Sun-loving sedum is a hardy flowering perennial that dependably comes back each year. This plant is a succulent that grows in zones 3 through 11. Tiny, star-shaped flowers bloom in clusters from mid-summer through fall, depending on the variety. Plant sedum in beds, borders, or containers. New plants need consistent watering for the first growing season, but established plants are drought tolerant and require very little attention.
Include sedum in a mixed bed to add color and texture. Mature plants can stand up to three feet tall and provide an impressive display alongside flowering perennials like daylilies and coneflowers. The thick succulent leaves complement the thin, glossy foliage of shrubs like boxwood or the abundant reaching leaves of sweet potato vines. Sedum is a low-maintenance herbaceous perennial that will complement most plants.
Shrubs To Plant With Sedum
Offset the formal look of boxwood with the organic form of sedum. While sedum can grow several feet tall and wide, it often takes years, so locate sedum in front or between boxwood shrubs so that both plants can be admired. Arborvitae is another evergreen that pairs well with sedum. Sedum requires full to part sun, so ensure tall arborvitaes will not cast too much shade. Both plants require little attention once established, and the textured, scale-like foliage of arborvitae is a stark contrast against the thick leaves of sedum.
Perennials To Plant With Sedum
The tall stems and flat or lace-top flower clusters of yarrow bear a striking resemblance to sedum. Both plants have a mounded, upright growth habit, but yarrow has fern-like foliage. Yarrow is a hardy perennial that blooms from spring through fall, so the bloom cycles overlap for part of the season. Daylilies and coneflowers are other flowering perennials that look lovely alongside sedum. Flowers bloom on tall stems that reach above the sedum, and the larger, individual flowers stand out against the smaller blooms that make up the sedum’s flower clusters. Intermix daylilies or coneflowers with sedum, so there are varying heights, foliage, and flowers.
Annuals To Plant With Sedum
Enjoy the small but boldly colored and abundant dianthus blooms from spring through summer. Most dianthus plants continue to bloom intermittently throughout the rest of the summer, providing pops of color. Around the time the first flush of dianthus blooms fade, sedum flowers start to bloom. Coleus is also a good companion with its bright-colored, showy foliage providing continuous contrast when planted alongside sedum. Both plants have a full and bushy form, so alternate them in a mixed bed for a whimsical look or plant them in rows for a more formal appearance.
Best Companion Plants For Sedum in Containers
Plant sedum in containers for flexible placement options. Feature hens and chicks, another succulent, in the same container with sedum. Feature sedum in the center since it is larger and has an upright growth habit. Surround the sedum with the lower profile hens and chicks. As succulents, sedum and hens and chicks work well together because they have the same care requirements.
Purslane and sweet potato vine also make good companion plants for sedum in containers. Both purslane and sweet pot vine trail, so plant them near the outer edge of the container so the stems can cascade. Sweet potato vine has higher water needs than sedum, but container plants require more frequent watering, so these plants are a good match in a container.
Plants Not To Grow With Sedum
Sedum is adaptable and can grow in various conditions, but most varieties need full to partial sun. Shade-loving plants, like hosta, coral bells, and verbena, are not a good match. Sedum becomes small and leggy in low light and needs plenty of sunlight to reach its full potential.
Best Plants To Grow With Sedum
Boxwood
Daylilies
Coleus
Purslane
Sedums are drought-tolerant plants that grow in full to partial sun. Companion plants should have similar care needs for all of the plants to thrive. Sedums bloom from mid-summer through fall, so select plants that bloom earlier in the season for consistent color, or choose plants that align with sedum’s bloom schedule to create an impressive and dazzling array.
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Author Alison Cotsonas - Published 09-05-2023 |