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.
Specifications
- 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
03Find sedum in your zone
07Zone-specific care, planting windows, and alternatives.
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Frequently Asked Questions
01 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.
02 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.
03 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.