Sedum with red leaves. Stonecrop white: the best varieties and recommendations for care. Sedum: description and varieties

But even without this, such plants become the central elements of any landscape design. It is to such plants that sedum can be attributed. This is a herbaceous plant with a nondescript appearance and flowers, but with its help you can create incredibly interesting and beautiful garden compositions. This is facilitated by the unpretentiousness of sedum to soil and care.

In this article, we will consider the features and description of sedum, as well as the differences between the most common species and varieties of this plant. We will tell in more detail about the main nuances of agricultural technology for growing sedum.

Features and description of sedum

Sedum is a succulent of the Crassula family. Another name for this plant is sedum, although among the people one can also find hernia, feverish grass. Sedum is a perennial, rarely annual or biennial herbaceous plant. In nature, this plant grows in the Northern Hemisphere, but it can be found almost anywhere where there are conditions for this. Most of all, the sedum plant is found in the nature of Africa, North and South America, and Europe.

The very name of the plant "sedum" comes from the Latin word "sedo", which means "to subside" or "subside" in translation. This is explained quite simply, because earlier many varieties of sedum were used as an analgesic. Even today, this plant is used in folk medicine.

There is a very interesting story about the origin of this plant. It says that Telephos, the son of Hercules, was able to cure a severe wound with a sedum, which was inflicted on him by a spear. This plant has also been used by believing Christians for a long time on one of the Orthodox holidays. Many of today's church rites are based on a pagan basis, according to which, on the feast of the Body of the Lord, it is imperative to weave a wreath of stonecrop to scare away unclean forces. And they hang such an ornament on the door, while it cannot be thrown away, but it is necessary to wait until it dries and crumbles.

Description of sedum:

  • Sedum is most often a perennial plant, although annual and biennial species are sometimes found.
  • Stonecrop grows in the form of a herbaceous plant or a small shrub.
  • The stem of this plant can be erect, creeping, sod-forming. In all cases, the stem is strongly branched.
  • Sedum's most recognizable feature is its thick, fleshy leaves, which can be smooth or slightly pubescent with stiff hairs.
  • Stonecrop leaves are alternate, may be opposite or whorled, which are collected in rosettes of various shapes.
  • The leaves are whole with a serrated edge, of various colors, depending on the particular variety of sedum.
  • The flowers of these star-shaped succulents can be of various colors: yellow, pink, snow-white, red.
  • Sedum flowers are collected in apical, racemose or umbrella inflorescences. Some varieties of sedum bloom single flowers.
  • The flowers are bisexual, well pollinated, have an aroma that attracts insects.
  • The inflorescences are very dense and consist of a large number of small flowers.
  • Sedum blooms twice: in spring and autumn.
  • There are frost-resistant species and plants that can only be grown indoors.
  • These are very light-loving plants that in nature prefer to grow on rocky surfaces, forming real carpets.
  • An unpretentious sedum, planting and caring for which will not be difficult, is a wonderful decoration for any site and garden.

A variety of species and varieties of sedum

In total, today there are about 300 species of sedum, of which only about 100 are cultivated. All sedum plants are divided into two large groups. The first group includes dwarf creeping varieties, which are called stonecrops. The second, more numerous, group includes tall species, which are called stonecrops. Let's take a closer look at the features of sedum species that are popular in our territories.

Sedum big

  • In nature, this type of sedum prefers to grow in temperate areas of Europe and Asia.
  • This is a perennial herb that can reach a height of 25-30 cm.
  • The stem of this plant is erect and rather thick.
  • The leaves are oval in shape with a serrated edge, arranged oppositely or alternately.
  • The flowers are small, collected in dense corymbose inflorescences, which are located at the very tops. The color of the flowers may be red or yellowish green.
  • One of the features of the large sedum is that it is used in traditional medicine.
  • This species is often used by breeders to develop new plant varieties.

Popular varieties of sedum large:

  • Variety "Matrona". A rather tall plant that can reach 60 cm. The stem is densely strewn with blue-green leaves with a reddish edge. The flowers are light pink in color.
  • Variety "Black Jack". It can grow up to 40 cm in height. Its leaves have an unusual shade - a bluish-purple color. Blooms with pink inflorescences.
  • Variety "Linda Windsor". The plant is formed by erect stems of burgundy color, which are covered with reddish leaves. The plant blooms with ruby-colored inflorescences.

Sedum prominent

  • The homeland of this species of sedum is the territory of China, Japan and Korea.
  • A fairly tall bush, which is formed by erect stems, reaching a height of 60 cm.
  • The leaves are light green, small in size.
  • The flowers are small, collected in dense inflorescences. They have a pink tint.
  • Sedum blooms prominent in September for 25-30 days.

Popular varieties of sedum prominent:

  • Iceberg variety. An upright shrub up to 35 cm high. Its flowering begins in August. The flowers are small, collected in inflorescences. The color of the flowers is white.
  • Sort "Brilliant". This variety of sedum has bright pink flowers.
  • Variety "Neon". The plant can grow up to 35 cm in height. The stem is covered with gray-green leaves and bright pink inflorescences.

Sedum white

  • The natural habitat of this vila is Russia, the Caucasus, Europe and North Africa.
  • This plant is an evergreen perennial that forms a carpet up to 5 cm in height.
  • The flowers are white and very fragrant, collected in paniculate inflorescences.
  • The plant itself consists of short branches, thanks to which the sedum creates a kind of flower carpet.
  • A rather unpretentious plant that can perfectly endure harsh winters.

