Sedum

Description

Sedum, also commonly known as stonecrop, is a genus of flowering succulent plants in the Crassulaceae family. There are over 400 species of sedum, with a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. They are native to Europe, Asia, and North America, but can now be found growing throughout the world.

Here’s a general overview of Sedum care:

Light: Most sedum plants prefer full sun to part sun. However, some varieties can tolerate partial shade.

Water: Sedums are drought-tolerant and do not require frequent watering. In fact, overwatering is a leading cause of problems. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.

Soil: Sedums prefer a well-draining soil that is sandy or gravelly. A cactus or succulent potting mix is a good option.

Temperature: Sedums prefer cool to moderate temperatures. They can tolerate freezing temperatures, but some varieties may be damaged by frost.

Fertilizer: Sedums are not heavy feeders and do not require frequent fertilization. A weak, balanced fertilizer applied once or twice during the growing season (spring and summer) is sufficient.

Propagation: Sedums can be easily propagated from stem cuttings or leaves. Simply take a cutting or leaf and plant it in a well-draining potting mix. Keep the cutting or leaf moist but not soggy and place it in bright, indirect sunlight. With proper care, the cutting or leaf should root within a few weeks.

Here are some of the most popular varieties of sedum:

• Stonecrop (Sedum spectabile): This variety has upright, clumping stems with clusters of pink or purple flowers in the fall.
• Golden Glow Sedum (Sedum oreganum ‘Little Miss Sunshine’): This variety has bright yellow foliage and small yellow flowers in the summer.
• Wooly Sedum (Sedum lancianum): This variety has silvery-green, fuzzy foliage and yellow flowers in the summer.
• Dragon’s Blood Sedum (Sedum spurium ‘Dragon’s Blood’): This variety has burgundy-red foliage that intensifies in color in the fall.
• Blue Spruce Sedum (Sedum glaucophyllum): This variety has blue-green, needle-like foliage and yellow flowers in the summer.

Sedums are a versatile and easy-to-care-for group of plants that can add beauty and interest to any garden. With a little care, they will thrive for many years.