Sedum plants, commonly known as Stonecrops, are a diverse group of drought-tolerant perennials that are incredibly easy to grow.
With hundreds of species and cultivars available, they originate mainly from Europe, Asia, and North America, with some found in Africa and Central America.
Thanks to this wide natural range, sedums are highly adaptable and thrive in many climates.
You’ll find everything from low-growing ground covers to upright varieties reaching 50–60 cm or more. Their thick, succulent leaves store water, allowing them to survive in dry, poor soils—hence the name Stonecrop.
They belong to the Crassulaceae family and are widely used in borders, rock gardens, containers, and green roofs.
How to Grow Sedum Plants (Quick Guide)
Sedum plants are easy to grow if you follow a few simple rules:
- Plant in well-drained soil (essential)
- Choose full sun to part shade
- Water sparingly once established
- Avoid rich soil and over-fertilising
- Use terracotta pots or raised areas for better drainage
Tip: Overwatering is the most common cause of sedum failure.
Best Sedum Varieties to Grow
Some of the most popular and reliable sedum varieties include:
- Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’ (Hylotelephium) – Tall, upright with pink-to-rust flowers
- Sedum ‘Matrona’ – Dark stems and soft pink blooms
- Sedum spurium ‘Dragon’s Blood’ – Low-growing with deep red foliage
- Sedum ‘Neon’ – Bright mauve-purple flowers
- Sedum ‘Frosty Morn’ – Variegated foliage with pink blooms
- Sedum ‘Angelina’ – Golden trailing ground cover
- Sedum spathulifolium ‘Cape Blanco’ – Award winning and a wonderful rock garden plant
These varieties provide colour, texture, and strong pollinator appeal.
Growing and Caring for Sedum Plants
Sedums are among the lowest-maintenance plants you can grow.
Plant them in sandy or gravelly soil where water drains quickly. They perform exceptionally well in terracotta pots, rockeries, and sunny garden beds.
Once established, they need very little water. In fact, too much water can lead to root rot.
We’ve grown Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’ in a terracotta pot for over five years with minimal care. It receives little extra watering and is cut back in early spring. A light application of liquid seaweed once or twice a year is more than enough.
In late summer and autumn, sedums produce clusters of star-shaped flowers that start green, turn pink, and deepen into rich bronze tones. These flowers attract bees, butterflies, and birds—and they also last well as cut flowers indoors.
Hardiness and Climate
Sedum plants are extremely hardy and adaptable:
- Tolerate heat and drought once established
- Handle cold conditions with ease (varies by species)
- Thrive in full sun, especially in cooler climates
- Prefer excellent drainage in humid regions
They’re ideal for low-maintenance and water-wise gardens.
Planting Tips for Success
- Plant in spring or early autumn
- Choose a sunny location
- Improve drainage with grit or sand if needed
- Space plants for good airflow
- Use free-draining potting mix in containers
- Water lightly once established
- Avoid heavy fertiliser or compost
How to Propagate Sedum
Sedum are one of the easiest plants to propagate:
- Division – Split mature clumps during the growing season
- Stem cuttings – Simply cut and plant in free-draining soil
- Offsets – Replant small offshoots
Most cuttings root quickly with very little effort.
Common Sedum Problems (and Fixes)
Most issues come down to water and sunlight:
- Rot or mushy stems → Too much water or poor drainage
- Floppy growth → Not enough sun or overly rich soil
- Yellowing leaves → Overcrowding or overfeeding
- Pests (aphids/slugs) → Usually minor, improve airflow
- Fungal issues → Avoid overhead watering
Golden rule: Sedums prefer dry, lean conditions.
Garden Design Ideas with Sedum
Sedums are incredibly versatile in garden design:
- Use trailing types as ground cover or along edges
- Plant upright varieties in mixed borders
- Combine with lavender, salvia, grasses, or coneflowers
- Create pollinator-friendly gardens
- Use in green roofs, walls, or dry landscapes
- Mix upright and trailing types in containers
- Use in Rock Gardens for texture, foliage interest as well as flowers
For contrast, pair dark foliage with golden or variegated varieties.
Best picks by use
- For borders: Autumn Joy, Vera Jameson, Purple Emperor.
- For groundcover: Angelina, Blue Spruce, Dragon’s Blood, Coral Reef.
- For pots and small spaces: October Daphne, Angelina, compact groundcovers.
Seasonal Interest
Sedums provide year-round garden appeal:
- Spring – Fresh rosettes emerge
- Summer – Foliage adds texture and colour
- Autumn – Peak flowering season
- Winter – Dried flower heads add structure
Leave stems over winter for visual interest and cut back in early spring.
Where To Buy
www.planterspatch.com.au
Large variety of Epimediums, Woodland plants and Herbaceous perennials
Mail order or nursery. We do not send to Tasmania or WA
www.cloverhillrareplants.com
Large variety of Epimediums, Woodland plants and Herbaceous perennials
Mail order or nursery. We do not send to Tasmania or WA
www.cloverhillrareplants.com
Little Hampton, Vic 345
"Mail order nursery specialising in cottage garden perennials, flowering shrubs, Trilliums, Hostas and Pacific Coast Iris. Flat rate express postage - Except WA & TAS"
www.botanicaltreasures.com
470 Monbulk-Silvan Road Monbulk VIC 3793
"Guaranteed mail order flowering bulbs, perennials, roses, trees, landscaping plants, garden accessories and community fundraising Austra lia-wide."
www.gardenexpress.com.au
PO Box 7040 Leura NSW 2780
Rare woodland plants, Trilliums Epimediums, Arisaemas, plus much more.www.lynnsrareplants.com.au
52 Rodd St Canowindra NSW 2804
An online nursery specialising in drought and frost tolerant perennials and fragrant, edible and herbs.
www.perennialle.com.au
'Umbango' 750 Humula Rd, Humula NSW 2652
Phone 0408692773 Great Range of Perennial plants available for sale by mail order.
www.nutshellnursery.com.au
125 Palmer Rd Jindivick 3818
Open Thursday - Sunday 10am - 4pm
Specialising in growing and selling Rare and Unusual Trees, shrubs Perennials Bulbs and Climbers, a unique nursery with amazing stock.
www.muskersbroughtonhall.com.au
Sedum Varieties To Consider