Popular varieties of white sedum

  • Sort "Coral Carpet". A dwarf plant that can reach a height of 5 cm, creating a carpet on the surface of the earth. Distinguished by reddish foliage.
  • Sort "Faro Form". A very dwarf variety of sedum that forms a carpet of only 1 cm in height. It has very small leaves that are reddish in summer and brown in winter.
  • Variety "France". A rather tall stonecrop, densely covered with oblong green leaves, which turn pink with enough sunlight.

Sedum caustic

  • The natural habitat is the territory of western Russia, Siberia, the Caucasus and North America.
  • A perennial branching plant that can reach a height of 10 cm, thereby being a ground cover plant.
  • The stems are highly branched and densely covered with dark green foliage.
  • Sedum caustic flowers have a bright golden yellow hue.
  • The juice of this plant, when it comes into contact with the skin, can cause ulcers, hence the name of the whole species.

Popular varieties of sedum caustic:

  • Variety "Aureum". The plant of this variety is distinguished by yellowish tops of the shoots.
  • Variety "Elegance". An undersized variety of this species with variegated, slightly twisted foliage.

Sedum Kamchatka

  • The natural habitat of this species is the territory of Japan, China and the Far East.
  • The plant is formed by thick, slightly rising shoots that are covered with foliage.
  • In some forms of Kamchatka sedum, the foliage has a white border around the edge.
  • Blooms with yellow-orange flowers.

Sedum false

  • The natural habitat of false sedum is the territory of Iran, the Caucasus and Turkey.
  • It is a perennial plant with creeping or ascending stems.
  • The leaves are oval in shape with a thickly toothed margin.
  • The flowers are small purple or pink, collected in dense paniculate inflorescences.
  • Differs in good winter hardiness.
  • Possessing a short stature, it looks great in flower beds, alpine slides, and on terraces.

Popular varieties of false sedum:

  • Variety "Album". This is a perennial plant with dark green foliage and snow-white inflorescences.
  • Variety "Bronze Carpet". Sedum variety with bronze-brown leaves and pink buds.
  • Variety "Erd Blue". A very bright variety of a plant that has reddish foliage and pink inflorescences.

Reproduction of sedum: the most common methods

Sedum is easy to breed on your site yourself. To do this, you need to know the ways in which this plant reproduces. In total, the three most common methods of propagation of sedum are available: seed, cuttings and dividing the bush. Consider the features of each of them.

Seed propagation of sedum

  • The best time to plant sedum with seeds is spring, and more specifically March or April.
  • First of all, for growing sedum from seeds, you need to prepare boxes or containers.
  • Next, fill all containers with a suitable potting mix, which should consist of garden soil and sand.
  • Gently, at a distance of about 3 cm from each other, sow the seeds of sedum on the surface of the substrate. Top with clean river sand.
  • Using a spray bottle, moisten the surface of the soil and cover with glass or film on top to create greenhouse conditions.
  • Next, the seeds need to be stratified. To do this, place the container in the refrigerator, in the vegetable section, where the temperature is on average 3-4 degrees.
  • The stratification process lasts about 2 weeks, during which the container must constantly be ventilated and the substrate moistened.
  • After 2 weeks, the containers should be placed in a room with a temperature of 20 degrees.
  • For 2-4 weeks, the containers should be under the film, and be sure to ventilate and moisten daily.
  • Shoots will appear in about 2-4 weeks. They are very small, so remove the film only after the appearance of a large number of seedlings.
  • After the seedlings have two leaves, they need to dive.
  • Such plants will bloom only after 2-3 years. At the same time, remember that an already adult sedum plant grown from seeds can be hybridized during the growth process. Seed propagation is most often used by breeders.

Propagation of sedum by cuttings

  • This method is the fastest and easiest, especially for beginner gardeners.
  • On average, about 70-100% of the cuttings take root.
  • First you need to prepare a site for rooting cuttings. To do this, it is dug up, well leveled.
  • Sedum cuttings can be used for propagation before or after the plant blooms.
  • Cut them to a length of about 5-10 cm.
  • Be sure to free the lower part from the leaves.
  • Then root the planting material in the greenhouse so that at least one node remains on the surface.
  • Then the rooted stalk is immediately planted in a permanent place.
  • Alternatively, you can cut off several shoots of sedum in the fall after flowering and put them in a container with water.
  • Periodically, the water needs to be changed and thus by the spring you will get a large number of finished seedlings.

Reproduction of sedum by dividing the bush

  • This method of reproduction is most often used for tall species and varieties of sedum.
  • It is recommended to carry out reproduction by this method in early spring.
  • A healthy and strong plant must be carefully dug up.
  • Next, with a sharp shovel or pruner, you need to divide the rhizome into several parts. The main thing is that each part has buds and roots.
  • Then all cut sites must be treated with fungicides for healing.
  • After that, all parts of the bush need to be dried for some time and then planted in a permanent place.

Stages of preparation before planting sedum

Although sedum is considered an unpretentious and frost-resistant plant, it is necessary to carefully prepare before planting it in open ground. It is important to choose high-quality and healthy seedlings, as well as to choose a suitable place on your site for normal plant growth.

Stage 1. Selection of sedum seedlings

You can buy sedum in any specialized store or agricultural company that professionally breeds plants. When purchasing seedlings, be sure to carefully inspect the plant. It should not be visible damage and signs of disease or pests. The leaves should not be dry or limp, and the soil in the container should be clean and moist.

