Sedum Plants for Scale Trees

Several different varieties of the sedum plant are used as scale trees for model railroads.

Model train enthusiasts often enjoy creating a whole universe for their miniature railroad to inhabit. Sedum plants are particularly well-suited for model trains since sedum comes in a number of varieties which can be used for anything from ground cover to miniature trees. Sedum plants will require some care, especially watering, once they are placed in your scale railroad area, so be certain that maintenance of the plants is a priority if you want to maintain their ideal appearance.

Sedum Dasyphyllum

Sedum dasyphyllum features very small blue leaves and sprouts white blossoms during the warmer months. This type of sedum is sometimes used as a scale tree but is so small (under 2 inches when mature in most cases) that it will take longer to grow than some larger sedum plants. Sedum dasyphyllum is often used at the base of sedum trees or as a ground cover since it has a spreading habit. This type of sedum requires minimal water.

Sedum Faro Form

Sedum album, or faro form, is a small variety of sedum. This bright green plant may be used as a tiny tree in some cases, but generally faro form reaches only around 1 inch in height when mature. Some small scale railroads use faro form as trees, while larger scale railroads may use it as a ground cover. A well-drained soil and minimal water (when soil is dry) is ideal for faro form.

Sedum Reflexum

Sedum reflexum, often called Blue Spruce due to its resemblance to large blue spruce trees, is pale blue and features soft needles and spiky yellow flowers. Sedum reflexum is often used as a scale tree for model railroads since it reaches a height of about 4 inches and can spread about 16 inches across. This type of sedum can survive in relatively dry soil but does require semi-regular watering.

Sedum Populifolium

Sedum populifolium is a larger plant that scale railroad enthusiasts may prune into the shape of a tree. This shrub, once pruned, reveals winding twigs and jagged bright green leaves, looking similar to a poplar tree. Sedum populifolium may grow larger than most other sedum varieties, so it needs regular pruning. As with other sedum varieties, this plant can survive in somewhat dry soil but should be watered once soil is dry to the touch.

References

• Backyard Gardener: Sedum
• Colorado Gardening: Garden Railroads Double Gardening Fun
• Drought Smart Plants: Sedum
• Garden Away: Faro Form