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Gerald L. Klingaman
Crassulaceae
Sedum spectabile
Showy Stonecrop, Upright Sedum
Tall or showy stonecrop is a popular garden perennial that is beautiful and virtually indestructible, given the right growing conditions. This native of China and Korea is valued for its late season of bloom and succulent pale green, gray-dusted leaves. From late summer to fall, strong upright stems support broad domed clusters of small starry rose, pink, or white flowers. Tall stonecrop is herbaceous, so its foliage dies back in winter, but its dry, brown, upright seedheads may be left to provide winter interest.
This perennial grows best in full to partial sun and spots with moderately fertile, well-drained soil. Though moderately drought tolerant, this species lacks the extreme xeric nature of many other sedums. Showy stonecrop looks great when planted in masses with fall blooming composites and ornamental grasses. It may be also used in large rock gardens. Sedum flowers are very attractive to bumblebees, which on cool fall mornings can often be seen "waking up" on them. Butterflies also visit stonecrops. Numerous selections and hybrids are available, including the rose-red 'Brilliant' and dark purple-pink 'Carmen'.
9 - 1
4 - 9
1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Perennial
Full Sun, Partial Sun
18"-28" / 45.7cm - 71.1cm
12"-36" / 30.5cm - 91.4cm
Late Summer, Early Fall, Fall
China, Korea
Neutral
Well Drained
Loam, Sand
Medium
Drought Tolerant, Average Water
Clump-Forming
Spring, Summer, Fall
Showy
White, Red, Light Pink, Rose
Brown
Green, Light Green, Gray Green, Gray
No
Single
Yes
Matte
Container, Edging, Feature Plant, Mixed Border, Rock Garden / Wall
Butterflies
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