Sedum is a large genus of flowering plants in the family Crassulaceae, members of which are commonly known as stonecrops. The genus has been described as containing up to 600 species of leaf succulents that are found throughout the Northern Hemisphere, varying from annual and creeping herbs to shrubs. The plants have water-storing leaves. The flowers usually have five petals, seldom four or six. There are typically twice as many stamens as petals.
Ice plant (Sedum spectabile) – Succulent, grey-green leaves, topped with large, flat heads of bright pinkish-mauve flowers in summer. This award-winning ice plant looks great planted in bold drifts towards the front of a sunny, well-drained border. A valuable late source of nectar for butterflies and bees, the flat flowerheads make attractive dried-flowers.
Garden care – the flowerheads look great left during the winter to add shape and texture to your border. In February and March cut back the old flowerheads and apply a generous 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted garden compost or manure around the base of the plant. Once established, sedums can have a tendency to flop leaving an open and unsightly centre, especially in fertile soil.
Sedum spectabile is a perenenial growing to 0.4 m (1ft 4in) by 0.4 m (1ft 4in).
It is hardy to zone 6 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from Sep to October, and the seeds ripen from Oct to November. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Insects.The plant is self-fertile.
It is noted for attracting wildlife.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.
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