Sedum is the plant that you should start out with as a gardener. It survives anything and comes in a host of colors. It is drought tolerant, loved by pollinators, and can survive in a wide range of soil types.
Sedum is a large genus of 400+ different flowering plants in the family Crassulaceae. It is an under-utilized plant in the garden. The plants are drought tolerant, attract bees and butterflies, provide interest even in the winter, and will spread slowly throughout the garden. We cannot think of any downsides of this plant, and it belongs in most every garden! The plants have thick succulent leaves that are able to store water for periods of drought. Commonly known as stonecrops, these plants survive in poor conditions and are easy to care for.
The Best Way To Use Sedum
Gardeners simply need to plant sedum in an area that gets at least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight a day, then forget about the plants. Most sedum do best in full sun, and all require soil that is well drained. Once established, the plants require minimal care. These also work well in garden planters since you don’t need to worry about the plants drying out too fast. Most sedum bloom in late summer and produce nectar rich flowers that are red, yellow or white. The flowers are a favorite of butterflies and you will often see more than butterfly on each plant. Sedum is also deer resistant and winter hardy in growing zones 3 to 8.
Commonly known as stonecrops
Thick succulent leaves that store water
Flowers that are red, yellow or white
Growing zones 3 to 8
About Sedum
Genus
Species
Family
Sedum
400+
Crassulaceae
Common Names:
Stonecrop
Native To:
Europe, Asia, North America
Plant Type:
Perennials
Foliage Type:
Deciduous
USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
3 - 9
Flower Color:
Pink, Red, Yellow, White
Flower Bloom Time:
Summer to Fall
Growth Habit:
Clumping, Spreading, Upright
Attracts:
Bees, Butterflies
Tolerates:
Drought, Heat, Poor Soil
Resists:
Deer, Rabbits, Pests
How To Use Sedum In The Garden
Sedum has thick, fleshy leaves that provide drought tolerance, making it an excellent choice for low-maintenance gardening. Its wide range of forms, from sprawling ground covers to upright varieties, adds flexibility to any planting scheme. Sedum is valued for its water-storing leaves, allowing it to withstand challenging conditions, while bringing visual interest throughout the seasons.
This plant serves multiple purposes, from creating colorful ground cover to filling gaps in rock gardens with its spreading growth habit. Taller varieties make excellent border plants, adding structure and contrast when paired with grasses or flowering perennials. Sedum is also ideal for green roofs and living walls, as its easy-care requirements suit urban and eco-friendly landscapes. Whether used as a focal point or a supportive feature, this succulent is a valuable addition to diverse garden settings.
Sedum Care
Sedum plants require well-draining soil, such as sandy or gravelly types, to prevent root rot. They thrive in full sun, needing at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Watering should be minimal; during dry periods, water approximately once per week, ensuring the soil completely dries out between waterings. Fertilization is generally unnecessary, as sedums prefer low-nutrient soils.
Pruning sedum involves removing spent flowers and leggy growth to maintain shape and encourage new growth. In winter, particularly in colder climates, applying a layer of mulch can protect the roots from freezing temperatures. Sedums adapt well to container gardening; ensure pots have drainage holes and use a cactus or succulent potting mix to facilitate proper drainage.
Plants that go well with sedum are sun loving annuals, perennials and shrubs that prefer well drained soil. Some of our favorite plants to grow with sedum are hens and chicks, yarrow, daylilies, dianthus, coneflowers, boxwood and arborvitae.
