Sedums, or Stonecrop, as they are commonly known, are succulents with thick leaves that are filled with water.
Their round, fleshy, blue-green leaves have clusters of closely packed flowers that appear in late summer, resembling a head of broccoli.
As our summer gardens begin to fade with the onset of fall, a clump of Sedums in the landscape begins to burst with color, adding renewed interest with their subtle jewel tones. In their native habitat they are found in mountainous areas and prefer well-drained soil, especially in the winter.
You may be surprised to learn that there are about 400 species of Sedum worldwide. The taller types are hardier.
Sedum “Autumn Joy” is a longtime favorite perennial, blooming from August into November, with 6- to 7-inch blossoms that open pink and eventually mature to a coppery autumn color. Although these clump-forming plants are not heavy feeders, they do appreciate a side dressing of compost in the spring.
Attractive to butterflies and bees, Autumn Joy, with its succulent stems and leaves and its showy flowers, will reach a height of two feet. The presence of bees is an important indicator of a healthy garden. Sedums also are valued as a late-season source of nectar for butterflies and hummingbirds.
If your Autumn Joy has a tendency to grow too tall it can be tip-pruned to 4 inches when it reaches 6 to 8 inches to keep it shorter and avoid toppling over. But be aware that this also will delay flowering.
You can prevent this flopping-over by using little or no fertilizer, and applying less water. The tip prunings then can be used as cuttings, as well as leaf cuttings, and rooted to propagate and increase the number of these plants. Simply take a rosette from the main plant and transplant it into a new area. Toppling may also be an indication that it’s time to divide your plant.
Sedum “Autumn Fire” is a newer variety which has a tighter growth habit, more intensely colored flowers and doesn’t get as lanky. There also are new varieties that are low-growing and good groundcovers. Sedum “Acre” is a bright yellow, creeping plant that is wonderful in rock gardens.
Sedum spurium “Red Carpet” is another groundcover that will grow in the crevices of and cascade over a stone wall. Some Sedums, such as Sedum spectabile “Variegatum,” with its broad, blue-green leaves and creamy yellow centers, are grown for their foliage.
Newer varieties with lime-green and burgundy colored leaves are now becoming available to home gardeners. Plant them in full sun or partial shade, since Sedums
Older plants tend to split in the center if they have not been divided. Divide in the spring, when new growth begins, usually every third or fourth year. Cut off the previous year’s growth, right above the light green nubs of the new growth, at the base of the plant.
You may want to cut back the stems to one to two inches above the soil line after the first killing frost, but I prefer to leave the flower heads uncut for winter interest and food for the birds.
A dusting of snow creates a lovely scene with the strong stems holding ornamental dried flower heads aloft throughout the cold months. That is, unless you have already pruned your plants to use as cut flowers. Change the water regularly and they will last for weeks.
The flowers also are excellent for using in dried flower arrangements. Even after surviving the effects of winter storms, the old flowering stems often are intact enough to use as dried flowers.
They are perfect for planting in a border, a rock garden or in containers. They look best when planted in clusters of three or more with plants spaced at least 6 inches apart. Prepare the garden bed in spring or fall, making sure the soil is well drained and light, incorporating a 2– to 4-inch layer of compost. After planting, firm the soil and water thoroughly.
Sedums are easy to grow, care-free, drought-tolerant, deer- and pest-resistant. They’re a worthy addition to any sunny garden.
The Staten Island Herb Society is hosting an afternoon tea, “The Last of the Summer Breeze” on Sunday, Sept. 19, from 2 to 5 p.m. on the Pavilion in Conference House Park. Enjoy an array of teas and summer Sangria along with tea sandwiches and sweet and savory treats. Reservations, which are $35, may be made by calling (917-750-6364).
Lee Gugliada is past president of the Great Kills Garden Club and past director of First District Federated Garden Clubs of New York State.