Sedum: Succulent-Tough Perennial
Sedum spp.
Sedums combine succulent toughness with four-season beauty. Upright "Autumn Joy" blooms pink-to-rust from late summer through winter. Creeping types cover hot, dry slopes where nothing else survives. Pollinators love the late-season flowers.
Sun
Full sun
Water
Low
Hardiness zones
3–9
Height
4 in – 2 ft
Bloom time
Late summer to fall
Care & Growing Tips
Plant in well-drained soil — sedums rot in wet feet. Full sun prevents flopping. Cut tall sedums to the ground in late winter. Pinch "Autumn Joy" in June for shorter, stockier plants. Extremely drought-tolerant once established.
Companion Plants
Design your sedum garden
See sedum in your own yard before you plant. Upload a photo to Arden and visualize complete garden designs featuring sedum alongside companion plants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1 Why is my Autumn Joy sedum flopping open in the middle?
Too-rich soil or too much water. Sedum wants lean, dry conditions — overfed plants grow tall and split at the crown. Pinch tops in June for stockier growth, stop fertilizing, and move to a sunnier, drier spot. Dividing every 3–4 years also helps.
Q2 When should I cut back sedum?
Late winter or early spring, just before new growth. Leave the dried flower heads through winter for visual interest and wildlife cover — they hold snow beautifully and provide seed for finches. Cut to the ground in February or March.
Q3 Can sedum grow in containers?
Yes — sedum is ideal for containers. Use well-drained cactus mix, water sparingly, and full sun. Creeping types spill over container edges; upright types make good focal plants. Most tender sedums overwinter well in pots moved to sheltered spots.