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Sedum: Your Yard’s Greatest Companion

Sedum: Your Yard’s Greatest Companion - Nature Hills Nursery

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What is Sedum?

Not sure what sedum is? We can almost guarantee you’ve seen it in your lifetime!

Sedum is quite simple to imagine. Picture a field of succulent-like, flowering plants. They are part of the Crassilaceae family, more commonly known as stonecrops! There are upwards of 500 different varieties--this offers so many colors, growing zones, and sizes!

Sedum is a perennial with thick, succulent leaves, fleshy stems, and usually star-shaped flowers. Some have fun, colored leaves and others are simple and succulent looking!

These specimens are extremely versatile. They work great as a focal point for your garden, a ground cover, a container plant, or a replacement for grass! They’re a strong fighter against weeds, preventing them from growing!

There are two categories sedums are divided into low growing and upright.

Low-growing varieties are short and spread as a ground cover. People love to place these in cottage gardens or in between garden stepping stones. They’re known for being amazing green roofs as well!

Upright sedum forms in clumps that grow vertically. These are popular for perennial borders or even planting in pots!

Sedum is an easy-to-maintain plant! All they really need is sun and good drainage--easy enough, right?

How to Split Your Sedum

Yes, you read that statement correctly. You can split your sedum varieties for easy growing and spreading! This makes it easy to place in rock gardens, to make borders around your cottage garden, or use a few pieces in a pot! Here’s how to make the magic happen:

Keep A Schedule

Make sure your plant is prepared to be split up! Stonecrop is best separated between late fall and early spring. Separating during this time will ensure a healthy and quick recovery! Only divide every three to four years.

Trim it Up

When dividing your sedum after bloom, cut the taller sedum species down to at least 6 inches to provide an easier separation! This will also ensure all of the sedum is in good shape.

Remove from Dirt

Here comes the exciting parts! Dig several inches around the sedum and carefully take out the root mass.

Inspect the Roots

Try to remove as much soil as you can from the roots. Then, inspect the roots for any damaged areas. Clip any damaged roots off.

Cut into Section(s)

Use a sharp knife to divide the sedum. A good size to keep in mind is 4-6 inch sections so they have plenty of roots!

Plant Your New Section

Dig a new site in a sunny spot for your sedum! Plant each section in the new site, making sure it gets planted only as deep as the original plant was growing, and firm the soil around the roots. Most sedums prefer well-draining soil.

#ProPlantTip for Care

Water your new addition immediately after planting! It is important to keep the soil lightly moist while it is still establishing. Reduce watering once new growth starts! Within a month or so, your split sections will seem brand new.

Which Sedum is Right For You?

You’ll definitely want to treat your yard to some sedum! There are many different colors, needs, and possibilities when you plant sedum. Luckily, we have a few different kinds to show you!

Angelina Sedum

This sun-loving specimen is unique and gorgeous! It fits in with any garden as the colors are bright greens and yellow. It is a prostrate form with Spruce-like new growth that points upward as it spreads or drips over the edge of pots or rocks.

Angelina (Sedum rupestre ‘Angelina’) is also drought tolerant and attracts butterflies! It’s also quite easy to grow! It tolerates most soil types as long as it's well-draining!

Keep in a full sun location! It also only requires cleaning up in early spring to prepare for the best growth possible!

This perennial grows well in zones 4-9, so if this works for you and you want a gorgeous, groundcover, this one's for you!

Autumn Joy Sedum

Looking for a little color in your life? The Autumn Joy Sedum (Sedum spectabile ‘Autumn Joy’) is your answer! This perennial offers gorgeous, rosy pink flowers that grow on top of the deep green foliage. The flowers grow in clumps creating a cute shape for any landscape.

Autumn Joy is also very drought tolerant! It also prefers well-drained soil, but it does like staying a bit drier than normal. This will help the flowers stay upright! They also love a full sun location!

During the winter months, the seed heads turn a dark brown color--it looks amazing with snowfall!

It grows in zones 3-9, which covers a majority of the United States. Order yours today for a pop of low-maintenance color.

Lime Zinger Sedum

This groundcover is unbeatable! The Lime Zinger Sedum (Sedum SUNSPARKLER® ‘Lime Zinger’) is drought tolerant, deer resistant, and beats out the weeds to keep your yard looking snazzy! Its appearance is a unique combination of colors.

The foliage is a bright green with red borders, creating a sleek and welcoming look! It blooms soft pink flowers in the late summer and fall seasons. The flowers look gorgeous on top of the bright green foliage.

Like the others, this is an easy-to-maintain perennial! Provide it with as much light as possible-this will help produce more flowers! They also like well-drained soil and don’t require much water.

Lime Zinger grows in zones 4-9. Plant this in your landscape to add a gorgeous groundcover color!

In terms of easy to care for, low-maintenance groundcover, this genus is a rockstar. Enjoy your time planting, growing, and spreading your favorite sedums!

