Plant of the Month September: Sedum
As the summer heat starts to mellow and autumn peeks around the corner, gardens often begin to lose their vibrant bloom. That’s where Sedum steps in — a hardy, dependable plant that offers bold color, texture, and pollinator appeal just when many other plants are fading. Known for its resilience and versatility, Sedum is a top choice for gardeners looking to extend interest into the cooler months. Let’s take a closer look at why Sedum earns the spotlight as September’s Plant of the Month.
About the Sedum
Sedum, commonly known as stonecrop, is a genus of succulent plants with thick, fleshy leaves and clusters of star-shaped flowers. These low-maintenance perennials are native to the Northern Hemisphere and thrive in a wide range of climates. Their succulent leaves store water, making them incredibly drought-tolerant and perfect for dry, sunny garden spots.
In late summer and early autumn, Sedum plants burst into bloom with dense clusters of tiny flowers in shades of pink, red, yellow, or white. These long-lasting blooms are not only visually appealing but also attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, making Sedum a great addition to wildlife-friendly gardens.
One of Sedum’s standout features is its adaptability — it performs well in rock gardens, borders, containers, green roofs, and even as ground cover. With minimal care and stunning autumn color, Sedum truly shines in September.
Top Tips for Growing Sedum
-
Plant in Full Sun: Sedum thrives in bright, sunny locations. While it can tolerate partial shade, full sun encourages more compact growth and vibrant flowers.
-
Well-Drained Soil is Key: Avoid soggy or heavy soils. Sedum prefers dry, sandy, or gravelly soil that drains quickly to prevent root rot.
-
Water Sparingly: Thanks to their succulent nature, Sedums require minimal watering. Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out completely between watering sessions.
-
Cut Back in Late Autumn: After flowering, you can leave the dried flower heads through winter for visual interest, then cut back in early spring to encourage fresh growth.
-
Divide Every Few Years: To keep plants healthy and vigorous, divide mature clumps every 3–4 years in spring or autumn.
Why Buy Sedum
- Pretty Clusters of flowers
- Easy to grow
- Low maintenance
- Drought Tolerant
- Late Summer / Autumn Colour
All of the Sedum found at our garden centres are grown by us. Because we grow our own, it enables us to try different varieties and offer you a greater choice.
Come along to your local Thompson’s and see for yourselves. Don’t forget we have an ever-expanding range of plants available to purchase on our web shop.
Popular varieties of Sedum
-
Sedum Autumn Joy
-
Sedum Sed. Rose Charm
-
Sedum Brilliant
-
Sedum Pink Passion
-
Sedum Chocolate Cherry
