keeping the pests you mention away from the plants? Thank you.
Sedum grows well in containers. The plant is considered deer resistant and most critters will leave it alone. To find out how to prevent some of the other pests mentioned on this page go to
almanac.com/topics/gardening/pests-and-problems
How can I control the spreading out of my sedums, they grow to at least 2ft. and spread out like a bowl???
I use green garden twine to gently bind the stalks around the circumference . I usually do this when the stalks are about 12" high and the twine can be loosened as needed if the bundle gets too thick.
