The Stonecrops
Sedum species are a varied group of drought tolerant perennials that are easy to grow. All species are from Central, America, Europe, Africa and the Mediterranean area, however they come from a range of climates and vary greatly in growth habit. Some are very low growing, others have a taller growth habit.
Generally they are easy care and will grow well in full sun to part shade. They are commonly called the ’Stonecrops’ and are members of the Crassulaceae family.
Some have become popular garden plants including the plant we call Sedum ‘autumn joy’ (Hylotelephium telephium, syn S. telephium) which is probably the best known of all. A taller growing variety, Sedum ‘Matrona’ is worth seeking out and many low growing ground cover types are also available for sale online.
Sedum praealtum (S. praeltum) is one such low growing succulent from Mexico reaching only 10 -20 cm also known as ‘Green cockscomb’.
Growing Sedum Plants
Easy to grow in the garden in a well drained soil, Sedum also look great in terracotta pots.
Care and maintenance is very easy, but remember that the different species do vary greatly.
We have been growing S. telephium ‘Autumn Joy’ in a large terra cotta pot for around 5 years, it gets very little extra water and in terms of care gets cut back in early spring as new growth commences. Its probably time to divide it, however it is flowering brilliantly this year, so maybe next year. As for fertilizer, except for 1 or 2 applications of liquid seaweed fertilizer it has had none
Propagation is easy by division, larger clumps may be divided and replanted anytime during the growing season.
Sedum species and cultivars
- S. telephium ‘Autumn Joy’ and Sedum spectabile are two good varieties. The starry flowers are very attractive to butterflies, birds and bees and have exceptional vase life.
- S. spurium ‘Dragon’s Blood’ is another popular plant with red glossy foliage and a trailing habit. Sedum flowers start as a green mass, slowly turning pink and then a deep rust.
- Sedum spectacle Neon – Brilliant bright Mauve to Purple flowers
- Sedum spectabilis ‘Pure Joy’ – Pinkish white flowers
- Sedum telphinium hybrid ‘Thundercloud’ – Flowers are a paler pink.
- S. Frosty Morn
Sedum plants are available for sale from the following nurseries and growers
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
Succulent nursery for drought hardy plants. Includes: Adenium, Agave, Alluadia, Aloe, Anecampseros, Crassula, Euphorbia, Gasteraloe, Haworthia, Kalanchoe, Ledebouria, Portulacaria, Sedum, Senecio and many others.
CHOICE SUCCULENTS
Specialist succulent grower with a large range of Echeveria and other succulent genera, including rare and unusual varieties for the collector.
Online Retail Sales www.succulents-australia-sales.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