Before buying a sedum, be sure to decide on the future garden composition, because all varieties of this plant differ in leaf color, shoot height and frost resistance. In a specialized store, you can consult about varieties suitable for your area. Choose shorter varieties for the formation of flower carpets, and tall plants for group and single plantings.

Stage 2. Choosing a place for landing sedum

The landing site is also important for the normal and full growth and flowering of sedum. They like a sunny and open position, although some varieties can tolerate light shade. It is in the sun that the decorative properties of foliage stand out clearly. In shady areas, sedum stems can stretch very strongly, which drastically changes and spoils its appearance. Creeping and ground cover varieties of this plant can grow on rocks or rocky places. It is not recommended to plant all types of sedum under garden deciduous trees, because in the spring young shoots will not be able to break through from under the fallen leaves.

When choosing a planting site, it is important to consider the height of the future plant and the color of its foliage in order to more harmoniously combine with other plants.

Stage 3. Selection and preparation of the soil

Sedum is a hardy plant and can grow well in a variety of soils. However, all types of this plant require a specific composition for full growth. Fast-growing ground cover varieties of sedum prefer to grow in nutrient-rich garden soil, while regular ones can grow in loam. Some species, such as caustic sedum, prefer to grow in sandy soils. Sedum Caucasian loves soils rich in lime. All this must be taken into account when choosing a place to plant your chosen variety of sedum.

The site you have chosen must first be carefully dug up, about one bayonet of a shovel. It is also recommended to add a little humus or compost to the existing soil.

Sedum planting technology in open ground

  • The best time for planting sedum in open ground is the middle or end of May, when the threat of return frosts has finally passed.
  • Before landing, be sure to prepare the place. To do this, you need to make a soil mixture, which should consist of sand and humus, you can add garden soil.
  • On the selected site, be sure to prepare landing pits, the size of which should be as follows - a depth of at least 20 cm and a diameter of at least 50 cm.
  • There should also be a certain distance between plants so that in the future they do not interfere with each other's growth. It must be at least 20 cm.
  • A small layer of drainage can be placed at the bottom of each hole, since sedum does not like prolonged stagnation of water at the roots. Gravel or coarse sand can be used as drainage.
  • Next, carefully fill the planting holes with some of the soil mixture you prepared ahead of time.
  • Plant sedum seedlings and sprinkle them with the remaining mixture, gently pressing with your hands.
  • After planting, each plant should be watered abundantly.
  • Also, the soil around the plants can be covered with small stones.

Agricultural technology for growing sedum: secrets and nuances of care

Undoubtedly, sedum is a very unpretentious plant and can grow in almost any soil and in any place. However, without proper care for sedum, it is unlikely to please you with a beautiful and lush bush and abundant flowering. Do not be afraid, the process of caring for this plant will not cause you any special difficulties. Everything is very simple: timely watering, loosening, top dressing and shelter for the winter for specific varieties.

Watering

It is important to remember that sedum does not like strong waterlogging. Young plants must be watered regularly, but moderately. You can navigate by the dryness of the soil around the plant. If the soil is already dry, then you can start watering. Older plants, even in hot summers, need less frequent watering.

Loosening and mulching

Plants such as sedums categorically cannot stand the neighborhood of weeds, so periodically after watering you need to do weeding. In parallel, it is recommended to loosen the soil around the sedum, making it lighter and more oxygenated. Various mulches can be used depending on the garden composition. As a decorative element, the soil around the plant can be laid with small stones or pieces of bark.

top dressing

All types of sedum are not particularly demanding on top dressing. However, fertilizer can be added twice a season for more lush flowering and foliage growth. The first time fertilizer is applied before flowering. You can use an aqueous solution with manure and a small amount of nitrogen. The second time to feed the plant is better after flowering, using complex mineral fertilizers.

Disease and pest control

Sedum has good resistance to diseases and pests. However, occasionally this plant may need your help.

  • Rot. This is a fungal disease that can appear in a plant with improper care. Its symptoms: dark spots on leaves and stems. If such signs are found, the damaged areas must be cut and burned, and the entire plant should be treated with special fungicides.

Pests:

  • Aphid. This pest can damage the leaves of the plant, depleting them. To combat aphids, it is recommended to use insecticides, but you need to dilute in a smaller volume than recommended. Sedum can get burned.
  • Nematodes. A very serious pest that primarily attacks the root system of the plant. After this, the entire aerial part of the sedum withers and dries out. There are no measures to combat this pest, so damaged plants should be dug up and burned. In this case, it is necessary to process the place where the plant grew.
  • Weevil. Such a pest is recommended to be removed by hand.

Preparing for winter

Before the onset of cold weather, it is recommended to cut off all the shoots of the plant. Also, if you are growing more exotic varieties of sedum, consider sheltering the plant. To do this, the soil around it can be mulched and covered with covering material. In the spring, it will need to be removed and the soil freed from excess material so that nothing interferes with the growth of young shoots.

The use of sedum in landscape design

Sedum is a very beautiful and ornamental plant, because each of its species has its own unique foliage color. It is this feature that landscape designers often use to create the most incredible and unique garden compositions.

  • Low-growing creeping or ground-covering sedum varieties will look great as an element of rockeries, alpine slides or mixborders.
  • Ground cover varieties of this plant are often used to create picturesque flower carpets among the lawn or on a small hill.
  • Many varieties of this type of succulent feel great surrounded by stones, so they can be planted in rocky gardens.
  • Tall varieties of sedum are recommended to be planted in groups, so they look more harmonious and beautiful.
  • Creeping varieties can also be planted along borders or garden paths.
  • Alternatively, some varieties of sedum thrive in pots that can be placed on steps or around the yard.

