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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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Do you know how early in spring (zone 6) I can plant sedum tile in the ground? If there are cold nights and/or a late frost, will I need to cover them?
Most plants like to be set into relatively warm soil鈥攕ay, 50 to 55掳F. Once they take these are apparently, generally, pretty cold hardy. We would advise waiting to avoid the risk of frost. Or plan to protect them.
I planted several large flats of "Sew and Grow sedum last summer. They, for the past several months, have been invaded by weeds that I cannot seem to remove by hand. I would like to save them if possible.
Try digging up the whole clump and weeding through it before replanting it (perhaps in another area, or at the least, into thoroughly weeded soil).
For Christmas I received a planter filled with assorted sedum plants. I live in Western North Carolina and will have to keep it indoors. Does it need sunlight or will daylight in the room do? Also can it take a warm environment or does it need cool? How often does it need watered?
Sedum is a succulent, so it appreciates a coarser potting soil (formulated for cacti and succulents), drier conditions (water every other week unless exceptionally dry), and plenty of sunlight. Bear in mind that some sedums overwinter indoors better than others, so consider the variety you have.
Hi,
I've planted a large area of yellow Carlton daffodils between a row of Emerald Green arborvitae and a low retaining wall on the left side of my driveway. The daffodils put on their 6 week show - then what?
What will provide beauty there until the Daffs are ready to pop up next spring?
Hi, Jim, It’s difficult for us to make a recommendation of this sort. Scroll down here to 鈥淔lowers鈥 and peruse some of the options here: http://www.almanac.com/gardening/growing-guides
You should go to a nursery in the spring and wander around. See what you like among the annuals and the perennials. Consider the plants鈥 needs and the sunlight that this area gets … talk to the folks there. Maybe bring a picture of your setting with you so they can see the kind of space you have. This should be a fun adventure鈥攚e have little doubt that making a choice will be one of your best days!
Thanks for your enthusiasm for the 蜜桃恋人!
If I plant several kinds of sedum together, will they eventually all end up alike? I want them to remain individually distinct. Thank you for your time.
If that happens, it will make headlines and history鈥攐r so it seems to us. We have not heard that theory and have seen wide varieties of sedum planted together without losing their individuality.
