Sedum plants are one of the most rugged, durable perennials available -
often described as tough as nails. By far one of the easiest of all plants grow - just
give them bright light and they will thrive without any attention from the gardener. Sedum
plants are extremely drought tolerant and will grow in dry soils where other plants just
perish. The thick, fleshy leaves help the plant store water for the plant to use
during long dry spells. Sedum combines well with shrubs and other perennials
providing a very nice textural contrast in the garden. It is a late bloomer, forming
flower buds in late summer that first start to open just as fall approaches and cooler
weather sets in.
Plants require full sun to very light shade, if given to much
shade the plants will become leggy and very unattractive. Sedum is not picky about
soil as long as it drains well - it will not grow in soggy soils. Amend the soil
lightly with compost and peat moss before planting. Do not mulch plants to deeply as
the trapped moisture can cause the stems to rot. Feed in early spring with a combination
of blood meal and bone meal. Liquid feed once in the summer with fish emulsion -
avoid overfeeding as it will result in soft leggy growth at the expense of flowers.
Sedum
Zones: 3 - 9
Propagation: division and stem cuttings
Problems: none known
Notes: If planting in containers be careful not to over water - to
much moisture can cause the plants to rot.
(see-dum)