Photo of sedum in landscape design

You can more clearly see the features of the appearance of the sedum and the options for its use in landscape design in the photos below.

Sedum without any special bright colors in its appearance can be a great decoration for your garden. At the same time, you will not need much effort and expense when planting and growing it.

Succulent plant sedum (sédum) belong to the Crassulaceae family. The habitat is very diverse: from Eurasia to the northern and southern parts of America. Sedum refers to perennial herbaceous plants. However, rarely, it happens to be two years old. Contains species and varietal diversity. In parallel, another name for the plant is widespread - stonecrop. The plant is unpretentious in care, but requires proper and constant care. Widely used in the world of landscape design, in various compositions.

Sedum forms whole stems with leaves that tend to accumulate water. The height of the stem ranges from 40 to 70 cm, depending on the species. At the same time, the stems are: erect, creeping and sod-forming. Contains small actinomorphic flowers resembling the shape of an asterisk.

The bright palette of flowers is diverse in the main colors: red, white, pink, yellow. It has the following inflorescences: umbellate, corymbose and racemose. Flowering occurs in summer or autumn. Large tuberous root system. It mainly grows in meadows and dry slopes. It has good winter hardiness.

Sedum growing from seeds

Propagation by seeds is easy and simple. It is enough to thoroughly prepare for this process. Seeds are planted for seedlings from the beginning of March to the end of April. Before planting, they first undergo stratification and preparation for transplanting seedlings as follows:

❀ Seeds are laid out on the surface of the soil in a small container, and moistened.
❀ They are covered with a plastic bag and placed in the lower section of the refrigerator, at a temperature of 0 to 5 degrees Celsius.
❀ After two weeks, transferred to room conditions.
❀ In the future, subject to a temperature of 18-20 degrees, and with moderate soil moisture, the first shoots appear in a month.
❀ When reaching 1-2 true leaves, it is necessary to dive the seedlings into pots.

Reference! Stratification is considered to be the long-term keeping of seeds at a certain temperature, for their further accelerated germination.

In advance, you should prepare the soil for plant pots, which should include components in its composition: sand, peat, rotten leaves and turf in equal proportions. For a better soil structure, brick chips are added. At the bottom of the pot, a drainage layer is first laid out, and then the prepared mixture. Then the soil must be loosened and watered evenly. A stonecrop seedling is planted in a recess in the middle of the pot, sprinkled with soil and watered.

The first days after planting, the seedlings are in a dark place. With an increase in plant growth, they are moved to a more sunny place. Caring for a plant in a room requires regular ventilation and uniform watering. Stonecrop grows very well at home, and takes root quickly.

Sedum planting in open ground

Correct and high-quality planting of stonecrop is based on phased actions. You should familiarize yourself in more detail not only with the planting process itself, but also with the choice of a seedling and a place.

Seedling selection

The seedling for planting must undergo a thorough inspection. You need to choose healthy plants. Seedlings with various damages, signs of diseases or the presence of pests are excluded. When examining the leaves, you need to make sure that there are no sluggish specimens. Attention should be paid to the soil, in which stagnant water and excessive moisture are not allowed. It is also necessary to decide on a variety for the composition, since varieties differ in leaf color, shoot length and flower color.

Advice! A low grade is suitable for a flower canvas, and a high grade is suitable for group and single planting.

Choice of landing site

Sedum belongs to light-loving plants. It is necessary to choose an open sunny area with good soil, without stagnant moisture. The sun's rays have a beneficial effect on the decorativeness of the leaves. Plant parameters and leaf color are taken into account for a harmonious combination on the ground with other crops. Creeping and ground cover varieties feel great in rocky and rocky areas. Some varieties can grow in dark areas, however, their stems are significantly elongated.

Soil preparation

Unpretentious stonecrop grows well on various soils. However, for full development and lush flowering, all types of plants require a special composition. All this should be taken into account when choosing a site. Fast-growing ground cover varieties need light, loose soil rich in nutrients. Other varieties prefer loamy, sandy, or lime-rich soil. Before planting, in any case, it is worth digging up the site, adding a small amount of compost or humus to the soil.

Sedum Planting Technology

Sedum is planted after a period of spring frosts. May is the perfect time for planting. The interval between plants should be at least 20-25 cm.

Landing includes the following sequence:

❶ Dig a hole up to 20 cm deep, up to 50 cm in diameter.
❷ Distribute drainage in one layer at the bottom of the pit.
❸ Mix sand with humus in a ratio of 3:1. Fill the pit with the prepared composition.
❹ Make a small depression in the middle of the hole, to the depth of the root system of the seedling.
❺ Gently plant the seedling in the recess and sprinkle with soil, gently pressing down with your hands.
❻ Mark the hole by placing small stones around the plant.
❼ Place fine gravel or crushed stone in the hole.
❽ Water the seedling

Attention! Planting a plant in a dark place can lead to depletion of the leaves and stem, and in the future it will stop flowering.

Sedum outdoor care

Proper care is the key not only to the healthy appearance of the plant, but also to abundant flowering. Necessary components of care: watering, fertilizing and, to a lesser extent, loosening.

