When to Plant Creeping Sedum

Creeping sedum is also known as stonecrop or creeping stonecrop.

Creeping sedum (Sedum spurium) is an attractive ground cover that thrives in a variety of conditions and spreads quickly, even in difficult areas where few plants grow. Most creeping sedum varieties are sturdy enough to tolerate the cold temperatures of U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zone 3, while a few slightly more tender varieties are suitable for growing in zone 4 or 5.

When to Plant Creeping Sedum

Creeping sedum is a hardy perennial that isn't choosy and can be planted nearly any time of year, except winter. Spring is an ideal time, as spring planting provides time for the roots to establish before the hot days of summer. Sedum tolerates early fall planting well for a similar reason -- the plant is established before the first freeze. Summer plantings are less desirable. If you plant sedum in summer, plant in the morning on a cool, overcast day.

Planting Creeping Sedum

Spade the soil to a depth of 10 to 12 inches in preparation for planting creeping sedum. If you're planting sedum in spring, cultivate after the soil dries out enough to be worked easily. Spread 3 to 4 inches of organic matter, such as compost or manure, over the soil, then use your spade or a garden fork to mix the organic matter thoroughly into the soil. While creeping sedum doesn't require fertilizer, organic matter improves soil drainage and quality. Read the label on the nursery tag to determine planting distance. As a general rule, small varieties are planted 6 to 8 inches apart, while large varieties require up to 24 inches of space between plants.

Propagating Creeping Sedum

Although planting bedding plants from a nursery or garden center is a way to establish sedum quickly, sedum is easily propagated from existing plants, either by division or stem cuttings. To divide creeping sedum, dig an entire plant and divide the plant into smaller sections. The best way to divide large plants is to use a sharp shovel or trowel to remove a section from the side of the plant. The key is to dig deeply to avoid damaging the roots more than necessary. To propagate by stem cutting, cut a 3- to 5-inch length of stem. Plant the stem cutting directly in the soil, then keep the soil slightly moist until the cutting roots. Alternatively, plant the cutting in a pot filled with sand or commercial potting mixture. Plant the creeping sedum outdoors when the the cutting takes root.

General Care

Creeping sedum is among the easiest plants to grow, requiring virtually no maintenance once established. Sedum rarely requires supplemental irrigation and although it isn't absolutely required, creeping sedum benefits from about an inch of water per week during long periods of hot, dry weather. A 2- to 3-inch layer of compost or mulch keeps weeds in check and prevents moisture evaporation. Keep the plants compact and tidy by trimming with a string trimmer or garden pruners after the first frost in autumn. Creeping sedum is safely trimmed down to 2 to 3 inches above the soil, and will rebound quickly in spring.

References

• North Carolina State University Extension; Sedum Spurium; Erv Evans
• "Fine Gardening" magazine; Creeping Sedums; Ed Snodgrass; 2011
• Washington State University Extension; Stonecrop; Cheryll Greenwood Kinsley
• National Gardening Association: Sedum
• Colorado State University Extension; Perennials: How and When to Plant; October 2010
• Perennials.com: Sedum Autumn Joy