We grow Sedum (Sedum) in open ground. Variety of garden species. Recommendations for care. A variety of sedums, such as hare cabbage Sedum hybrid

The numerous genus Sedum or sedum includes about 500 species of hardy and diverse succulents from the Crassulaceae family.

This group of plants is simply unique in every way. It combines annual and perennial species, tropical and frost-resistant, evergreen and winter-withering, miniature ground covers and taller forms. Some of them grow in mountainous areas, others can be found in dry meadows and forest clearings.

Growing and caring for sedum in open ground will delight any gardener! Its decorative varieties are distinguished by their extreme unpretentiousness and high decorative qualities. For example, ground cover varietal forms from spring to late autumn create a magnificent carpet on the site in all shades of pink, red, yellow, green and even purple-violet.

These are unsurpassed plants for creating gravel gardens and alpine slides, compositions with saxifrage,. Tall forms of sedum are magnificent in flower beds, flower beds, in border plantings, against the background of marigolds.

Types and varieties of sedum with photos

There are so many varieties and types of this amazing crop that it is simply impossible to describe each one, so we offer you to familiarize yourself with several of the most popular ones.

Sedum acre (caustic). The popular miniature variety "Aureum" is only 5 cm in height. Ideal for growing on paths between tiles and stones, in the crevices of limestone fences. It gained high decorative value thanks to the beauty and abundance of star-shaped flowers, which create a magnificent bright yellow dense carpet in June and July.

Sedum "Aureum"

Sedum pulchellum (beautiful). Its unusual variety “Starfish” forms an evergreen mat on which amazing pale pink flowers, shaped like a starfish, bloom in summer.

"Starfish"

Sedum spurium (false). The magnificent varietal form "Dragon's Blood" is a fast-growing creeping sedum. Its glossy red-violet leaves form tiny rosettes at the ends of the stems. Red-pink flowers appear in late summer. As they grow, they create a dense mat 7-10 cm high.

"Dragon's Blood"

An equally amazing variety of this species is “Voodoo,” whose color of creeping stems with rosettes on the tops, depending on weather conditions and time of year, varies from olive to blood red. From July to August, bright pink inflorescences appear on the shoots, which enhance the color effect.

"Voodoo"

Sedum reflexum (bent). Magnificent variety "Angelina" up to 10 cm tall. Golden leaves come in a variety of shades - yellow-green in summer and rich orange and gold in autumn and winter. Since this species comes from the Mediterranean, it needs shelter for the winter. To preserve the decorative color, it is necessary to pinch out the green shoots that appear.

"Angelina"

Another variety of recurved sedum is “Cherry Tart”. It got its name thanks to its bright cherry-red leaves. In summer it blooms profusely with pink inflorescences.


Sedum Siebold (S. Siebold) and its varietal form “October Daphne”. Succulent creeping stems of sedum are 45-60 cm long with gray-blue leaves with a red tint along the edges. In summer, beautiful pink flowers bloom, collected in fluffy umbrella rosettes. In winter, shelter is required.

"October Daphne"

But perhaps the most popular is Sedum majestic (S. Spectabile), widely grown in plots and flower beds. Sedum is native to China and Japan and is a succulent that has several thick, fleshy, straight leafy shoots reaching 30-50 cm in length. At the beginning of the growing season it creates beautiful round cushions of oval light green leaves.

Small flowers collected in flat umbrellas have a rich color palette and, depending on the variety, can be white, green, yellow, red, pink, lilac or carmine. Like most types of sedum, flowering occurs in August and after its end, the magnificent colors of the inflorescences do not lose their intense color for a long time.

The most popular varieties:

- “Carmen.” A varietal form 45 cm high with pale green leaves with inflorescences of a rich brick-red color.

"Carmen"

- “Karl.” Dense inflorescences of bright pink color. Reaches 45 cm in height.

- "Munstead Dark Red". A very showy variety with red stems, green leaves and pink-purple inflorescences. Its height is usually 30-45 cm.

A magnificent tall variety 'Joyce Henderson' 75-85cm tall with greenish-red leaves, dark purple stems and pale pink flowers.

The original combination of purple foliage and unevenly colored white and pink inflorescences is represented by the Strawberries and Cream sedum.

- “Brilliant.” Inflorescences are deep pink.

- “Autumn Joy” (Joy of Autumn) with pink inflorescences that become brick red over time.

"Autumn Joy"

- 'Autumn charm' has showy variegated green foliage with pale yellow edges that remains variegated from spring until frost. The milky white buds of the inflorescences, opening, become intense pink.

- “Stardust” with white and pale lilac inflorescences.

Sedum alboroseum with erect stems and its very unusual variety - "Mediovariegatum". Low, up to 30 cm tall with leaves decorated with a golden spot and pale pink inflorescences.

Another equally popular type of tall sedum is sedum telephium. Its erect stems are up to 50 cm in height. The varietal form 'Xenox' is a compact bush with succulent stems and blue-green leaves with burgundy edges that gradually darken to a deep purple in spring. The inflorescences are pink. A superb variety is 'Purple Emperor' with dark purple leaves and dark pink flowers.

"Purple Emperor"

All sedums are unpretentious and grow well in any permeable soil with the addition of a small amount of humus or compost. These gorgeous succulents are extremely drought tolerant and only need to be watered the first time after planting.

