Sedum plants are well-known, succulent, perennials that look great in the garden from summer through to their fall. Available in a variety of sizes and shapes they fit many landscapes and projects with their distinctive fleshy leaves and star shaped flowers.
While sedum can tolerate some neglect, there are some tips to heed when caring for them in the garden.
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1. Plant in early spring
Many sedums can tolerate temperatures down below zero, and even handle a frost in the spring because of their thick, fleshy leaves. Plant new plants in early spring when the ground thaws and can be worked.
2. Can plant seeds, cuttings, or divisions
When starting sedum gardeners have many options. Some varieties can be started easily from seed. The taller varieties do well by propagation methods such as division or stem cuttings. Gardening Know How explains how to propagate both short and tall varieties.
3. Full sun location
Most sedum love bright, sunny spots in the garden. They will actually thrive in spots that may be too hot and dry for more tender, sensitive plants. Make sure they receive at least 6 hours of full sun daily; partial shade may make them less erect and the stems somewhat flimsy.
4. Well-drained soil
As with any other succulents, it's important to plant them in soil that drains well and does not hold a bunch of moisture. Sedum will actually grow well in soils that dry out too much for other typical ornamentals.
5. Space plants 6-24" apart
Plant spacing will depend on the variety of sedum chosen. More compact plants can be planted closer together. Larger varieties will grow more upright and erect, putting the maximum spacing needed between plants at about two feet.
6. Do not over fertilize
This is partly where neglecting your plants comes in! Sedum plants need very little fertilizer, if any at all. Plant Delights Nursery, Inc. recommended only applying organic compost to give sedum a light dose of slowly available nutrients.
7. Trim back if plants get leggy
If sedum plants get too tall and leggy, trim them back in early to mid-summer. This will help them to become bushier. Flowers may be smaller when plants flower in late summer or autumn, but they will still produce blooms.
8. No need to deadhead
Unlike other flowering ornamentals, there is no need to remove the spent flowers from sedum throughout the season.
9. Do not overwater
This is another area where it's okay -- and even recommended -- to somewhat neglect sedum. Allow soils to dry out before watering.
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10. Divide in spring or fall
To keep plants looking healthy it's necessary to periodically divide them if they are getting too "full". A telltale sign your plants need to be divided is if the center begins to die out. It's best to divide them after they are done flowering in the fall or just as they begin growing in the spring.