Sedum is an easygoing plant that’s perfect for anyone who wants a low-maintenance but super cool addition to their garden or indoor space. Sometimes called stonecrop, Sedum is known for its thick, water-storing leaves, making it a type of succulent. These plants are as tough as they come and have been loved by gardeners for generations thanks to their resilience and unique look.
If you’re looking for a plant that’s hard to kill, looks great, and is super simple to care for, Sedum might just be your new favorite!
Popular Sedum Varieties
- Autumn Joy
- Dragon’s Blood
- Sedum spurium (Creeping Stonecrop)
Care
- Water: Sedum is a pro at storing water in its leaves, so it doesn’t need much watering. In fact, you should let the soil dry out completely between watering sessions. Too much water can cause its roots to rot, so less is more!
- Light: Like most succulents, Sedum thrives in bright sunlight. Aim for at least six hours of sun each day to keep it looking happy and healthy. If you’re growing it indoors, a sunny windowsill is the perfect spot.
- Soil: Sedum is not fussy when it comes to soil, but it grows best in well-drained soil. A sandy or gritty soil mix works great, as it lets water pass through easily, keeping the roots dry.
- Temperature and Humidity: Sedum is a champ when it comes to temperature. It can handle warm weather and even some cold temps, thrives best between 60°F to 75°F. Most types of Sedum can survive light frost, but extreme cold could damage them.
Planting & Growing
Planting sedum is super easy! For border sedums, pick a sunny spot with well-drained soil. They look great at the front of a garden border, especially when grouped together. If your soil is dry, these low-maintenance plants will love it. You can give them a quick trim in late May to keep them looking neat and bushy by cutting back one-third of the stems.
When planting, dig a hole that’s the same size as the pot and mix in some grit to help with drainage. Water them well after planting, but after that, they’re pretty drought-tolerant and don’t need much watering.
Pruning
Pruning your sedum is a breeze and helps keep it looking great. In February and March, trim off the old flowerheads to make way for new growth. You’ll see fresh little rosettes of leaves starting to pop up at the base. This simple step helps your plant stay neat and encourages more blooms.
If you’re in a warmer area, you can trim anytime and still keep your sedum happy and healthy. For more detailed tips and tricks on pruning sedum, check out our extended guide below!
Common Pests
Though Sedum is pretty tough, it can still attract a few pests. Keep an eye out for these common ones:
Frequently Asked Questions
Does sedum like sun or shade?
Sedum loves full sun and needs at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. Some types can handle less, but they might lose their bright colors without enough light.
Should sedum be cut back?
You don’t have to cut sedum unless it’s getting too wild. Trimming it can help it grow thicker and keep it looking neat.
Does sedum come back every year?
Most sedums are perennials, meaning they come back every year. However, some varieties are annuals or only survive mild winters.
How often do you water sedum?
Sedum is drought-tolerant, but watering younger plants weekly from spring to fall helps it grow bigger and produce more flowers. Just don’t overwater, especially in cooler months.
