Green Blob & Purple Blob Sedum
Sedum ‘Green Blob’ and ‘Purple Blob’ are excellent examples of Sedum spathulifolium, valued for their compact growth and colourful foliage. These low-growing succulents are ideal as ground cover plants and perform equally well in containers.
The main difference between the varieties is foliage colour — one bright green, the other a rich purple that deepens with sun exposure.
Other forms such as ‘Silver Blob’ and ‘Gold Blob’ are also available, all sharing the same growth habit and care requirements.
Key Features
- Compact, low-growing succulent
- Available in green, purple, silver, and gold foliage forms
- Excellent for containers and small spaces
- Drought tolerant and low maintenance
- Ideal for sunny, well-drained positions
Growth Habit and Size
Sedum ‘Blobs’ form tight, spreading clumps over time, making them useful as small-scale ground covers.
- Height: Around 10cm
- Spread: Around 30cm, increasing gradually in good conditions
- Growth habit: Low, clumping and slowly spreading
They are especially effective when planted in groups or allowed to naturalise in the right conditions.
How to Grow the Sedum ‘Blobs’
Like most succulents, Sedum ‘Blobs’ thrive in sunny, well-drained environments.
- Position: Full sun
- Soil: Free-draining soil is essential
- Watering: Low once established
- Climate: Best in frost-free or protected positions
These plants are not well suited to cold, wet winters. In cooler climates, plant in a sheltered position or grow in containers to improve drainage and protection.
Growing Sedum ‘Blobs’ in Containers
Sedum ‘Blobs’ are particularly well suited to container growing.
- Use a high-quality, free-draining potting mix
- Ensure pots have good drainage holes
- Position in full sun for best colour
- Avoid overwatering, especially in winter
Containers also allow you to move plants into protected areas during colder weather.
Care and Maintenance
These are very low-maintenance plants once established.
- Little to no fertiliser required
- Apply a light liquid seaweed fertiliser in spring if needed
- Avoid over-fertilising, which can lead to weak, leggy growth
- Pruning is generally not required
Climate Considerations
Sedum ‘Blobs’ prefer dry conditions and can struggle in cold, wet climates.
- Not frost tolerant
- Avoid heavy, waterlogged soils
- Provide shelter in cooler regions
Growing in containers is often the best option in less suitable climates.
Flowers and Foliage
While primarily grown for foliage, these sedums also produce attractive flowers.
- Foliage: Rounded leaves in green, purple, silver, or gold tones
- Colour variation: Foliage colour intensifies with increased sunlight
- Flowers: Yellow blooms on taller stems
- Flowering time: Spring to mid-summer
The combination of foliage colour and seasonal flowers adds interest throughout the year.
Propagation
Propagation is simple and reliable.
- Divide established clumps when large enough
- Best done during the warmer months
This makes it easy to expand plantings or refresh older clumps.
How to Use Sedum ‘Blobs’ in Rock Gardens
These compact sedum plants are ideal for rock gardens, where their small size and spreading habit allow them to settle into tight spaces.
Plant them between rocks, along edges, or in crevices where drainage is excellent. They work well in shallow soils and areas exposed to sun and heat.
For best effect, combine different ‘Blob’ varieties to create contrast in foliage colour while maintaining a consistent growth form.
Best Companion Plants for Sedum ‘Blobs’
Sedum ‘Blobs’ combine well with other sun-loving, drought-tolerant plants.
Good companions include:
- Other succulents and sedums for a layered look
- Low-growing grasses for contrast in texture
- Alpine plants suited to free-draining soils
- Small perennials that prefer dry conditions
Mixing foliage colours such as silver, blue, and green helps highlight the richer tones of purple varieties.
Summary
- Botanical Name: Sedum spathulifolium (‘Green Blob’, ‘Purple Blob’ and others)
- Common Name: Sedum ‘Blobs’
- Height: 10cm
- Spread: 30cm+ over time
- Position: Full sun, frost-free
- Soil: Well-drained
- Foliage: Green, purple, silver, or gold
- Flowers: Yellow
- Flowering: Spring to mid-summer
- Frost tolerant: No
- Foot traffic: Not suitable
- Propagation: Easy by division
- Fertiliser: Minimal
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