Watering

Stonecrop does not like waterlogged soil. In the first period after planting, the plant needs regular moderate watering. This contributes to its rapid rooting and good adaptation. At a more mature age, watering is carried out during prolonged heat or drought. The reference point for dryness of the soil is an elementary test by hand, if the soil is so dry that it is cracked, then it is necessary to water it. If, when loosening, fresh, slightly damp soil is visible, it is too early to water.

loosening

Thanks to the process of loosening around the stonecrop, unnecessary weed plants are getting rid of, and the soil is enriched with oxygen. In addition to loosening, a mulching process is carried out, which keeps the soil loose and enriches it with nutrients. For plants, various mulches can be used.

top dressing

Special feeding for all types of stonecrop is not required. For the season, fertilization will be sufficient only twice: before flowering, and after it. A liquid organic fertilizer is applied, using a small amount of nitrogen, until flowers form. At the end of flowering, complex fertilizer is used.

IMPORTANT! Fading stonecrops in the fall should be cut off the shoots. This contributes to the renewal and rejuvenation of plants.

Sedum species and varieties

Initially, the stonecrop genus consisted of approximately 600 species. Over time, the number of the species decreased to 300. Currently, only about 100 species are bred and grown. Each type of stonecrop contains a large number of varieties that differ from the main species in the color of the stem, flowers and leaves. A photo of flowers clearly shows the uniqueness of each species.

Sedum caustic (Sédumácre)

Perennial plant species. It has a thin root system. Numerous ascending stems, with fleshy dark green leaves. The inflorescence contains golden-yellow flowers, with a calyx length of 2 to 5 mm. Flowering lasts from mid-spring to late summer. Drought tolerant and winter hardy. Sedum caustic is a honey plant, but its juice releases a dangerous poison. The most popular varieties:

elegans(sedum elegans): similar to marine coral, contains foliage that is slightly twisted in shape.
Aureum(sedum aureum): characterized by a yellow color of the shoots at the tops.
Blue Forest(sedum Blue Forest): has a bluish tint to the leaves and showy flowers.

Sedum Morgana (Sedum morganianum)

A perennial plant native to Mexico. Because of the densely leafy light green leaves and branches, creeping up to 1.5 meters in length, the species received the second name "monkey's tail". Actinomorphic axillary flowers in the form of red-pink stars are located at the end of the stem, up to 2 cm in diameter. The beginning of flowering occurs in early spring. The most common varieties of sedum morgana:

Harry Butterfield(sedum Harry Butterfield): has spiky leaves that are lighter in color.
Burito(sedum burrito): characterized by rounded leaves with a bluish tint.

Sedum bent or reflexum (sedum reflexum)

Evergreen perennial plant. Distributed in central and northern Europe, as well as in the central part of the Caucasus. It spreads low on the surface of the earth. Narrow bluish-green leaves are densely planted on short stems. They may also have a pink or silver tint. Flowering with yellow flowers lasts from June to July. Grows well in any temperature. Sedum bent refers to an edible plant. The sour taste of stonecrop harmonizes perfectly in salads, and in many dishes.

Type of sedum false (sedum spurium)

Perennial undersized plants with creeping and ascending stems. They grow in southwestern Asia. In the Russian Federation - on the territory of the Caucasus. The oval-shaped middle leaves contain serrated edges. Small purple flowers are collected in dense inflorescences. As a result, the species has a different name - purple carpet. They are winter hardy. The main varieties of false sedum:

Sedum false crimson(sedum raspberry): characterized by crimson flowers with bronze shoots.
Sedum false voodoo(sedum voodoo): has bright pink flowers, and burgundy-red leaves.
Rubens Lizard(sedum Rubens Lizard): characterized by pinkish leaves with light pink flowers.
Cokeinum(sedum coccineum): or red rose, with reddish-crimson flowers and red-tinted shoots.

Sedum prominent (sedum spectabile)

Stonecrop is native to East Asia, especially China. The tall species is characterized by an erect stem with light green leaves. The inflorescences contain small pink flowers. Flowering takes place in September. Popular varieties of sedum prominent:

Charles(sedum Carl): has bluish leaves and umbellate inflorescences of purple-carmine or pinkish-lilac flowers.
Matron(sedum matrona): has dark green leaves and light pink flowers. ❀ Neon(sedum neon): contains greyish leaves and pink buds.

Sedum Kamchatka (sedum kamtschaticum)

It is widely distributed in the Far East, on its rocky slopes. Refers to a perennial undersized species. Contains ascending stems with dark green leaves. In corymbose inflorescence yellow-orange flowers. Flowering - July - September. The root system has a lignified appearance. Handles winter well. Of all the varieties of this species, the Golden Carpet variety (golden carpet), which has bright yellow flowers, stands out the most.

Sedum white (sedum album)

Perennial stonecrop is common in the north of our country. Forms a low creeping carpet of green stems and small leaves. The inflorescence is paniculate, contains fragrant snow-white flowers. Winter-hardy and grows well in partial shade. The most common varieties:

coral carpet(coral carpet): or white moss, forms a creeping canvas from flowering flowers.
Hillebrandty(hillebrandtii): flowers are orange in summer and pink in winter.

Where to buy sedum seeds

The Scientific and Production Association "Gardens of Russia" has been implementing the latest achievements in the selection of vegetable, fruit, berry and ornamental crops into the wide practice of amateur gardening for 30 years. In the work of the association, the most modern technologies are used, a unique laboratory of microclonal propagation of plants has been created. The main objectives of NPO "Gardens of Russia" is to provide gardeners with high-quality planting material of popular varieties of various garden plants and novelties of world selection. Delivery of planting material (seeds, bulbs, seedlings) is carried out by Russian post. Looking forward to shopping:

Succulent plants sedum (sédum lat.) belong to the Crassulaceae family. The habitat is very diverse: from Eurasia to the northern and southern parts of America. Contains species and varietal diversity.