Choose an open, sunny or light partial shade place to grow sedum. Planting creeping sedums under tall trees is unacceptable, since autumn foliage is difficult to remove without damaging the leaves and shoots of the succulent. In conditions of strong shading and high humidity, the plant is affected by fungal diseases, causing rotting of the roots and stems.

Caring for sedum in open ground involves timely weeding and removal of the dried above-ground part of the plant in autumn or spring. The bare roots of ground covers can be sprinkled with leaf humus in the fall or early spring.

Creeping forms do not require fertilization, and profusely flowering tall species can be fed with liquid organo-mineral fertilizers a couple of times per season.

Sedum care includes a regular rejuvenation procedure every 3-4 years, since almost all types are subject to growth or loss. Tall varieties are divided into separate rosettes to maintain a compact, lush shape, and creeping varieties are cut to preserve dense, beautiful carpets.

Reproduction of sedum

The culture is easily propagated by dividing overgrown clumps and bushes. The procedure is carried out in the spring, at the beginning of the growing season. When growing, the aerial roots of the ground cover quickly take root, sprinkled with soil. But for rejuvenating plantings, cuttings are preferable. The cuttings are rooted in containers with a mixture of peat, sand and turf soil, taken in equal proportions, buried 2 cm into the soil.

For successful and quick rooting, it is necessary to create a greenhouse effect, which is achieved by regular watering as the substrate dries and by covering it with film or glass. The covering is removed periodically for ventilation. Can be planted in open ground 2 weeks from the date of cuttings.

Sedum is quite common and has many modified varieties. Today we will tell you about this plant, the conditions for its normal growth and methods of cultivation.

Sedum, Fever Grass, Hernia Grass, Sedum, whoever called this plant, which has more than 500 species throughout the planet. Apparently, it was precisely because of the huge number of modified colors, which sometimes are not even similar to each other, that such different names appeared.

But in smaller quantities it can be found almost everywhere where there is territory for growth, a temperate climate and bright sunshine.

Sedum is a rather interesting plant, which, in its different types, can be almost unrecognizable. It is a succulent, sometimes an annual or biennial plant, more often a herbaceous perennial, and in some cases, even a low-growing shrub. It has a set of alternate leaves, whorled or opposite, which are collected in round or flat rosettes, serrated at the edges. The flowering is umbrella-shaped, a little less often - single, the color is absolutely varied. Many winter-hardy varieties are known, but there are also those that can only be grown at home.

Growing sedums

Location on the site

Sedum is quite light-loving, with the exception of a few species, but it can easily tolerate light shade. In sunlight, plants take on an interesting, “tanned” appearance and each leaf becomes brighter and juicier. In shading conditions, sedums bloom poorly and grow, sometimes losing their appearance to the point of impossibility. Do not forget that with such a large number of species, there may be some to which reverse measures should be applied. Sedums are resistant to drought, but cannot tolerate autumn leaf fall, since they do not have the strength to break through it to the surface in the spring. Every five years they should be replanted to another place.

Sedum: varieties and care (video)

Soil for sedums

Any of the species is quite unpretentious to the soil and can grow even on a stone base, but if you decide to grow sedum at home or in a summer cottage, then the soil should be fertilized with a small amount of compost or humus. You don’t have to worry too much about loose or dry soil. Many sedums live on sandy soils, in rocky areas, on limestone and even on forest edges, mixed with pine needles on the ground... As you can see, the plant will survive in any conditions. But again, we hasten to remind you that if you start a cultivated sedum at your dacha, it will still need care.



Planting care

Let's start with the winter period. Many types of sedum tolerate winter calmly, but if you cover them a little, that is, insulate them, this will not harm them in any way. In the spring, the plants are unlikely to have a marketable appearance and from their surface it will be necessary to collect leaves, weeds and debris that has accumulated during the cold period of the year.

It is imperative to monitor the degeneration of the crop, which can occur in the third year of planting, but on average, this is about 5-6 years. The plants will need to be transplanted to a new location. Plantings should always be rejuvenated a little, old shoots should be trimmed, and young cuttings should be planted in places where they “fall out.” At this point, the new plants in the "carpet" will need a light fertilizer. Some varieties require flowering pruning if you want to maintain a level landscape.

If the plant takes up space in a flowerbed or rock garden, it should be fertilized at the beginning and end of the season, since due to the many neighbors, sedums do not have time to get enough of the elements necessary for growth and life.

Since sedum has little competition with any weeds, it requires frequent weeding of the soil around it. However, there are also varieties, such as sedum, which easily eradicates weeds around it, so it is very well suited for edging alpine hills and various flower beds.

Plantings should be watered very moderately, that is, practically not watered, unless the summer is too hot or during replanting.

You constantly need to monitor the shoots, which are best cut off before they grow too much; it is also necessary to cut off dried inflorescences and leaves, which only clog the “carpet” and spoil its appearance. Most often this occurs in early spring and autumn.

Reproduction of sedums

Sometimes replanting a plant is simply necessary; this happens when the sedums degenerate in a certain place. Reproduction is possible by seeds, cuttings and dividing the bush.

