The stonecrop (also Sedum or stonecrop) can beautify your garden all year round. Information on the numerous varieties of the perennial and everything you need to know about planting, caring for, propagating and overwintering the stonecrop can be found in this article.
The name sedum (Sedum) denotes a genus in the succulent family (Crassulaceae). There are over 400 different species and numerous varieties worldwide, many of which feel at home in our home gardens. Sedum species are also often called "fat hens". However, this name is also used synonymously for an edible mushroom, the "Krause Glucke".
Sedum plant: characteristics and origin
The names stonecrop and stonecrop cover numerous closely related species within the genus Sedum. The terms are often used interchangeably, although the two groups of species differ somewhat in their growth habit. While “sedum” mainly refers to the taller, clumpy Sedum perennials, “stonecrop” is more commonly understood to mean the ground-covering, carpet-forming species. Most sedum species are found in North America and Asia. In addition, Sedum species are also found in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Overall, the subtropical and temperate zones of the northern hemisphere are considered the natural range of the genus Sedum.
In addition to the growth habit, the different Sedum species and varieties differ in the color of the leaves and flowers and in the arrangement of their leaves. In addition, the fat hens sometimes have different flowering times. Common features are the fleshy leaves, which the plants use to store water, and the associated adaptation to dry and lean locations. Depending on the type and variety, the Sedum perennials bloom between June and July or inthroughout summer through to autumn. This makes them valuable feeders for the bees and wild bees that still fly around late in the year.
The most beautiful species and varieties of sedum
Popular varieties of sedum or types of the genus Sedum suitable for the garden
include:- Hot Stonecrop (Sedum acre): 5 to 10 cm high ground-covering, evergreen perennial; spreads out like a carpet; ovate, green and fleshy leaves; numerous yellow, star-shaped flowers between June and July.
- White stonecrop or red moss stonecrop (Sedum album ˈLaconicumˈ): About 5 to 15 cm high ground-covering, carpet-forming perennial; Star-shaped, umbel-like flowers of brilliant white between July and August; rather vigorous; Foliage turns brown-red in some areas in the sun.
- Sedum spectabile ˈBrillantˈ): 40 to 50 cm high clump-forming perennial; oval, light green, succulent leaves with sinuous margins; large umbellate flowers of rich crimson from August to September; can also grow well in slightly wetter soil.
- Purple sedum or Tall Fat Leaf (Sedum telephium ˈHerbstfreudeˈ): 50 to 70 cm high, bushy perennial with strong clumps; large, umbel-shaped, brown-red flowers late in the year (August to September); oval grey-green succulent leaves turning yellowish in autumn; can also grow well in slightly damp locations.
Plant sedum plant: location and time
The sedum plant is ideal for planting on stone structures, open spaces with a heath character or as green roofs. Above all, it prefers dry, shallow locations with a sandy, well-drained substrate. But Sedum can also be cultivated in pots. Most sedum species prefer full sun, but there are also species that are well adapted to partial shade. The soil should have an alkaline to neutral pH and be well drained with a high proportion of stone, gravel or sand.
Total applySedum species as very undemanding plants that have an extremely low nutrient requirement. Accordingly, a nutrient and humus-poor substrate should be chosen or produced. Soil that is too nutrient-rich makes the sedum hens susceptible to frost and diseases. In the garden you should always mix one part soil with two parts sand or gravel to achieve the required permeability.
If you want to cultivate the sedum or stonecrop in a pot, a nutrient-poor soil such as our peat-free Plantura organic herb and seed soil is very suitable. With its low nutrient content, it optimally meets the requirements of the Sedum species. A third of sand should be added for improved permeability and a drainage layer of stones, gravel or pottery shards should be placed on the bottom of the vessel.
The sedum or stonecrop can basically be planted all year round. The best time, however, is spring, as the plants have enough time until autumn to grow and develop.
Care of the sedum plant
The sedum plant is very easy to care for. If it is in the right location, it will thrive without much effort. However, you should pay attention to a few peculiarities.
Cutting sedum
The flat, carpet-forming stonecrop varieties do not need to be cut. If they get too big, parts of the rhizomes can be cut off and replanted in other places.
The higher sedum trees tolerate pruning and can be pruned in autumn, for example. You can use the decorative flowers, for example in combination with rose hips and heather, to tie pretty autumn wreaths or bouquets.
Tip: If you want to cut flower stalks for the vase or a flower arrangement, you should always start just above a leaf. This increases the chance that the sedum will sprout again at this point.
Due to their special ornamental value, the flower stalks can also be left standing all winter and only cut in the following spring before new shoots appear. The stalks with the lush inflorescences have then dried up and can be shortened by one to two thirds. Woody plant parts should be cut off close to the ground so that the perennials can be rejuvenated and then sprout vigorously again.
Sedum fertilize andpour
The sedum plant not only has a low nutrient requirement, it even reacts sensitively to excessive fertilization. In addition to producing a substrate that is low in nutrients and humus, Sedum species should not be fertilized too much. However, for potted Sedum plants, the substrate should be replaced occasionally or treated with a soil activator, such as our Plantura Organic Soil Activator.
An excessive water supply can also damage sedum and stonecrop plants. You should water the drought specialists only rarely and make sure that excess irrigation water runs off quickly. In this way you can prevent the plants from becoming more susceptible to frost and pests or from having reduced stability.
Tip: Potted plants in particular can become increasingly waterlogged due to the small volume of soil. This can be successfully counteracted with a drainage hole in the bottom of the vessel and a drainage layer of gravel or potsherds.
Multiplying sedum plants: This is how it works
The sedum can be propagated in three different ways. They can easily be propagated by division, vegetatively by cuttings or generatively by seeds.
If ground-covering Sedum species become too large, you can simply cut off a piece with a spade, carefully remove it from the substrate and replant it in another place. Alternatively, cuttings can be cut in the spring and then placed in pots filled with substrate. With occasional moistening, they take root within a few weeks and can be planted out.
Propagation by seed is usually reliable. The seeds can be harvested and dried in the months of October and November. They are sown in the garden or on the balcony between March and May. Since the sedum plant belongs to the light germs, the seeds must not be covered with substrate. You just press them down lightly and keep the substrate moist until germination.
Is the sedum hardy?
The sedum plant is frost hardy here. According to its winter hardiness zone of 6 - 7, it can withstand temperatures down to double-digit minus range (-12 to -23 °C) and therefore does not need winter protection.
Sedum Poisonousness
The sedum contains toxic alkaloids and other substances such as flavonoids and glycosides that varyToxic after concentration.
Is the sedum poisonous to humans and animals?
Due to the usually low concentration of toxic substances, the sedum plant is considered slightly toxic. However, it should be noted that the different Sedum species differ in their alkaloid content.
Can you eat the stonecrop?
Even though it is considered only slightly poisonous, the sedum should not be eaten.
If you are interested in other plants that thrive in dry locations and require little or no watering, you will find what you are looking for in our special article on easy-care plants.