In parallel, the name of the plant is widespread - stonecrop. Unpretentious in care, requires proper and constant care. Widely used in the world of landscape design, in various compositions.

About the plant

Refers to a perennial herbaceous plant. However, it rarely happens to be two years old. Forms whole stems with leaves that tend to accumulate water. Stem height ranges from 40 to 70 cm, depending on the type. In this case, the stems are: upright, creeping and turf-forming. Contains small actinomorphic flowers resembling the shape of an asterisk.

The bright palette of flowers is diverse in the main colors: red, white, pink, yellow. It has the following inflorescences: umbellate, corymbose and racemose. Flowering is happening in summer or autumn. Large tuberous root system. It mainly grows in meadows and dry slopes. It has good winter hardiness.

History reference! The Russian folk name for sedum is "feverish or hernia grass."

Sedum six-row (Sedum sexangulare)

Species and varieties

Initially, the stonecrop genus consisted of approximately 600 species. Over time, the number of the species decreased to 300. Currently, only about 100 species are bred and grown. Each type of stonecrop contains a large number of varieties that differ from the main species in the color of the stem, flowers and leaves. A photo of flowers clearly shows the uniqueness of each species.

Sedum species caustic (Sédum ácre)

Perennial plant species. It has a thin root system. Numerous ascending stems, with fleshy dark green leaves. The inflorescence contains golden-yellow flowers, with a calyx length of 2 to 5 mm. Flowering lasts from mid-spring to late summer. Drought tolerant and winter hardy.

Important! Sedum caustic is a honey plant, but its juice releases a dangerous poison.

The most popular varieties:


Sedum Morgana (Sedum morganianum)

A perennial plant native to Mexico. Because of the densely leafy light green leaves and branches, creeping up to 1.5 meters in length, the species received the second name "monkey's tail". Actinomorphic axillary flowers in the form of red-pink stars are located at the end of the stem, up to 2 cm in diameter. The beginning of flowering occurs in early spring.

The most common varieties of morgan are:

  • Harry Butterfield (sedum Harry Butterfield): has spiky leaves that are lighter in color;
  • Burrito (sedum burrito): characterized by rounded leaves with a bluish tint.

The bluish shade of the leaves of stonecrop Morgan "Burito"

Type of sedum bent or reflexum / sedum reflexum /

Evergreen perennial plant. Distributed in central and northern Europe, as well as in the central part of the Caucasus. It spreads low on the surface of the earth. Narrow bluish-green leaves are densely planted on short stems. They may also have a pink or silver tint. Flowering with yellow flowers lasts from June to July. Grows well in any temperature.

Fact! Sedum bent refers to an edible plant. The sour taste of stonecrop harmonizes perfectly in salads, and in many dishes.


Type of sedum false (sedum spurium)

Perennial undersized plants with creeping and ascending stems. They grow in southwestern Asia. In the Russian Federation - on the territory of the Caucasus. The oval-shaped middle leaves contain serrated edges. Small purple flowers are collected in dense inflorescences. As a result, the species has a different name - purple carpet. They are winter hardy.

Sedum false has the main varieties:


Species sedum prominent (sedum spectabile)

Stonecrop is native to East Asia, especially China. The tall species is characterized by an erect stem with light green leaves. The inflorescences contain small pink flowers. Flowering takes place in September.

Varieties of sedum prominent:

  • Sedum Carl (sedum Carl): contains bluish leaves; umbellate inflorescences of purple-carmine or pinkish-lilac flowers;
  • Matron (sedum matrona): has a dark green leaf color and light pink flowers;
  • Neon (sedum neon): contains grayish leaves and pink inflorescences.

Handsome Karl.

Majestic "Matrona".

Sparkling "Neon"

Sedum species Kamchatka (sedum kamtschaticum)

It is widely distributed in the Far East, on its rocky slopes. Refers to a perennial undersized species. Contains ascending stems with dark green leaves. In corymbose inflorescence yellow-orange flowers. Flowering - July - September. The root system has a lignified appearance. Handles winter well.

Of all the varieties of this species, the Golden Carpet variety (golden carpet) stands out the most: the second name is a yellow rose, because of the bright yellow flowers.

White sedum species (sedum album)

Perennial stonecrop is common in the north of our country. Forms a low creeping carpet of green stems and small leaves. The inflorescence is paniculate, contains fragrant snow-white flowers. Winter-hardy and grows well in partial shade.

Common varieties:

  • coral carpet (coral сarpet): or white moss, forms a creeping canvas from flowering flowers;
  • hillebrandti (hillebrandtii): flowers are orange in summer and pink in winter.

Landing

Correct and high-quality planting of stonecrop is based on phased actions. You should familiarize yourself in more detail not only with the planting process itself, but also with the choice of a seedling and a place.

Seedling selection

The seedling for planting must undergo a thorough inspection. You need to choose healthy plants. Seedlings with various damages, signs of diseases or the presence of pests are excluded. When examining the leaves, you need to make sure that there are no sluggish specimens. Attention should be paid to the soil, in which stagnant water and excessive moisture are not allowed. It is also necessary to decide on a variety for the composition, since varieties differ in leaf color, shoot length and flower color.

