Sedum: plants, care, varieties & Co.

The sedum (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) refers to a genus in the Crassulaceae family. 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: characteristics and origin

The names stonecrop and stonecrop are numerous closely related species within the genus sedum summarized. The terms are often used interchangeably, although the two groups of species differ somewhat in their growth habit. While under "Sedum hen" above all the taller, clumpy growing sedum-Perennials are grouped together, "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, you can also find sedum-Species 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 form, the various differ sedum-Species and varieties in the color of 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, they bloom sedum-Perennials already between June and July or during the course of summer into 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 stonecrop

Popular sedum varieties, or species of the genus suitable for the garden sedum are among other:

• 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 sedum 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 sometimes turns brownish-red in the sun.

• Magnificent Stonecrop or Magnificent Bacopa (Sedum spectacular 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 bacopa (Sedum telephium ˈHerbstfreudeˈ): 50 to 70 cm high, bushy perennial that grows in 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.

Planting sedum: location and timing

The sedum plant is ideal for planting 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 also a cultivation of sedum in the pot is possible. 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.

Overall apply sedum-Species as very undemanding plants that have a very 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 soil is suitable Plantura Organic Herb & Seed Soil very good. With its low nutrient content, it meets the requirements of sedum-Species optimal. A third of sand should be added for improved permeability and a drainage layer of stones, gravel or potsherds placed on the bottom of the vessel.

The sedum or stonecrop can basically be planted all year round. However, the best time is spring, as the plants have enough time to grow and develop until autumn.

care of the sedum

The sedum 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.

Cut 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 plants 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 decorative value, the flower stalks can also be left standing all winter and only cut in the following spring before new growth. 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.

Fertilize and water the sedum

The sedum plant not only has a low nutrient requirement, it is even sensitive to excessive fertilization. In addition to the production of a nutrient and humus-poor substrate sedumspecies should not be fertilized much. When growing in pots sedumHowever, plants should occasionally replace the substrate or use a soil activator such as ours Plantura organic soil activator, to be processed.

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: Especially with potted plants, waterlogging can occur 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 made of gravel or potsherds.

Propagating sedum: 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.

Become ground covering sedum-Species 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 will root within a few weeks and can be planted out.
Propagation by seeds is also 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. Because the sedum to the light germination belongs, 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?

Our sedum is frost hardy. 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.

toxicity of the sedum

The sedum contains toxic alkaloids and other substances such as flavonoids and glycosides, which have a toxic effect depending on the concentration.

Is the sedum toxic 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-Differentiate species in their alkaloid content.

Can you eat the sedum?

Even if it is only considered slightly poisonous, the sedum should not be eaten.

If you are interested in other plants that thrive wonderfully in dry locations and need little or no watering, you will find information in our special article about easy-care plants find it.