Sedum: Succulent-Tough Perennial
Sedum spp.
Sedums combine succulent toughness with four-season beauty. Upright "Autumn Joy" blooms pink-to-rust from late summer through winter. Creeping types cover hot, dry slopes where nothing else survives. Pollinators love the late-season flowers.
Specifications
- Sun
- Full sun
- Water
- Low
- Hardiness zones
- 3–9
- Height
- 4 in – 2 ft
- Bloom time
- Late summer to fall
Care & growing tips
Plant in well-drained soil — sedums rot in wet feet. Full sun prevents flopping. Cut tall sedums to the ground in late winter. Pinch "Autumn Joy" in June for shorter, stockier plants. Extremely drought-tolerant once established.
Companion plants
03Find sedum in your zone
19Zone-specific care, planting windows, and alternatives.
- Z3 Sedum in Zone 3
- Z4 Sedum in Zone 4
- Z4a Sedum in Zone 4a
- Z4b Sedum in Zone 4b
- Z5 Sedum in Zone 5
- Z5a Sedum in Zone 5a
- Z5b Sedum in Zone 5b
- Z6 Sedum in Zone 6
- Z6a Sedum in Zone 6a
- Z6b Sedum in Zone 6b
- Z7 Sedum in Zone 7
- Z7a Sedum in Zone 7a
- Z7b Sedum in Zone 7b
- Z8 Sedum in Zone 8
- Z8a Sedum in Zone 8a
- Z8b Sedum in Zone 8b
- Z9 Sedum in Zone 9
- Z9a Sedum in Zone 9a
- Z9b Sedum in Zone 9b
Frequently Asked Questions
01 Why is my Autumn Joy sedum flopping open in the middle?
Too-rich soil or too much water. Sedum wants lean, dry conditions — overfed plants grow tall and split at the crown. Pinch tops in June for stockier growth, stop fertilizing, and move to a sunnier, drier spot. Dividing every 3–4 years also helps.
02 When should I cut back sedum?
Late winter or early spring, just before new growth. Leave the dried flower heads through winter for visual interest and wildlife cover — they hold snow beautifully and provide seed for finches. Cut to the ground in February or March.
03 Can sedum grow in containers?
Yes — sedum is ideal for containers. Use well-drained cactus mix, water sparingly, and full sun. Creeping types spill over container edges; upright types make good focal plants. Most tender sedums overwinter well in pots moved to sheltered spots.
