Guide for Caring and Growing Stonecrops: Techniques for Durable Ground Cover and Vivid Hues
Sedum plants, hardy perennials known for their drought-tolerance and variety, bring charm and longevity to ornamental displays. These small, sun-loving plants work equally well as ground cover and in rock garden arrangements.
Sedum plants are not deer resistant, rated as 'Occasionally Severely Damaged' by the experts at the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station. Slugs and snails can also be a problem, but modern organic treatments are effective in managing these issues.
Good drainage is crucial when planting sedums. They thrive in fast-draining soil mixes, such as half soil and half pumice or sand. These plants are unhappy in rich, fertile soil and when overfed, and soil that is too rich seems to encourage mildew. Mildew and rotting at the crown are usually caused by the soil being too wet.
When it comes to garden types, sedums offer a range of suitable options. For low-growing, drought-tolerant rock or gravel gardens, smaller and creeping sedum varieties are ideal. Examples include Sedum rupestre 'Angelina', a low-maintenance spreading ground cover with vibrant foliage, and 'Creeping Blue', 'Purple Emperor', and 'Golden', which add color and texture in dry, sunny sites and between stones or pathways.
In flower beds, perennial borders, mixed plantings, and pollinator gardens, taller, hardy perennial sedums are preferred. Sedum spectabile 'Autumn Joy' (also known as Hylotelephium spectabile 'Autumn Joy') is a popular choice, growing about 24" tall with large mauve-pink flower heads that attract butterflies and birds, blooming late summer to fall. Other upright varieties like 'Autumn Fire', 'Wildfire', 'Lime Twister', and 'Firecracker' provide diverse foliage colors and seasonal interest for borders and pollinator planting.
Hardy perennial flower garden types, now called Hylotelephium, are indispensable plants for late summer and fall color, and essential plants for pollinators. They are perfect for xeriscaping projects, green roof planting projects, and garden walls.
Sedums appreciate an annual mulch of gravel, especially in rock garden and drought garden settings. They are also ideal plants for rockeries, low-maintenance patio arrangements, and growing around pathways and filling out in quiet corners.
Despite their hardiness, sedums do not usually need lifting and dividing every few years to ensure vigor. However, when the clumps become crowded with flowering stems, grow-through plant supports can be useful. Aphids can also be a problem, but modern organic treatments are available.
In summary, choose small, spreading sedums for low-growing, drought-tolerant rock or gravel gardens, and select taller, upright sedums like 'Autumn Joy' for colorful perennial borders and pollinator-friendly garden beds. Sedums are very versatile and reliable across many garden styles due to their hardiness and low maintenance requirements.
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