Sedum can be a beautiful and hardy addition to the backyard of any Ontario gardener. Read on to learn how to introduce and care for Sedum!
You don't have to spend a lot of time in your garden to create a brilliant space without much work at all. Enter sedum, the cheat code to carefree colour!
Also known as stonecrop, sedum is among the easiest plants to grow. It comes in many types, colors, and sizes. Sedum is virtually impossible to kill through neglect and will thrive in a range of environments. The name "Sedum" comes from the Latin word "sedeo," which means 'to sit,' and stonecrop is said to come from the plant's tendency to 'crop up' in dry, rocky areas. Together, the plant 'crops up' and 'sits.'
A four-season plant, sedum grows vibrant succulent shoots in the spring. This foliage exists in many colours, such as light greens, blue-greens, purples, pinks, variegation, and many more. In the summer and fall, the blooms can range from pink, yellow, red, magenta, and more, creating a dazzling display of colour that is sure to catch the eye. The blooms of tall varieties do not need to be pruned and will often remain attached upright over the winter, offering a contrast to white backdrops.
Types of Sedum
The names can get confusing because, over the past few years, the botanical community has set about reclassifying species commonly referred to as sedum into more specific categories. This is an ongoing process, and you may see variances in naming.
Low-Growing Sedum
Low-growing varieties will spread out, covering nearby ground, and usually only reach a few inches in height. Most can tolerate light foot traffic, meaning they are unlikely to be severely damaged if critters, pets, or children wander through. Low-growing sedum is great for rock gardens, hanging baskets, and wall cascades. Examples of these are Sedum spurium 'Tricolor Stonecrop' and Sedum sieboldii 'October Daphne' Stonecrop.
Hylotelephium/Tall Sedum
Hylotelephium species are generally the opposite. These types of sedum grow taller than they spread, reaching heights of between 9" and 36" tall and widths of between 12" and 24". They are a great choice for border gardens, and many will bloom in brilliant pinks and reds, making them very attractive to pollinators.
Hylotelephium spectabile 'Autumn Fire', Hylotelephium spectabile 'Carl', and Hylotelephium telephium 'Jose Aubergine' are types of tall sedum.
Planting Your Sedum
Sedum is a perennial, and many species are hardy in cold areas. When planting your sedum, it is best to do so after the spring frost but before the fall frost in your zone, allowing the plant's roots to establish a structure in the soil before freezing. Spacing will depend on whether you are planting low-growing or tall sedum. Low-growing sedum is usually spaced out more as it tends to grow laterally, while tall sedum is often planted closer together as it remains more vertical. Dig a hole at least twice the size of the pot it is in, place the crown at ground level, and fill it with well-draining material. Sedum thrives in nutrient-deficient soils, so your existing soil is usually fine as long as it drains well. Water your sedum well every few days after planting.
Sedum Care in Ontario
Sedum is not a fussy plant and can tolerate a range of conditions. They love bright areas and will do better in full sun. Most varieties will also grow in shade, although the colour may be reduced, and tall varieties may become weak and flop over. Sedum thrives in poor soil or dry areas. Once established, they do not need regular watering or fertilizing. They do not like excessive water and will rot if consistently subjected to wetness. Make sure you have dug a large enough hole and that your material drains well. A fast-growing plant, sedum quickly reaches mature size and is easy to divide.
It is almost unfair how great sedum grows with almost no effort. They provide year-round color and are impossible to overlook once established. With a wide range of cultivars available on the market, there is a perfect sedum for every gardener. Now you know how simple it is to care for sedums in Ontario. Get yours today!
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