The Ultimate Guide to Sedum (Stonecrop) Varieties as Ground Cover Plants
If you are looking for low-maintenance ground cover plants that thrive in hot, arid climates, look no further than sedums. The Sedum genus, commonly known as stonecrops, consists of 400 to 500 species that are perfect for covering large areas with their unique foliage and beautiful flowers. These plants are not only drought-tolerant and deer-resistant but also come in a variety of interesting shades of green that add visual interest to your garden.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore 10 popular sedum varieties that work well as ground cover plants. From white sedum to Russian stonecrop, each variety offers its own unique characteristics and benefits. Let’s dive in and discover the perfect sedum for your garden!
Why Choose Sedums as Ground Cover?
Before we delve into the different sedum varieties, let’s take a moment to understand why these plants make excellent ground covers:
- Drought-Tolerant: Sedums thrive in dry, rocky soil and can withstand long periods without water.
- Deer-Resistant: These plants are generally not attractive to deer, making them a great choice for gardens in deer-prone areas.
- Unique Foliage: Sedums come in a range of shades of green that are not commonly found in other plants, adding visual interest to your garden.
- Low-Maintenance: With their shallow root systems, sedums are easy to remove if needed and require minimal care once established.
Now, let’s explore 10 sedum varieties that will transform your garden into a lush, vibrant oasis!
White Sedum
White sedum is a stunning variety with white flowers and green foliage that turns reddish in autumn. This slow-growing plant is ideal for thin, poor soils or rocky embankments and has excellent tolerance for dry conditions. It blooms in summer, adding a touch of elegance to your garden.
Name: White Sedum
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‘Murale’
‘Murale’ is a sedum cultivar with bronze foliage and pink flowers that bloom in early summer, attracting butterflies to your garden. Although slightly smaller in size compared to other sedum species, ‘Murale’ is a delightful addition to any landscape.
Name: ‘Murale’
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Cascade Stonecrop
Also known as spreading stonecrop, Cascade stonecrop is a perennial species that blooms with yellow flowers in midsummer. Its green leaves develop a reddish tinge in full sun, creating a striking contrast in your garden. Individual plants can spread several feet in irregular directions, providing ample ground coverage.
Name: Cascade Stonecrop
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Pink Mongolian Stonecrop
Pink Mongolian stonecrop, formerly known as Sedum ewersii, is now officially classified as Hylotelephium ewersii. This small ground cover plant blooms with pink flowers in late summer and features blue-gray leaves. Perfect for dry soil and rock gardens, this sedum variety is a showstopper in any landscape.
Name: Pink Mongolian Stonecrop
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‘Blue Spruce’ Sedum
Named for its bluish needle-like foliage resembling that of evergreen shrubs, ‘Blue Spruce’ sedum is a fast-growing plant that produces small yellow flowers in mid to late summer. This variety is perfect for creating a transition between low-sprawling evergreens in your garden.
Name: ‘Blue Spruce’ Sedum
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Japanese Stonecrop
With silver-blue leaves edged in red and hot-pink flowers that bloom in fall, the Japanese stonecrop, also known as October sedum, adds a splash of color to dark corners of your landscape. This plant is a striking choice for brightening up any garden.
Name: Japanese Stonecrop
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‘Purple Emperor’
‘Purple Emperor’ sedum features plum foliage and pink inflorescence that complement plants with silver foliage or yellow flowers. This upright variety is perfect for filling pockets in rock gardens and sunny border gardens, adding a touch of royalty to your landscape.
Name: ‘Purple Emperor’
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‘Angelina’ Stonecrop
‘Angelina’ stonecrop is a gold-leaved sedum that turns bronze in cold weather, creating a mesmerizing contrast in your garden. Tiny yellow flowers adorn this mat-forming plant throughout the summer, making it a versatile choice for dry areas, rock gardens, containers, and hanging baskets.
Name: ‘Angelina’ Stonecrop
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Chinese Sedum
‘Coral Reef’ is a cultivar of Chinese sedum with warm yellowish foliage and tiny white or pink flowers that appear in July and August. This low-spreading variety mixes well with dark green plants, creating a stunning ground carpet in your garden. Easy to propagate from stem cuttings, Chinese sedum is a must-have for any landscape.
Name: Chinese Sedum
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Russian Stonecrop
With deep green leaves and golden yellow flowers that bloom in late summer, Russian stonecrop is a reliable, fast-growing plant that thrives in rock gardens and sunny areas. The foliage turns a beautiful bronze color in the fall, adding a touch of warmth to your garden.
Name: Russian Stonecrop
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Learn More
If you want to delve deeper into the world of sedums and succulents, there is much more to explore. These plants, beloved for their unique characteristics and low-maintenance nature, are perfect for xeriscaping, rock gardens, and containers. Whether you choose ‘Angelina’ for its fast growth or ‘Purple Emperor’ for its royal elegance, sedums are sure to transform your garden into a vibrant paradise.
In conclusion, sedums are versatile, easy-to-care-for plants that offer a wide range of options for ground cover in your garden. With their unique foliage, beautiful flowers, and low-maintenance nature, these plants are a must-have for any landscape. So, why wait? Choose your favorite sedum variety today and watch your garden bloom into a lush oasis!
