Make sure that the plants have a base of compost to sit on, and aim to end up with the crowns of the plants around the level of the top of the pan, so that water has no chance of collecting around them. It has a long flowering season from June through to October, with repeat showings of its bright purplish-pink flowers. The crowns of ice-plants grown in heavier soils or less well-drained situations are prone to rot in the winter, though adding plenty of grit may help. How to care for Sedum It is an effective organic solution and completely safe for pets, children and wildlife. Sedums belong to that really useful group of plants whose flowers are long lasting . For taller species, cut them back in May to early June for a bushier plant. This variety can be used to add even more colour variety to a mixed Sedum planting with its purple-edged, green leaves. It makes sense to select types with similar watering needs, and to focus on drought-tolerant varieties so that the compost can be allowed to dry out completely to avoid the temptation to over-water. A great choice that is worth searching out if you are looking for a variegated ice-plant. Suitable plants. Planting and Growing Sedum Suitable for rock gardens, scree or gravel beds, pots, containers, wall crevices and alpine troughs. The weevil’s larvae chew around stem bases just below the soil and feed on roots, which slows the plant’s growth, then causes wilting and eventually collapse and death. This can be overcome by pinching out the plants to make them bushier or by using the Chelsea chop in late May or early June. The first image, left,  has the old stems still in place, in the second image the growth has been cut away ready for the spring. The Sedums form a diverse group of nearly 500 species and many have been developed to produce hardy and undemanding succulent perennial plants for the gardener. Stonecrops will form a mat, but they are ground-hugging, so tend to grow around established plants rather than causing any problems by scrambling up or through them. They may not have the year-round interest of some of the horticultural varieties, but they will grow very well in the garden and in containers given the correct conditions. They are easy to propagate by taking an informal cutting, and transporting the piece home in sealed plastic bag. Although Sedums really are a good egg of a plant, (loved by pollinators and butterflies, low maintenance, easy to grow, flower reliably and more,)  there is this one possible problem with some varieties of Sedum as shown in the image. If you would like to further ensure that the plant will start there, you can add a very thin covering of soil over the plant. The creeping stonecrops will often root as they creep, and it is simply a matter of finding a piece with roots, cutting it off and establishing it in a new home. A variety developed from the native biting stonecrop, this is a low, carpet-growing perennial with evergreen yellowish-green leaves and yellow star-like flowers. Sedum pachyphyllum is a succulent that is very easy to grow and maintain. Plants with soft, sappy stems and leaves are probably in soil that is too fertile, and oversupplied with nitrogen. /* Add your own Mailchimp form style overrides in your site stylesheet or in this style block. It has an Award of Garden Merit from the RHS. Inthe Summer they attract dozens of pollinators, bees and butterflies as soon as the flower heads form and they are easy to propagate. It is not unusual to spot several butterflies, a mass of bees and hover flies all together on a single Sedum plant on a warm day. Sedums are best planted where they will enjoy good sun with soil that is not too dry. Sedums are therefore excellent for steep, rocky slopes with little soil. In the wintertime, the tips of Jelly Beans’ leaves will turn red. Plant the roots of sedum just below the soil surface. For more information about how we started, and our wonderful team check out our ‘About‘ page. The group divides into two main types, the low, carpet-forming stonecrops, and the rather taller, upright  ‘ice-plants’ that have whorls of larger succulent leaves on a thick, un-branched stem. They are all very easy to grow, requiring no attention once planted. How to grow Sedum morganianum ‘Burrito’ Grow Sedum morganianum ‘Burrito’ in cactus compost, on a well-lit windowsill or similar, out of direct sunlight. The baby Sedum spurium will need lots of moisture to grow properly, so you should provide them with water once or twice a day. Cut some heads in full bloom and hang them in a cool place to dry so that they can be used in indoor arrangements through the winter. The flowers remain attractive even as they fade to brown. Even without roots, pieces cut off the ends of the creeping stems can simply be laid onto a suitable sandy, dampened but free-draining compost in pots, or sections inserted gently into the compost surface will root very quickly. Most are stonecrops that thrive on the thin soils of sandy and rocky areas, including old quarries and abandoned urban sites. Sedum is a very undemanding plant and is virtually maintenance free apart from a trim back in the spring. Most of the stonecrops are evergreen and have rich foliage colours that look good throughout the year. Pruning is generally unnecessary and Sedums can be kept in check by cutting back creeping types at the ends, or ice-plants can be tip pruned in spring to reduce the height if needed. It is the ease of cuttings which is surprising about this plant. Bred from a Japanese native, this stonecrop is a great ground cover plant, forming neat mounds about 5cm tall and expanding to about 30cm in diameter. Indeed, this is a check worth carrying out at the garden centre before you even buy the plant – and if there is an infestation, take your business elsewhere! Another low-growing stonecrop variety. Plants in container are particularly vulnerable. The crown of the roots, which is where all the roots come together and the plant will grow should be at or above the soil level. An excellent addition to a container, or plant it in wall niches or rock gardens. Sedum generally grows in zones three through nine. (Learn more about soil … This variety forms a spreading carpet of bright golden leaves, studded with masses of individual yellow star flowers from June to August. The Sedum illustrated (above right) is Ruby Glow which produces spectacular red flowers from late summer into early autumn. This image shows a Sedum just starting to flower. You should get permission from the landowner first to stay within the law. The best time to plant sedum is in the spring—after the threat of frost but before the heat of summer kicks in. Growing sedums takes little effort, but you must choose a variety suited to growing indoors and provide the right conditions. It grows up to 45cm tall, and has pale green leaves with creamy-yellow edges and pink flowers in August and September. This can also be overcome by selecting a variety of Sedum which will do better than others. Sedum spurium Growing and Care Guide Grows well in zones 3 to 9. Most types of Sedum are drought-tolerant and require no watering, though a few varieties of the creeping stonecrops are a little thirstier, so check the plant’s requirements with the nursery before buying a new variety for a very dry site. The ice-plants will survive dry conditions, though their growth may slow in very dry summers when occasional light watering will give them a boost. Fill the pot with the substrate and moist the soil. Sprinkle in a handful of blood, fish and bone and work into the ground. Good varieties for the garden are those with the RHS merit award which are Sedum 'Ruby Glow' (top right image) which grows up to 25cms; 'Munstead Red' which is taller up to 60cms; and ' Herbstreude' which is of a similar height. Sedums will grow in partial shade, but not full shade. Consider varieties that will give some height near the middle, with creeping varieties hanging over the edge of the pan. Spread the seeds over the soil, so not bury them. Sedum is a very undemanding plant and is virtually maintenance free apart from a trim back in the spring. Nipping back stops the floppy growth and makes for a better-behaved plant. How to Grow Sedum Throughout the Season Growth Habit: Sedums are generally grouped into two categories; clumping and creeping. 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