Super sedums: The star-like flowers of sedums not only look good, they are nectar to the wildlife in your garden

By Constance Craig Smith
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Sedums, also known as stonecrop, have none of the showy appeal of other autumn-flowering plants such as chrysanthemums, dahlias or zinnias. But once you get to know them, their charms soon become apparent. For a start, they are tough as old boots and will grow in places where little else will thrive – even on rooftops – so if you have a really dry area in your garden, with poor soil, they are ideal.

However, they are equally happy in rich soil in a sunny or partially sunny border, mingling with herbaceous perennials.

They look their best at a time when you need some extra colour in the garden, producing star-like clusters of flowers in shades of yellow, pink, white or purple from August to October. Some also have striking leaves in shades of purple or red.

Pretty in pink: the Sedum Stewed Rhubarb Mountain is as tough as old boots and will grow in places where little else will thrive

Pretty in pink: the Sedum Stewed Rhubarb Mountain is as tough as old boots and will grow in places where little else will thrive

If you are keen to lure more wildlife to your garden, nectar-rich sedums are a great choice, as they attract butterflies, hoverflies, lace-wings and ladybirds. What’s more, they are very easy to propagate so when you find a variety you like, you can grow plenty of extra plants – just plunge a 5-7cm (2-3in) length of stem into some compost and, within six weeks or so, your cutting should have grown roots.

There are more than 400 varieties of sedum to choose from, ranging from tiny plants suitable for rockeries to types which grow up to 1m (3ft) tall. The most widely grown sedum is ‘Autumn Joy’, also known as ‘Herbstfreude’, which thrives in almost any situation. It has flat, pale-green leaves and gorgeous rich-pink flowers that are held on stiff, upright stems. It spreads easily and grows to more than 60cm (2ft) tall.

Sedum spectabile 'Autumn Joy'
Sedum spectabile 'Iceberg'

Flower power: Sedum spectabile 'Autumn Joy' (left) and  'Iceberg'

If you want white flowers, go for Sedum spectabile, ‘Iceberg’, which grows to about 46cm (18in) tall. The soft-green leaves appear from spring onwards, followed in late September by very large, flat heads of greenish-white starry flowers. For dramatic effect, go for ‘Purple Emperor’, whose very dark plum stems and leaves are crowned by clusters of pale-pink flowers.

For the front of your border, try ‘Bertram Anderson’, which forms a clump measuring about a foot across, but only grows 23cm (9in) high. It has small purple leaves and open clusters of rich-red flowers. Another good small sedum is ‘Stewed Mountain Rhubarb’, whose creamy pink flowers are carried on strong, arching stems that are usually grey-green but can also have a purple tinge. This variety needs to be planted in full sun and will reach 30cm (1ft) in height.

www.claireaustin-hardyplants.co.uk, www.bethchatto.co.uk, www.crocus.co.uk

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