How to plant sedums

Sedums or stonecrops produce masses of starry flowers held on flat heads above fleshy succulent foliage. Easy to grow and requiring low maintenance, these charming plants loved by pollinating insects are particularly suited to the front of the herbaceous/mixed border or rockery. Try mixing with asters, echinaceas or hostas. They make good cut flowers.

Plant in moderately fertile, well-drained soil in full sun — sedums are drought tolerant. Do not remove the flower heads after flowering to provide winter interest.

Sedums are supplied in 9 cm pots. Always unpack on arrival and store in a cool place until ready to plant.

Potential problems, pests and diseases:

  • Caterpillars: these larvae feed on a wide range of plant material including roots, stems, foliage and flowers, causing both aesthetic and structural damage. Whenever possible, put on gardening gloves and remove by hand. Alternatively, cover susceptible plants with a layer of horticultural fleece to prevent any risks of infestation.

  • Snails and slugs: these pests enjoy munching on young shoots, stems, leaves and flowers. Watch out for damage!

  • Root rot: this soil-borne fungal disease occurs when the soil is too wet and can generally be spotted when foliage starts to yellow and plants begin to wilt and stunt. If left untreated, plants will eventually die. If you suspect an attack, gently remove the plant from the ground, shake off any excess soil and inspect roots for any signs of rot disease — infected material will be brown and mushy. If the plant appears to be infected but still bears white firm roots, cut away any badly affected material before gently cleaning the remaining roots under running water. Replant in fresh well-drained soil before disinfecting your scissors. It is advisable to destroy any badly infected plants.