Creeping Sedum Info
Sedum plants come in many shapes and sizes and are prized for their quick establishment and “set it and forget it” nature. While a little bit of care is required for baby plants, once they have been in site for a couple of months, these charming succulents can mostly be left alone. Rockeries, paths, containers, and hilly areas are perfect sites for growing sedum groundcover, one of the lowest forms of the group. Low growing sedum are also referred to as stonecrop, and for good reason. They can literally burst with life even in the cracks of a stone wall. Groundcover sedum comes in varieties with gently rounded leaves tinged in pink to chubby, spiky, yellow-green foliage. It is these thick leaves that allow sedums to store water and thrive in hot, dry locations. An outstanding surprise and contrast to the interesting leaves are the blooms. Tiny starry flowers in dense, airy clusters come in hues of yellow to pink to rise above the low lying plants, creating drama and a swirl of color.
How to Use Sedum as a Groundcover
The adaptable plants have a wide variety of uses in the landscape. They can be used as trailing plants in containers, tumbling over the edge with unconcerned glee. Sedums fit into tiny spaces around pavers, rocks, and stones, where they don’t mind the heat generated by such sun-cooked items. Modern cultivation has seen them part of roof gardens or even vertical constructs. Small quirky displays find them planted on top of birdhouses or even dog shelters. In areas with low foot traffic, they are a great substitute for water needy sod grass and they don’t need mowing.
Tips on Growing Sedum Groundcover
Sedum plants tolerate most soil pH but prefer slightly acidic conditions. The biggest requirements are sun and loose, well-draining soil. The soil doesn’t need to be particularly fertile; in fact, sedums seem to do best in areas with low nutrient content. If planting a carpet of these succulents, space them as far apart as the suggested final dimensions. Very quickly the plants will fill in for a full effect. Water young plants weekly but mature specimens can do without irrigation in all but the hottest summers. The faded flowers will usually break off once dry, but you can keep things tidy by pulling or cutting them off. Very few plants will accommodate long vacations like sedum and they will keep supplying their unique appeal for years.