Propagation by seeds

Sowing of seeds occurs in autumn or spring in small boxes, which are preferably placed in a greenhouse. Sedum seedlings are quite small, so when the first few leaves appear, they are immediately dived into the ground. A young plant may produce color only in the second or third year. You should be very careful with propagation by seeds, since, growing in one area, several varieties can independently hybridize and produce completely unpredictable offspring, so this method is used mainly in breeding.

Cuttings

Apparently, the easiest and fastest way to reproduce sedums. Any shoot or leaf that comes into contact with the ground can take root, so be prepared for the fact that if you drop several parts of the plant on the ground when pruning, they will not disappear, but will germinate. There are times when parts of sedums are carried away by birds or rodents and the plant appears in a place where you never wanted to grow it. But what’s most interesting is that if you plant sedums in the ground in the same way as they grow themselves, after a few days you can find only rotten remains. The right decision when planting would be to develop the area, completely clearing and removing weeds, leveling and compacting the soil. Next, you need to carefully lay out the cut cuttings on the bed and sprinkle them with a layer of garden soil diluted with sand, and lightly compact them. The survival rate of cuttings is measured at 70-100%, depending on the soil, its nutritional value, moisture and proper subsequent care.

Reproduction by divisions

Some species are also propagated by dividing the rhizome. They dig up the plant in early spring, clear the rhizome of soil and divide it so that both roots and buds remain on each part. The cuttings must be treated with a fungicide and the cuttings must be dried for several hours before planting, always in a cool place.

Diseases and pests

Sedums are quite resistant to many diseases However, there are also species that suffer from caterpillars and sawflies. In this case, the plant should be treated with appropriate preparations, and pests should be lured out of the plants onto cabbage leaves or lettuce and destroyed. Sedums can also be affected by a fungal infection; this occurs in damp weather and high humidity. The infection manifests itself as spots on the stems and leaves. Affected shoots should be cut off and burned in a timely manner. Sometimes aphids are found, from which it is possible to save plantings with the help of insecticides. It is advisable to use preparations intended for processing currants; they do not burn the leaves. The crop is also affected by weevils, which can be gotten rid of by “night hunting”. A white cloth or paper is spread under the plant in the dark, and the pests are simply shaken off the plant.

Variety of species

There are more than five hundred species of this plant in the world and many more self-hybridized ones. We will not describe each of the types, for obvious reasons, but will simply list those that the most popular and famous in our country.

  • Sedum prominent- an erect plant whose growth reaches 60 cm in height. The leaves are fleshy, light green, the flowers are of various shades of pink;
  • Sedum telefium- a beautiful, shorter plant with unusual pink or red flowers and dark purple leaves;
  • Sedum Ruby Shine- a hybrid of two types of sedum, tenacious and rocky, with purple leaves and umbellate burgundy flowering;
  • Adolf's sedum- an abundant, branched shrub with thick, fleshy and fairly strong leaves of a flat-round shape. The flowering is white, hemispherical, lateral, reaches a length of 12-13 cm;
  • Sedum Siebold- a beautiful, herbaceous perennial with round, light green and slightly red leaves at the edges. Most often used as an indoor culture;
  • Sedum compact- perennial with strong stems and leaves, oblong-ovate in shape, gray-green in color. It blooms in mid-summer with white flowers with a strong aroma;
  • Sedum Linear- a herbaceous, perennial plant that is capable of forming a dense turf, creeping, quickly rooting, with leaves of a light green hue. Flowering is umbellate, yellowish;
  • Sedum Steel- height no more than 20 cm, subshrub with few branched shoots, oblong leaves, ovate shape, color from red to brown. The peduncle is leafy, fairly branched, the inflorescence is paniculate, yellow.

But even without this, such plants become the central elements of any landscape design. Sedum can be classified as such plants. This is a herbaceous plant with an inconspicuous appearance and flowers, but with its help you can create incredibly interesting and beautiful garden compositions. This is also facilitated by the unpretentiousness of sedum to soil and care.

In this article we will look at the features and description of sedum, as well as the differences between the most common types and varieties of this plant. We will tell you in more detail about the main nuances of agricultural technology for growing sedum.

Features and description of sedum

Sedum is a succulent of the Crassulaceae family. Another name for this plant is sedum, although people can also find hernia, fever herb. Sedum is a perennial, less often annual or biennial herbaceous plant. In nature, this plant grows in the Northern Hemisphere, but it can be found almost everywhere where there are conditions for this. Most of all, the sedum plant is found in nature in Africa, North and South America, and Europe.

The very name of the plant “sedum” comes from the Latin word “sedo”, which means “to subside” or “to subside”. This is explained quite simply, because previously many varieties of sedum were used as an analgesic. Even today this plant is used in folk medicine.

There is a very interesting story about the origin of this plant. It says that Telephos, the son of Hercules, was able to heal with sedum a severe wound that was inflicted on him with a spear. This plant has also been used for a long time by Christian believers on one of the Orthodox holidays. Many of today's church rituals are based on pagan principles, according to which on the Feast of Corpus Christi it is necessary to weave a wreath of sedum to ward off evil spirits. And they hang such a decoration on the door, but you cannot throw it away, but you must wait until it dries and crumbles.