Advice! A low grade is suitable for a flower canvas, and a high grade is suitable for group and single planting.

Location selection

Sedum belongs to light-loving plants. It is necessary to choose an open sunny area with good soil, without stagnant moisture. The sun's rays have a beneficial effect on the decorativeness of the leaves. Plant parameters and leaf color are taken into account for a harmonious combination on the ground with other crops. Creeping and ground cover varieties feel great in rocky and rocky areas. Some varieties can grow in dark areas, however, their stems are significantly elongated.

Soil preparation

Unpretentious stonecrop grows well on various soils. However, for full development and lush flowering, all types of plants require a special composition. All this should be taken into account when choosing a site. Fast-growing ground cover varieties need light, loose soil rich in nutrients. Other varieties prefer loamy, sandy, or lime-rich soil. Before planting, in any case, it is worth digging up the site, adding a small amount of compost or humus to the soil.

Landing technology

Sedum is planted after a period of spring frosts. May is the perfect time for planting. The spacing between plants should be not less than 20-25 cm.

Landing includes the following sequence:

  1. dig a hole up to 20 cm deep, with a diameter of up to 50 cm;
  2. mix sand with humus, in a ratio of 3: 1;
  3. distribute drainage at the bottom of the pit in one layer;
  4. fill the pit with the prepared composition;
  5. make a small depression in the middle of the pit, to the depth of the root system of the seedling;
  6. carefully insert the seedling into the recess;
  7. sprinkle with soil, gently pressing down with your hands;
  8. mark the hole by laying small stones around the plant;
  9. put fine gravel or crushed stone in the hole;
  10. water the seedling.

Attention! Planting a plant in a dark place can lead to depletion of the leaves and stem, and in the future it will stop flowering.


Care

Proper care is the key not only to the healthy appearance of the plant, but also to abundant flowering. Necessary components: watering, top dressing and - to a lesser extent - loosening.

Watering

Stonecrop does not like waterlogged soil. In the first period after planting, the plant needs regular moderate watering. This contributes to its rapid rooting and good adaptation. At a more mature age, watering is carried out during prolonged heat or drought. The reference point for dryness of the soil is an elementary test by hand, if the soil is so dry that it is cracked, then it is necessary to water it. If, when loosening, fresh, slightly damp soil is visible, it is too early to water.

loosening

Thanks to the process of loosening around the stonecrop, unnecessary weed plants are getting rid of, and the soil is enriched with oxygen. In addition to loosening, a mulching process is carried out, which keeps the soil loose and enriches it with nutrients. For plants, various mulches can be used.

top dressing

Special feeding for all types of stonecrop is not required. For the season, fertilization will be sufficient only twice: before flowering, and after it. A liquid organic fertilizer is applied, using a small amount of nitrogen, until flowers form. At the end of flowering, complex fertilizer is used.

Advice! Fading stonecrops in the fall should be cut off the shoots. This contributes to the renewal and rejuvenation of plants.

Growing from seeds at home

Propagation by seeds is easy and simple. It is enough to thoroughly prepare for this process. Seeds are planted for seedlings from the beginning of March to the end of April. Before planting, they first undergo stratification and preparation for transplanting seedlings as follows:

  1. Seeds are laid out on the surface of the soil in a small container, and moistened.
  2. They are covered with a plastic bag and placed in the lower section of the refrigerator, at a temperature of 0 to 5 degrees Celsius.
  3. After two weeks, they are transferred to room conditions.
  4. In the future, subject to the temperature - 18-20 degrees, and with moderate soil moisture, the first shoots appear in a month.
  5. When reaching 1-2 true leaves, it is necessary to dive the seedlings into pots.

The soil for plant pots should be prepared in advance, which should include the following components: sand, peat, rotten leaves and turf in equal proportions. For a better soil structure, it is added brick chips. At the bottom of the pot, a drainage layer is first laid out, and then the prepared mixture. Then the soil must be loosened and watered evenly. A stonecrop seedling is planted in a recess in the middle of the pot, sprinkled with soil and watered.

The first days after planting, the seedlings are in a dark place. With an increase in plant growth, they are moved to a more sunny place. Caring for a plant in a room requires regular ventilation and uniform watering. Stonecrop grows very well at home, and takes root quickly.

Application in landscape design

The decorativeness of each variety and the uniqueness of the leaf palette allow you to create beautiful compositions in landscape design.

Many gardeners and flower lovers are very fond of stonecrop or, as it is also called, sedum. This flower looks rather modest, but it is very original. Some varieties of sedum are very often used by landscape designers to create carpets on their basis in garden plots in the form of some kind of pattern.

Most varieties of stonecrop are short, but there are also tall species with abundant flowering. There are evergreen and losing foliage in autumn, annual and perennial stonecrops. We will tell you what their types are, what are the features of planting and caring for these flowers. You will also see photos of some samples.

Key features of stonecrop and its photo

A characteristic feature of sedum is dense and fleshy leaves with a bluish bloom. But the inflorescences consist of small, but lush small flowers of different shades. The leaves are able to change color under the influence of sunlight, which gives the flower additional attractiveness. Also, sedums are able to adapt well to different conditions of detention and, depending on them, change their color, they can be:

  • brown;
  • burgundy;
  • green.

The same types of stonecrops that grow in different areas may not look like each other. In the photo you can see how different varieties of sedums differ in appearance.

