Grow sedums (stonecrop) in well-drained soil with full sun. Water sparingly, as they’re drought-tolerant. Use them as ground cover or in rock gardens for easy maintenance.
How to Grow Sedums (Stonecrop):
Sedums are succulent plants with fleshy leaves and flat, nectar-rich flowerheads that attract bees and other pollinators. Border sedums, commonly referred to as ice plants, have recently been reclassified as Hylotelephium perennials and make an eye-catching statement in late summer when masses of flat, bright pink flowerheads appear on upright stems—highly appealing to late-flying butterflies and bees.
Hylotelephium pairs especially well when planted among grasses such as Stipa tenuissima. Border sedums make an impressionful statement during spring, from their green-grey foliage (purple on certain varieties) to their attractive flowerheads and fleshy green-grey flower heads with green centers that gradually take on shades of pink before blooming fully by August. Even dead flower heads covered in frost make for striking displays; you can cut and snip them and keep them displayed for months in a vase.
True sedums, or stonecrops, are small succulent plants with fleshy-leaved succulent leaves that form mats when planted together. Originating in dry, rocky locations where moisture levels are scarce, sedums are highly drought tolerant. Their evergreen foliage attracts pollinating insects with its nectar-rich flowers that draw pollinators’ polls to them. Sedums make excellent ground cover outdoors, such as green roofs; sometimes used instead of grass lawns altogether, tender varieties make great house plants that can even be grown outside in summer containers.
How to Grow Sedums Hylotelephium or Border Sedums
Thrive best in sunny spots with well-drained soil. Group several together at the front of a border for best results, or try doing the Chelsea Cutter to stop them flopping open in May by cutting one out of every three stems down to the ground. These low-maintenance plants require little care but do require cutting one stem per three each year by late May to maintain an even appearance; cutting each one of the three stems back towards the ground could help keep their look intact! Stonecrops require full sun and well-drained soil; these drought-tolerant perennials don’t need frequent watering. When growing them in pots, incorporate some grit into the compost for proper drainage.
Where to Plant Sedums?
When growing border sedums (Hylotelephium), they require full sun in well-drained soil to thrive. Since these low-growing perennials tend to look best at the front of a border, try pairing them with plants that feature flowers with different shapes such as spikes or umbels (balls). Stonecrops require well-drained soil and an extremely sunny location to thrive, such as a terracotta container window box, or roof with enough growing medium.
How to Plant Sedums (Hylotelephium):
Sodums should be planted either during spring or summer. Dig a hole that’s the same width and depth as their original pot, add plenty of grit for drainage purposes, and then water in the well once planted. Once established, they require minimal care as they’re drought-tolerant! if you are cultivating stone crops in a pot, ensure good drainage by including plenty of grit in your compost mix. This will allow for proper water drainage.
How to Care for Sedums:
In February and March, trim back any faded flowerheads of border sedums so you can see tiny rosettes of new growth at the base of each plant. Mulch around its base using well-rotted garden compost or manure. After May 31st you could try performing the “Chelsea Chop”, cutting half of each stem down to ground level to lessen the likelihood that its middle will open out during late summer heatwaves. Stonecrops in pots require minimal pruning or aftercare; just avoid watering in winter.
How to Propagate Sedums Succulent Container
If your border sedums have grown too large for their space, or you would like more, division is an effective solution in spring – carefully dig them up, divide it into sections, replant in their desired locations and water afterward – this should only need to be done every three or four years for best results.
Stonecrops can be propagated via cuttings or offsets from their main plant. To do this, take it out of its pot (or lift it from the soil) in spring or summer and gently separate any offsets that have detached from it; these should come away easily, with a piece of stem attached. Plant each offset into an individual pot – it will grow into its new plant; alternatively, cut the entire plant in half using a bread knife and plant both plants into new pots as a pair.
Pests and Diseases
Sedums are typically free from insects or diseases. Their primary foe is cold, wet soil; to protect stone crops in pots from being waterlogged during winter months, move them somewhere more sheltered from rainfall. Advice on purchasing Sedums Stonecrops vary in height and spread; before purchasing one it is wise to measure them for accuracy as well as inspect it for signs of pests, diseases, or damage before planting it in its new home.
FAQs
Q1. How Can You Grow Sedum Stonecrops?
To plant Sedum, choose well-draining soil that receives full sunlight, while applying sparing watering.
Q2. Is Sedum Easy to Grow?
Absolutely sedum is very easy and needs minimal care and maintenance.
Q3. Want to grow Sedum in pots?
For best results, select a well-draining potting mix, place in full sun, and water when soil becomes dry.
Q4. Does Stonecrop Grow Fast?
Yes, in ideal growing conditions stonecrop can grow relatively fast.