Description of sedum:

  • Sedum is most often a perennial plant, although annual and biennial species are sometimes found.
  • Sedum grows in the form of a herbaceous plant or a small shrub.
  • The stem of this plant can be erect, creeping, or turf-forming. In all cases the stem is highly branched.
  • The most recognizable feature of the sedum is its thick and fleshy leaves, which can be smooth on the surface or lightly covered with stiff hairs.
  • The leaves of sedum are alternate, can be opposite or whorled, which are collected in rosettes of various shapes.
  • The leaves are entire with a serrated edge, of various colors depending on the specific variety of sedum.
  • The flowers of these succulents are star-shaped and can be of a variety of colors: yellow, pink, snow-white, red.
  • Sedum flowers are collected in apical, racemose or umbellate inflorescences. Some varieties of sedum bloom with single flowers.
  • The flowers are bisexual, well pollinated, and have an aroma that attracts insects.
  • The inflorescences are very dense and consist of a large number of small flowers.
  • Sedum blooms twice: in spring and autumn.
  • There are frost-resistant species and plants that can only be grown indoors.
  • These are very light-loving plants that in nature prefer to grow on rocky surfaces, forming real carpets.
  • An unpretentious sedum, planting and caring for which is not difficult, is a wonderful decoration for any site and garden.

Variety of types and varieties of sedum

In total, today there are about 300 species of sedum, of which only about 100 are cultivated. All sedum plants are divided into two large groups. The first group includes dwarf creeping varieties, which are called sedums. The second, more numerous, group includes tall species called sedum. Let's take a closer look at the features of the sedum species popular in our territories.

Sedum large

  • In nature, this type of sedum prefers to grow in temperate climates of Europe and Asia.
  • This is a perennial herbaceous plant that can reach 25-30 cm in height.
  • The stem of this plant is erect and quite thick.
  • The leaves are oval in shape with a serrated edge, arranged oppositely or alternately.
  • The flowers are small, collected in dense corymbose inflorescences, which are located at the very tops. The color of the flowers can be red or yellowish-green.
  • One of the features of large sedum is that it is used in folk medicine.
  • This species is often used by breeders to develop new plant varieties.

Popular varieties of large sedum:

  • Variety "Matrona". A rather tall plant that can reach 60 cm. The stem is densely strewn with blue-green leaves with a reddish edge. The flowers have a light pink tint.
  • Variety "Black Jack". It can grow up to 40 cm in height. Its leaves have an unusual shade - bluish-purple. Blooms with pink inflorescences.
  • Variety "Linda Windsor". The plant is formed by erect stems of burgundy color, which are covered with reddish leaves. The plant blooms with ruby-colored inflorescences.

Sedum prominent

  • The homeland of this type of sedum is the territory of China, Japan and Korea.
  • A rather tall bush, which is formed by erect stems reaching a height of 60 cm.
  • The leaves are light green and small in size.
  • The flowers are small, collected in dense inflorescences. They have a pink tint.
  • The prominent sedum blooms in September for 25-30 days.

Popular varieties of prominent sedum:

  • Iceberg variety. An erect bush up to 35 cm in height. Its flowering begins in August. The flowers are small, collected in inflorescences. The color of the flowers is white.
  • Variety "Diamond". This variety of sedum is distinguished by bright pink flowers.
  • Variety "Neon". The plant can grow up to 35 cm in height. The stem is covered with gray-green leaves and bright pink inflorescences.

Sedum white

  • The natural habitat of this vila is considered to be Russia, the Caucasus, Europe and North Africa.
  • This plant is an evergreen perennial that forms a carpet up to 5 cm in height.
  • The flowers are white and very fragrant, collected in paniculate inflorescences.
  • The plant itself consists of short branches, thanks to which the sedum creates a kind of flower carpet.
  • A fairly unpretentious plant that can easily withstand harsh winters.

Popular varieties of white sedum

  • Variety "Coral Carpet". A dwarf plant that can reach 5 cm in height, creating a carpet on the surface of the earth. It has reddish foliage.
  • Variety "Pharo Form". A very dwarf variety of sedum that forms a carpet of only 1 cm in height. It is distinguished by very small leaves, which are reddish in summer and brown in winter.
  • Variety "France". A rather tall sedum, densely covered with elongated green leaves, which turn pink with enough sunlight.

Sedum acrid

  • The natural habitat is considered to be the territory of western Russia, Siberia, the Caucasus and North America.
  • A perennial branched plant that can reach a height of 10 cm, thereby being a ground cover plant.
  • The stems are very branched and densely covered with dark green foliage.
  • Sedum acrid flowers have a bright golden yellow hue.
  • The juice of this plant can cause ulcers if it comes into contact with the skin, hence the name of the entire species.

Popular varieties of sedum caustic:

  • Variety "Aureum". The plant of this variety is distinguished by yellowish tips of its shoots.
  • Variety "Elegance". A low-growing variety of this species with variegated, slightly curled foliage.

Sedum Kamchatka

  • The natural habitat of this species is the territory of Japan, China and the Far East.
  • The plant is formed by thick, slightly erect shoots that are covered with foliage.
  • In some forms of Kamchatka sedum, the foliage has a white border along the edge.
  • Blooms with yellow-orange flowers.

