Sedum
by CMG Kathleen S.
This has been a challenging year for Comal County gardeners. First, an unprecedented ice storm and then the extreme heat and drought. As of September 7th, there had been 74 days with a temperature of 100 degrees or more. It is impossible to forecast the growing conditions of next year but incorporating more drought and heat tolerate plants could be a smart plan. Having a design plan will save much time and wasted effort. If you are designing a xeriscape planting, hoping to control erosion or looking for a pretty late bloomer beloved by butterflies then sedums, also known as stonecrops, are worth investigating.
Low growing sedum from pixiabay.com
Sedums are originally from Asia and Europe but are so adaptable they are found almost everywhere. There are over 400 species and they are in the Family Crassulaceae and Genus of Sedum that include annuals, biennials, and perennials. Their hardiness zones are 3 to 11, but that will vary depending on the variety. They tolerate bad soil, drought, high temperatures and some do not freeze. Sedums prefer well drained soil and at least 6 hours of sunshine. Like many plants they like some shade in the afternoon from the bright Texas sun. Their leaves are thick and succulent. Most leaves are shades of green but can also be yellow, purple, copper and a deep red. They stay colorful through the growing season and into the winter months.
Snails and slugs can be a problem otherwise they are pest free. Sedums are non-toxic to cats and dogs. There are two divisions of sedums; those growing upright and those that are low to the ground. If you are wanting to form a border or perhaps you just want an ornamental plant that will attract butterflies then consider the upright sedums.
Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’ photo from simplytrees.com
Hylotelephium ‘Herbstfreude’, better known as Hylotelephium ‘Autumn Joy’ or Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’ is a popular succulent with an upright growth. While in the past it was considered a Sedum, it is in the same Family Crassulacea, but not the same Genus. Nevertheless, it is a beautiful and similar plant to sedum. It can reach a height and width of 18 to 24 inches. Blooms appear late summer into fall starting as pink then eventually a darker pink and finally reddish orange. They will last until the first frost. The leaves are grayish green. The butterflies and bees are attracted to the blooms and when seed pods form, they can be left for the birds.
Sedum ‘Black Jack’ from perennialresource.com
Sedum ‘Black Jack’ was first introduced in 2005 by Walters Gardens. It stands 2 feet tall and is 18 to 24 inches wide. The leaves are purple fading into black. Blossoms are a vivid pink. The seed pods are also favorites for the birds.
Stonecrop sedum from pixabay.com
The low growing sedums are most useful for addressing areas with hillsides, slopes and rock where grass is no longer desired and for the control of weeds or erosion. Most low growing sedums spread and will spill over rocks and landscape ties. Low growing sedums make a beautiful addition to flagstone walkways by filling in the bare spots between the stepping stones. They are shallow rooted and able to grow in small amounts of soil including crevices in walls. They are a natural choice for container gardening. Cascade or spreading sedums will spread several feet in various directions. Yellow blossoms appear midway through the summer months. In bright sunshine, the green leaves will have a reddish cast and grow to a height of 3 to 4 inches.
Pink Mongolian Sedum from pixabay.com
Pink Mongolian Sedum or Sedum ewersii is a low growing variety with a height of 4 to 6 inchers. It blooms in late summer with pink blossoms and has blue-gray leaves. As the plant begins to die back in late Fall trim this plant to the ground.
Sedums are easy to propagate. Take a 4 to 6 inch cutting, moisten with water, dip it into rooting hormone and place it in the ground or container filled with potting soil. Be sure to remove the bottom leaves. Keep the soil moist. Roots should form in a few weeks. New growth on your cutting means the cutting has rooted. Older plants can be divided preferably in early spring. Click here for more information on dividing sedums or here for more information on taking cuttings and dividing them.
Sedum seeds are tiny and will need to be pressed into slightly damp soil. Do not cover the seeds but keep the soil moist. Germination usually takes 2 to 3 weeks. Since sedums are often cultivars, you may not want to use seeds from your own seed pods. The result will not necessarily look like the parent plant. Because sedums are shallow rooted, use small rock as a mulch to keep other plants from infringing on their roots. Plan to water young plants once a week depending on weather and rainfall. Once established, most sedums do not require much supplemental water unless drought conditions are present. Other than mixing compost into the soil, fertilizers are not required.
References:
extremeweatherwatch.com, thezebra.com, lovetoknow.com, gardenbeast.com, homefortheharvest.com, thespruce.com, en.wikipedia.org, dengarden.com