Sedum

Planting sedum

Plant divisions or starts in spring in the driest, sunniest spot you have. Sedum rots in wet soil, so drainage matters more than fertility.

Planting details

• Spacing: 18 to 24 inches
• Lean soil keeps stems sturdy; rich soil flops them
• Upright types bloom late summer into fall

Growing requirements

Upright sedums need full sun and fast-draining, even gritty soil. Once established they ask for almost no water, which makes them the easy end of the perennial border.

Harvesting and care

Leave the dried flower heads standing for winter structure, then cut stems back in spring. Divide every few years if the clump opens up in the center.

Common mistakes

• Overwatering, the fastest way to kill a sedum
• Rich soil, which produces soft growth that flops open
• Planting in shade or wet ground, where the crown rots

Companion plants

Sedum pairs with coneflowers, ornamental grasses, and lavender in dry, sunny beds where thirstier perennials fail.