Sedum false

  • The natural habitat of false sedum is considered to be the territory of Iran, the Caucasus and Turkey.
  • It is a perennial plant with creeping or erect stems.
  • The leaves are oval-shaped with a thickly toothed edge.
  • The flowers are small purple or pink, collected in dense paniculate inflorescences.
  • It has good winter hardiness.
  • Being short in stature, it looks great in flower beds, alpine slides, and on terraces.

Popular varieties of false sedum:

  • Variety "Album". This is a perennial plant with dark green foliage and snow-white inflorescences.
  • Variety "Bronze Carpet". A sedum variety with bronzed-brown leaves and pink inflorescences.
  • Variety "Erd Blue". A very bright plant variety that has reddish foliage and pink inflorescences.

Reproduction of sedum: the most common methods

It’s easy to grow sedum on your own site. To do this, you need to know the ways in which this plant reproduces. In total, there are three most common methods of propagating sedum: seed, cuttings and dividing the bush. Let's look at the features of each of them.

Seed propagation of sedum

  • The best time to plant sedum using seeds is spring, more specifically March or April.
  • First of all, to grow sedum from seeds, you need to prepare boxes or containers.
  • Next, fill all containers with a suitable soil mixture, which should consist of garden soil and sand.
  • Carefully, at a distance of about 3 cm from each other, sow the sedum seeds on the surface of the substrate. You can sprinkle clean river sand on top.
  • Using a spray bottle, moisten the soil surface and cover the top with glass or film to create greenhouse conditions.
  • Next, the seeds need to be stratified. To do this, place the container in the refrigerator, in the vegetable department, where the temperature is on average 3-4 degrees.
  • The stratification process lasts approximately 2 weeks, during which the container must constantly be ventilated and the substrate moistened.
  • After 2 weeks, the containers should be placed in a room with a temperature of 20 degrees.
  • For 2-4 weeks, the containers should be covered with film, and be sure to ventilate and moisten them daily.
  • Shoots will appear in about 2-4 weeks. They are very small, so remove the film only after a large number of seedlings appear.
  • After the seedlings have two leaves, they need to be plucked.
  • Such plants will bloom only after 2-3 years. At the same time, remember that an already adult sedum plant grown from seeds can be hybridized during the growth process. Seed propagation is most often used by breeders.

Reproduction of sedum by cuttings

  • This method is the fastest and easiest, especially for beginner gardeners.
  • On average, approximately 70-100% of cuttings take root.
  • It is first necessary to prepare the area for rooting cuttings. To do this, they dig it up and level it well.
  • Sedum cuttings can be used for propagation before or after the plant blooms.
  • You need to cut them approximately 5-10 cm long.
  • Be sure to free the lower part from leaves.
  • Then root the planting material in the greenhouse so that at least one node remains on the surface.
  • Then the rooted cuttings are immediately planted in a permanent place.
  • Alternatively, in the fall after flowering, you can cut off several shoots of sedum and place them in a container with water.
  • The water needs to be changed periodically and thus by spring you will receive a large number of ready-made seedlings.

Reproduction of sedum by dividing the bush

  • This method of propagation is most often used for tall species and varieties of sedum.
  • It is recommended to carry out propagation using this method in early spring.
  • A healthy and strong plant must be carefully dug up.
  • Next, using a sharp shovel or pruning shears, you need to divide the rhizome into several parts. The main thing is that each part has buds and roots.
  • Then all cut areas must be treated with fungicides for healing.
  • After this, all parts of the bush need to be dried for some time and then planted in a permanent place.

Stages of preparation before planting sedum

Although sedum is considered an unpretentious and frost-resistant plant, before planting it in open ground it is necessary to carefully prepare. It is important to choose high-quality and healthy seedlings, as well as choose a suitable place on your site for normal plant growth.

Stage 1. Selection of sedum seedlings

You can buy sedum at any specialized store or agricultural company that professionally breeds plants. When purchasing seedlings, be sure to carefully inspect the plant. There should be no visible damage or signs of disease or pests. The leaves should not be dry or limp, and the soil in the container must be clean and moist.

Before purchasing sedum, be sure to decide on your future garden composition, because all varieties of this plant differ in leaf color, shoot height and frost resistance. You can consult a specialty store about varieties suitable for your area. Select shorter varieties for forming flower carpets, and tall plants for group and single plantings.

Stage 2. Choosing a place to plant sedum

The planting location is also important for the normal and full growth and flowering of sedum. They thrive in a sunny, open location, although some varieties can tolerate light shade. It is in the sun that the decorative properties of foliage stand out clearly. In shady areas, the stems of the sedum can stretch very much, which radically changes and spoils its appearance. Creeping and groundcover varieties of this plant can grow on stones or rocky places. It is not recommended to plant all types of sedum under deciduous garden trees, because in the spring young shoots will not be able to break through from under the fallen leaves.

When choosing a planting site, it is important to consider the height of the future plant and the color of its foliage in order to more harmoniously combine with other plants.

Stage 3. Selection and preparation of soil

Sedum is an unpretentious plant and can grow well in a variety of soils. However, all types of this plant require a specific composition for full growth. Fast-growing groundcover sedum varieties prefer to grow in nutrient-rich garden soil, while regular ones can grow in loam. Some species, for example, caustic sedum, prefer to grow on sandy soils. Caucasian sedum loves soils rich in lime. All this must be taken into account when choosing a place to plant your chosen sedum variety.

