Sedum Plants, what should I do??

Hi all, I put some Sedum's in a bed amongst a load of other things in the early spring as I had heard that they spread well and cover a bit of grouund. Only problem is now someone has told me that you shouldn't water them often as they dont like it. Is this true?? If so how do I deal with the fact they are with other plants that do need regular watering?

 

Hi evemarie8

You don't say which type of sedums you've planted.

Generally speaking, outdoor types do prefer well drained soils but the shrubby types can live in any type of soil. My old favourite, sedum spectabile, will tolerate just about anything as long as it gets a reasonable amount of sunshine.

I wouldn't worry if your sedums are amongst other plants that are getting plenty of water. It's drainage and sunshine that are important. However, if they start to look a bit peaky, you can always transplant them or just lift them and improve the drainage in their locations.

This is probably more relevant for their survival during the winter than during the summer.

 

I agree with Flinty. Plants like Sedum spectabilis and S. telphium are happy to grow in a border along with many other plants. Mine just get the same treatment as everything else - neglect. :D

 

If only I know, I only know that they are called Sedums because I accosted a lady at my sons toddler group who I knew was a keen gardner and dragged her outside because I had spotted one that looked the same as mine! All I can say is at the moment they are very light green and look almost like rubber, they remind me a bit of cactus plants, I would import a photo but I haven't figured out how to do thet yet!
Thanks for both your help, I will shout up if they start to look at all unhealthy!

 

Oops, just googled sedum spectabile and thats them! Thanks!

 

evemarie8

That's good. Sedum spectabile is a very reliable, versatile plant. Butterflies and bees love the flower heads that will form in late summer. The leaves will collapse and die in the autumn but you can leave the flower heads on during the winter and they look very attractive with frost on them.

You then cut the flowering stalks down to the ground early in the spring and your sedums will start up again and repeat the process for next summer, as regular as clockwork.