How to Plant Sedum

Sedum is an autumn flowering perennial, a low maintenance succulent of which there are many dozens of varietals. They are extremely drought tolerant, thrive in hardiness Zones 3 through 10, and can grow in conditions from full sun to partial shade. Sedums grow from 5 inches up to 25 inches in height--and from 10 inches to 25 inches in spread. Some Sedum varietals have an upright habit while other are more of a trailing ground cover. Both the color of foliage and flowers vary greatly by varietal, but most look good all year long in drift plantings, garden edging, rock gardens, and patio containers. They are also beloved by butterflies.

Things You'll Need

• Sedum plant varietal of your choice
• Organic soil amendments
• Water
• Hand trowel, shovel

Instructions

1. Inspect soil at the planting location to ensure a well drained rich hummus. Sedum is not terribly fussy about its soil conditions, but it does prefer well drained soil.

2. Dig up two to three feet of soil to aerate and loosen it up, adding in some organic matter such as compost. Mix it up. Turn the soil well to incorporate. If there is heavy clay soil, be sure to mix in some sand.

3. Use your shovel or towel to dig a hole two times the width of your Sedum's root ball. If you are planting multiple Sedum plants, make sure to place them at intervals of 7-inches to 2-feet between one another. Consult the tag on your particular variety of Sedum as a guide.

4. Place your Sedum in the hole ensuring that the top of the root ball is level with the new soil. Gently scoop the prepared soil to surround the root ball. Press down gently with your hands. Water it well. Add additional soil if air pockets or indentations in the soil have occurred.

5. Keep the plants soil moist, but don't keep them overly wet throughout the summer. Sedum will bloom with long-lasting blooms once late in the summer or early fall.

6. Lay down a new thin layer of compost once each year during April or May. You can also add several inches of mulch to help retain moisture if the Sedum is planted in full sun or in an especially dry climate.

Tips & Warnings

• Plant Sedum in Spring when the last frost in your area has passed.

References

• USDA Plant database primer on Sedum
• National Gardening Association plant profile of Sedum

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• National Gardening Association Sedum library resource