The area you have chosen must first be carefully dug up, about one shovel bayonet deep. It is also recommended to add a little humus or compost to the existing soil.

Technology for planting sedum in open ground

  • The best time to plant sedum in open ground is mid or late May, when the threat of return frosts has finally passed.
  • Be sure to prepare the site before planting. To do this, you need to make a soil mixture, which should consist of sand and humus, you can add garden soil.
  • In the selected area, be sure to prepare planting holes, the size of which should be as follows: a depth of at least 20 cm and a diameter of at least 50 cm.
  • There should also be a certain distance between plants so that in the future they do not interfere with each other’s growth. It must be at least 20 cm.
  • A small layer of drainage can be placed at the bottom of each hole, since sedum does not like prolonged stagnation of water at the roots. Gravel or coarse sand can be used as drainage.
  • Next, carefully fill the planting holes with part of the soil mixture that you prepared in advance.
  • Plant the sedum seedlings and sprinkle them with the remaining mixture, gently pressing them with your hands.
  • After planting, you need to water each plant generously.
  • You can also cover the soil around the plants with small stones.

Agricultural technology for growing sedum: secrets and nuances of care

Undoubtedly, sedum is a very unpretentious plant and can grow in almost any soil and anywhere. However, without proper care for the sedum, it is unlikely to please you with a beautiful and lush bush and abundant flowering. Do not be alarmed; the process of caring for this plant will not cause you any particular difficulties. Everything is very simple: timely watering, loosening, fertilizing and winter shelter for specific varieties.

Watering

It is important to remember that sedum does not like strong waterlogging. Young plants must be watered regularly, but moderately. You can navigate by the dryness of the soil around the plant. If the soil has already dried out, then you can start watering. Older plants, even in hot summers, need less frequent watering.

Loosening and mulching

Plants such as sedums absolutely cannot stand the proximity of weeds, so periodically after watering you need to do weeding. At the same time, it is recommended to loosen the soil around the sedum, making it lighter and more saturated with oxygen. Depending on the garden composition, you can use different mulches. As a decorative element, the soil around the plant can be filled with small stones or pieces of bark.

Top dressing

All types of sedum are not particularly demanding when it comes to feeding. However, fertilizer can be added twice a season for more abundant flowering and foliage growth. The first time fertilizer is applied before flowering. You can use an aqueous solution with manure and a small amount of nitrogen. It is better to feed the plant a second time after flowering has ended, using complex mineral fertilizers.

Disease and pest control

Sedum has good resistance to disease and pest invasion. However, occasionally this plant may need your help.

  • Rot. This is a fungal disease that can appear in a plant if it is not cared for properly. Its symptoms: dark spots on leaves and stems. If such signs are detected, the damaged areas must be cut off and burned, and the entire plant must be treated with special fungicides.

Pests:

  • Aphid. This pest can damage the leaves of the plant, depleting them. To combat aphids, it is recommended to use insecticides, but they need to be diluted in a smaller volume than recommended. Sedum can get burned.
  • Nematodes. A very serious pest that primarily attacks the root system of the plant. After this, the entire above-ground part of the sedum withers and dries out. There are no measures to combat this pest, so damaged plants should be dug up and burned. In this case, it is necessary to treat the place where the plant grew.
  • Weevil. It is recommended to remove this pest by hand.

Preparing for winter

Before the onset of cold weather, it is recommended to prune all shoots of the plant. Also, if you are growing more exotic varieties of sedum, you may want to consider covering the plant. To do this, the soil around it can be mulched and covered with covering material. In the spring it will need to be removed and the soil freed from excess material so that nothing interferes with the growth of young shoots.

Using sedum in landscape design

Sedum is a very beautiful and ornamental plant, because each of its species has its own unique foliage color. It is this feature that landscape designers very often use to create the most incredible and unique garden compositions.

  • Low-growing creeping or ground-covering varieties of sedum will look great as an element of rockeries, alpine slides or mixborders.
  • Ground cover varieties of this plant are often used to create picturesque flower carpets among the lawn or on a small hill.
  • Many varieties of this type of succulent feel great surrounded by stones, so they can be planted in rocky gardens.
  • Tall varieties of sedum are recommended to be planted in groups, so they look more harmonious and beautiful.
  • Creeping varieties can also be planted along borders or garden paths.
  • Alternatively, some varieties of sedum thrive in pots that can be placed on steps or around the garden.

Photo of sedum in landscape design

You can more clearly see the features of the appearance of sedum and options for its use in landscape design in the photos below.

Sedum, without any particular bright colors in its appearance, can be an excellent decoration for your garden. At the same time, you will not need any special effort or expense when planting and growing it.

The plant is sedum, but among the people there is no need to introduce hare cabbage. Everyone is familiar with their powerful, succulent bushes. But it’s one thing to know, and another to cultivate. Experienced gardeners and designers love sedums and widely use them to decorate their gardens. But for some reason “ordinary” gardeners are indifferent to these plants. Probably because they know little about them. We will tell you how to plant sedum correctly and what care is needed in this article.

