Sedum
The Sedum family consists of many plants with various growing habits.
Perhaps the most popular and common types are the low growing alpine
groundcover plants and the border perennials that produce a mound of
succulent foliage topped with beautiful flowers in shades of pink, which
are extremely attractive to beneficial insects.
How to grow
Sedums,
no matter what type, are very easy plants to grow. As succulents they
will tolerate periods of drought and also grow in containers. When you
receive your plants you should move them in to their final positions as
soon as possible. If you cannot plant immediately, ensure your plants
are watered and keep them moist and in a cool and bright space until
planting is possible.
Position
Plant your Sedum in
a sunny place in the garden or in part shade. Sedums make for excellent
front or mid border plants and will add color in to autumn.
Soil
Sedums
will grow in most soil types although plants will do best on a soil
that is fertile, well-drained and moist. Heavy soils can be improved
with the addition of organic matter, such as well-rotted garden compost
or multi-purpose compost, and
grit. An application of general fertilizer or liquid seaweed feed during
the growing season and after flowering will help to promote strong and
healthy plant growth.
Care
Water plants well
after planting to help them establish. This is the most crucial time
for gardeners as plants that dry out will often die. Plants will
benefit from regular watering for the first few weeks in site and you
may also wish to add a mulch of well-rotted garden compost or
multi-purpose compost in the spring each year as this will help to
encourage good growth, conserve water and keep roots moist throughout
summer. Once established these plants will tolerate periods of drought
in Summer. Remove fading flowers by hand or with
Ratcheting Pruners and add them
to the compost bin.
Top
Tip
Give border types the “Chelsea chop”. Towards the
end of may you can pinch out the growing tips of plants to promote
bushier growth and more flowers.