Happy planting!

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Autumn Joy Sedum (Sedum 'Herbstfreude'), a perennial featuring red, pink flowers and perennial.
Autumn Joy Sedum
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Rating
Rating
(1)
Type
TypePerennial
By
ByNature Hills Nursery
Flower Color
Flower Color
  • Red
  • Pink
Growing Zone Range
Growing Zone Range
3-9
Mature Height
Mature Height
1-2 ft
Width
Width
1-2 ft
Price
Price
From $1699

Frequently Asked Questions

Is sedum a perennial or does it need to be replanted each year?
Sedum is a perennial, meaning it comes back year after year without needing to be replanted. It belongs to the Crassula family and features thick, succulent leaves and fleshy stems that store water and help the plant survive seasonal changes. Rather than replanting, you can divide your sedum every three to four years between late fall and early spring to keep it healthy and spread it to new areas of your garden.

How and when should you divide sedum to keep it healthy?
Divide sedum every three to four years between late fall and early spring for the healthiest recovery. Before dividing, trim taller upright varieties down to at least 6 inches, then dig several inches around the plant to carefully lift the entire root mass. Remove excess soil, clip any damaged roots, and cut the clump into sections before replanting. Visit naturehills.com to explore our full sedum selection and find the right variety for your garden borders, containers, or ground cover needs.

How much sun does sedum need to thrive?
Sedum thrives in full sun, requiring at least six hours of direct sunlight per day to perform at its best. As a succulent-like plant, it is built for bright conditions and will reward you with stronger stems, more vibrant foliage, and better flowering when given plenty of light. Pair full sun exposure with well-draining soil, and your sedum will be set up for long-term success with minimal maintenance required.

Can sedum grow in shade or does it require full sun?
Sedum performs best in full sun and requires good drainage to thrive, as these are its two primary needs for success. While some varieties can tolerate partial shade, reduced sunlight often leads to leggy growth, fewer flowers, and weaker stems that struggle to support the plant. For the best results, choose a planting site that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day and ensure the soil drains well to prevent root rot.

How large does sedum typically get at maturity?
Sedum size at maturity varies widely depending on the variety, as there are upwards of 500 different types ranging from low-growing ground covers just a few inches tall to upright clumping varieties that can reach 1 to 2 feet in height. Low-growing sedums spread horizontally and work well between stepping stones or as ground cover, while upright types like Autumn Joy form bold clumps suited for perennial borders. Browse the specific variety you are considering at naturehills.com to confirm the mature height and spread before choosing a planting location.

Will deer eat Autumn Joy sedum or is it deer resistant?
Autumn Joy Sedum is considered deer resistant, making it an excellent choice for gardens in areas with heavy deer pressure. While no plant is completely deer proof, deer tend to avoid sedum due to its thick, succulent foliage and stems. For best results, plant Autumn Joy Sedum in full sun with well-drained soil, and consider pairing it with other deer resistant perennials to create a low-maintenance, wildlife-friendly border.

How big does Autumn Joy sedum get when fully grown?
Autumn Joy Sedum typically grows 18 to 24 inches tall and wide at maturity, forming upright clumps that make a bold statement in the garden. It thrives in USDA hardiness zones 3 through 9 and produces its iconic dusty rose to rusty red blooms from late summer through fall. To keep plants looking their best and maintain a compact shape, divide clumps every three to four years in late fall or early spring.

How far apart should you plant Autumn Joy sedum for best results?
Autumn Joy Sedum performs best when planted 18 to 24 inches apart, giving each clump enough room to reach its full spread of about 24 inches. This spacing also promotes good air circulation, which helps prevent disease and keeps the foliage looking its best through the season. Plant in spring or fall in a full sun location with well-draining soil, and you will be rewarded with those iconic dusty rose blooms that deepen to copper-red by autumn.

How do you care for stonecrop sedum through the seasons?
Stonecrop sedum is a low-maintenance perennial that thrives in full sun with well-drained soil and requires very little intervention throughout the year. In late fall to early spring, divide clumps every three to four years to keep plants vigorous, cutting taller upright varieties down to at least 6 inches before separating the root mass. Deadhead spent blooms as needed and remove any damaged roots when dividing to encourage healthy regrowth. Focus your seasonal care on ensuring good drainage year-round, as this is the single most important factor in keeping sedum healthy across all growing zones.

How do you successfully grow sedum in containers or pots?
Sedum grows exceptionally well in containers and pots, making it a versatile choice for patios, balconies, and small spaces. The most important factors for container success are using a well-draining soil mix and placing the pot in a full sun location, as sedum thrives on sun and good drainage above all else. Upright varieties like Autumn Joy work beautifully as standalone container specimens, while low-growing types like Angelina or Lime Zinger spill attractively over pot edges. Choose a container with drainage holes, use a gritty or sandy soil mix, and avoid overwatering to keep your sedum healthy and thriving.
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