BOTANICAL INFORMATION ABOUT CEREAM

The plants that will be discussed are included in the genus Sedum (Hylotelephium), family Crassulaceae. The genus contains about 35 species. They are sometimes included as a subgenus in the genus Sedum. In the literature, when describing species, the generic name Sedum is more often used.

The most common species of the genus Sedum is the common sedum, o. prominent, o. white pink and others, as well as their hybrid forms and varieties.

Some species are very similar, only specialists can distinguish them. For example, common sedum and common sedum are often confused. What they have in common are succulent leaves (like all Crassulaceae) and small star-shaped flowers.

However, amateur gardeners are not required to understand the differences between species. It is much more important to know that there are many varieties.

Sedum is classified as a separate genus, but out of habit, we often pronounce “sedum”. The reason is that it is inconvenient to inflect the word “oschitnik”.

REPRODUCTION AND CARE OF SEDUMS

Sedums are very easy to propagate. This can be done by dividing the bush and cuttings. Plants take root quickly. It is better to divide and replant in the spring, until the shoots are no more than 710 cm. Then the cuttings are also taken out. They root directly in the soil, without any stimulants.

Sedums have a unique property. The stems take root even in bouquets cut in the fall. Thanks to this, sedums last in a vase for a very long time. When the roots appear, two or three stems can be planted in a pot by cutting off the inflorescences. They tolerate wintering on the window quite well. In May you can plant it in the ground. At first, the bushes must be shaded, otherwise they will shed their leaves due to changing conditions.

Sedums do not require special care. There is enough moisture from precipitation. Only in severe droughts does watering be necessary. Weeding to maintain decorativeness or mulching with gravel.

The appearance of sedum largely depends on the planting site and environment. If you plant it “just like that,” it may get lost. In the shade, among the grass, the sedum will seem like a “gray mouse.” And in the sun, among low-growing plants, it will become a real matron of your garden. It follows from this that it is time to pay attention to the design. This is the case when “the plant makes the place.”

THERE ARE NO TOO MUCH Sedums

Sedums are decorative throughout the season. In spring they wake up early and delight with juicy, strong shoots. In summer these are neat round bushes. And in the fall there are rich caps of inflorescences. Different varieties of sedums harmonize perfectly with each other. Due to the different colors of the leaves, you can create contrasting compositions from them.

But even if you don’t have several varieties, sedums will help decorate the area. Once I happened to be in a garden where 10 sedum bushes were planted. How I regretted that I didn’t have a camera with me! The bushes were scattered around the site in various compositions.

Here is sedum combined with blue spruce, purple flowers and blue needles. And then the same bush, only next to the yellow stephanandra. In the rockery there are a couple of sedums surrounded by gray fescue and bergenia with red leaves. Four sedums under the windows, like guards in front of the house. The same plant, but the impression is as if in front of you is a profusely blooming garden.

Now be patient and read the descriptions of some types and varieties. Sedums are very diverse and deserve to have more of them in gardens.

Common sedum

Sedum telephium, or hare cabbage, also known as common sedum (Hylotelephium telephium, Sedum telephium). The leaves are round, large, green. Stems up to 50 cm, very strong. Thanks to this, the spherical shape of the bush is maintained in any weather. Despite the huge corymbose inflorescences, the bush does not fall apart even when snow falls on the flowers. A hardy, unpretentious plant that reproduces quickly in cultivation. This tall sedum grows well both in temperate Russia and in its southern regions. Numerous decorative varieties have been created based on the common sedum.

Varieties differ in growth, leaf color and bush shape. In addition, according to the timing of flowering. Not all varieties bloom only in autumn. Some bloom in August and even at the end of July. Leaves can be light green, burgundy or almost black. And height is from 30 to 60 cm.

Matrona (Sedum telephium Matrona). Perhaps this is the most famous variety of sedum. An outstanding, recognizable plant. It amazes with its power and vitality. The bush is tall, up to 60 cm. The leaves are large, grayish green. In the sun, the leaves turn red, especially along the edges. The stems are purple, the flowers are light pink, quite large (photo 1).

Crazy Raffles (S. telephium Crazy Ruffles). Sports from sedum "Matrona". Lower than the original variety, height up to 40 cm. The leaves are green with a purple tint, wide, with a well-defined wavy edge. The stems are reddish, the flowers are pink, in large corymbs. Winters well.

Green Expectations (S. Telephium Green Expectations). The bush is about 40 cm tall, with large bluish-green leaves and large green-yellow inflorescences.

Citrus Twist (S. Telephium Citrus Twist). Blue-green leaves and large lemon-green inflorescences. Height 35 cm.

Red Cauli (S. telephium Red Cauli) Purple-green leaves on stems up to 30 cm high. Flowers in small round inflorescences, but there are many of them.

Xenox (Xenox) hybrid with the participation of o. telephium (o. vulgaris). Low, up to 35 cm, compact bush. The color is very dark, violet-brown, with pink inflorescences.

