The perfect guide to growing and caring for Sedums

Sedums are one of the most unique and attractive plants that you can plant in your garden. These succulents are present in a number of different shades and varieties, such as the Autumn Joy Sedum, and if you are interested in growing this plant, then use this guide to learn how you can correctly plant and care for a Sedum. 

How to plant

Pick a sunny spot, one that receives at least six hours of direct sun each day. Space your plants anywhere from 4 to 28 inches apart, depending on what you’re growing. Make sure that you have well-draining soil for perfect growth. 

Soil

Sedum isn’t fussy about soil; it’ll handle poor dirt, but it really likes average or rocky soil that drains well. Avoid heavy clay or compacted ground, since standing water leads to root rot. If you have soil with no nutritious qualities, you can easily plant Stonecrop Sedum, as the plant can grow easily in the soil. 

Watering

These plants stash water in their thick leaves, so they’re tough in dry weather. Only water if there’s a long dry spell or it’s really hot. Too much water causes rot, mushy leaves, or disease. If you’re growing upright types, go easy; too much water, and they’ll flop over.

Fertilizing

There is no need for you to fertilize the plant, as Sedum actually does better without it. Rich soil makes them grow weak and leggy, which is why you should skip the fertilizer. 

Pruning

If you have upright sedum, pinch it back in spring to keep it compact. After the first hard frost, you can cut the stems down to the ground, or leave them up; old flowers add winter color and give birds something to eat. If you leave them, just cut everything back in early spring before new growth starts. With groundcover types, trim them if they start spreading too much.