OCHITNIK PROMINENT

A very unpretentious and common plant. Grows well in both clay and sandy soil. Sedum spectabile (Hylotelephium spectabile, Sedum spectabile) is a perennial that dies back each year for the winter. Only this happens late, the plant blooms before the snow. The height of the bush is up to 50 cm. The color of the leaves is bluish-green. The flowers are pinkish-lilac or purple-carmine, up to 1 cm in diameter, collected in semi-umbrellas up to 15 cm in diameter. Blooms in September-October for 3540 days.

Commonly planted is a prominent sedum with purple flowers. These include such popular varieties as Carmen, Meteor and Diamond. Try to find a variety called Iceberg or Stardust with white buds. They look very bright among the yellow-brown colors of autumn. The Neon variety is distinguished by pink flowers with a lilac tint, and the petals seem to “shine through” from the inside. Variety Humile is a low plant with pink flowers, like wild forms.

REDSPOTTED SEDUM

The most famous variety of this species is Mediovariegata (S. erythrostictum Mediovariegata). Plant height is 40 cm. Strong, erect shoots bear large, wavy leaves. The color is green-yellow. According to the name, the yellow color is located in the center of the leaf, medio middle.

The flowers are yellowish-greenish with a slight pink tint. This variety blooms very profusely. In poor soils, leaves may fall off. Before flowering, it is advisable to feed the bush with a small dose of complex fertilizers.

HYBRID Sedums

Often seedlings are sold under the name “hybrid sedum”. Even the famous Matrona can be found under the name Sedum hybridum Matrona. The label provides brief planting recommendations: the plant loves a sunny place and loose, permeable soil.

O. hybrid Purple Emperor (S. hybrida Purple Imperor). A bush with round, dark, red-brown leaves. The flowers are creamy red. Height 30 cm. Many complain that this variety does not grow well. It has a peculiarity: flowering suppresses the development of leaves. It is recommended to remove the buds at the very beginning of development in order to achieve decorative effect due to the growth of leaves. A dark purple bush with succulent leaves looks very impressive.

O. hybrid Jose Aubergine. Before flowering, the bush is very similar to the previous variety. The leaves are the same dark, purple. But the flowers are bright pink (unlike “Emperor”, in which they are reddish). When planted side by side, the difference between the two varieties is obvious.

O. hybrid Herbstfreude. A very bright plant. The leaves are green, the inflorescences are large. The color is red-crimson, almost red.

O. hybrid Schades of Jader. The leaves are green with a yellowish cream center. The buds are white, the flowers are slightly pinkish. Height 3040 cm.

M.B. Sharova, biologist.

Photo by N. Petrenko and the Northern Flora nursery www.sflora.ru


Number of impressions: 17712

The Latin name for the perennial sedum plant is sedum, popularly it is often called fever grass or hernia grass, and in some southern regions it is called “god’s body.” The main condition for growing sedum is to provide the plant with a sufficient amount of sunny color, since in the shade they completely lose their decorative qualities, turning into long panicles with pale foliage.

What sedum looks like: photos, names and descriptions of species

Perennial sedum flowers are herbaceous plants with erect or creeping rooting shoots. The leaves are fleshy, whole, of various shapes.

The flowers are small, star-shaped. They have different colors: , . Usually collected in corymbose or paniculate inflorescences.

Below you can see photos and names of the types of sedum that are most widespread in the middle zone, as well as read their description.

Sedum with a long creeping rhizome, straight, creeping, slightly erect flowering stems up to 15-20 cm high, leaves opposite, flat, umbrella-shaped inflorescence, pink flowers, blooms in June-July.

Hybrid sedum up to 12 cm high with creeping and ascending, succulent, dark green shoots, leaves thinner than most species, marginal teeth often reddened, elliptical, fleshy, flowers small, yellow, blooms in August.

Sedum prominent with erect, strong stems up to 50 cm high, leaves with a bluish bloom, lilac-pink flowers, collected in inflorescences up to 15 cm in diameter, blooms in September-October.

Caustic sedum a light green plant 5-15 cm high with a thin branched rhizome. The stems are ascending, flowering shoots are rarely leafy, sterile - with dense imbricated leaves arranged in 6 rows. The leaves are alternate, fleshy, sessile, ovate, obtuse, noticeably swollen on the underside, and have a burning taste. What do sedum flowers of this species look like? All of them are located on short pedicels, collected in terminal spike-shaped inflorescences, consisting of several curls or semi-umbrellas. Sepals are obtuse, greenish in color; petals are yellow, pointed. Grows in sunny, dry places, on sandy and rocky soil: on rocks, screes.

Growing sedum and caring for flowers

When growing and caring for sedum, do not forget that due to a lack of sunlight, this plant stretches out and loses its decorative appearance, the leaves turn pale, and flowers may not appear at all. Sedums prefer sandy soils, but will grow in any soil provided there is good water permeability. Sedums are exceptionally drought and frost resistant. Plants do not need additional fertilizers; many of them bloom especially beautifully in poor soils.

After flowering has finished, the stems of the plant should be cut to the ground, and the rosette should be mulched with compost. Of the garden pests, sedums are affected by snails, slugs and weevils.

It is very easy to propagate sedums: by seeds, stem or even leaf cuttings and by dividing the bush.

They are an excellent material for creating carpet plantings, for use in rock gardens, rock gardens, as a foreground plant for mixed borders, as well as in containers and hanging baskets. It is better to plant sedums in large masses.

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