Classification of varieties

Stonecrop has more than 500 different varieties. However, the most popular flowers among gardeners are just a few. Below you can see the characteristics and photos of some varieties of sedums.

stonecrop prominent

The variety native to Asia. It is common in Japan, China and Korea. The flower has straight long stems up to 60 cm high. Both the stems themselves and the leaves are juicy and fleshy, have a light shade. The inflorescences of such a sedum can have a diameter of up to 15 cm, the flowers are small and fluffy pink, although sometimes they are red, white, and even variegated.

Sedum purple and white

Stonecrop purple variety is common in many countries of Europe and Asia. In particular, in Russia it is found almost throughout the entire territory with the exception of the Arctic zone. Stonecrop inflorescences begin to produce by the end of summer - the beginning of autumn. The stems are straight and low, growing to a maximum of 30 cm. The leaves are green with jagged edges. The inflorescences of flowers have a bright purple color.

white sedum common in Europe and North Africa. Belongs to the category of evergreens, its stems are low - up to 20 cm maximum. The root is creeping, the foliage is small and has an elongated shape. The flowers are white, and the inflorescences are paniculate. Flowering occurs in mid-summer and lasts about a month. The coloring is both white and pink-purple. Such a sedum covers the ground with a continuous "carpet" on which there are many flowers. Planting is best done in the sun and moisten the soil well.

Caustic sedum and big

This type of stonecrop is poisonous, however, in limited doses, it is used as a drug. Distributed in Europe and is in Russia, mainly grows on the shallows of rivers and pine forests. The foliage is dense, rich green in color, and the leaves themselves are small and have an oval or triangular shape in cross section. The flowers look like stars, their color is bright yellow. Such stonecrop blooms for a month in the middle or at the end of summer. The stem is low, only 10 cm.

Such a variety of sedum, as a large one, is common in Western Europe and on the Mediterranean coast. It belongs to the category of perennials, has tall and even stems of a red-green hue. The leaves are large and elongated, have an oval shape. The flowers are not too bright, most often light pink.

Other types of sedum

There is also more several popular varieties of sedum that gardeners love:

  • tenacious - grows in the Far East and Siberia. The stems have a maximum height of 30 cm. The foliage is juicy, dense and serrated, elongated. The flowers resemble stars, have a bright yellow color;
  • Evers sedum - most often found in the mountains - the Himalayas, Altai, Central Asia and China. Its peculiarity is that such a plant stretches along the ground like a thick carpet. The stems are straight and low. The leaves are rounded and wide, have a bluish coating. The flowers are small, have a light pink color;
  • Morgan's stonecrop is an attractive outwardly plant that comes from Mexico. The shoots of this sedum are long and dotted with abundantly fleshy blue-green leaves. Well suited for planting in hanging flowerpots;
  • thick-leaved - the leaves of the flower especially look here. They are elongated, their length can reach 4 cm. The tips of the leaves have a red tint.

How to grow stonecrops

Sedums are good because they are distinguished by their unpretentiousness in terms of cultivation and care. That's why gardeners love them. Almost any soil is suitable for planting, even the poorest. In vivo stonecrop can grow on pebbles, even a minimal piece of soil is enough for them.

But profusely flowering varieties require fertile soil, they should be fertilized and watered regularly. And ordinary varieties do not need additional watering, except if the summer is very dry. Flowers can rot from an excess of liquid, and not vice versa.

An important component of sedum care is the presence of the sun. Under the influence of the rays, the leaves acquire a rich and attractive shade. And in the absence of light in the right amount, the flower will lose its attractiveness.

Most varieties of stonecrops no need to fertilize, but even those that bloom profusely do not require much top dressing.

Without a transplant, stonecrop can grow for 5 years, then it can be rejuvenated as follows:

  • cut off old branches;
  • sprinkle with fresh soil;
  • transplant a young plant.

In order for the plant to always be in perfect condition, as part of caring for it, you need to constantly cut off those parts that protrude above its surface. But the sedum itself will not cope with the weeds, here you need to weed the ground. The exception is the caustic variety, which emits toxic substances and does not allow such a "neighborhood".

Planting sedum

With regard to landing here, as well as in care, there is nothing complicated. Consider the following:

  • the landing site should be well lit by the sun;
  • The soil must be impervious to water to prevent rotting. It is best to plant a plant in sandy or sandy loam soil, but if the soil is loamy, then before planting sedum, it must be fertilized with baking powder in the form of peat or sand;
  • do not overexpose the planting material so that the stems do not stretch. Such a stonecrop will not be able to develop normally.

Sedums reproduce in three ways:

  • through seeds;
  • division of bushes;
  • cuttings.

Reproduction stonecrop

Reproduction using seeds in practice is quite complicated and only specialist breeders can do it. In garden conditions, the division of the bush is carried out in the spring up to its four years of age. For older plants, this is unlikely to be feasible.

That is why cuttings are the most common method of propagation of stonecrop among summer residents. It is stem and leaf. Rooting is easy, so planting in the ground is possible in a couple of weeks.

Landing stages

It is done like this:

  • preparing the site for planting;
  • we scatter on it the tops of the shoots of the plant, previously cut;
  • sprinkle them with earth per centimeter;
  • we compact;
  • water as needed.

There is another cutting method, which spend in the cold season. First, after the flowering of the stonecrop, the cuttings on the flowering shoots are cut off, then they are stored in a dry place for several months. At this time, the sedum is overgrown with processes with roots. When the roots grow to 5 cm, you can start planting.

Some gardeners like to experiment in terms of planting stonecrops: plant different varieties of them and watch the subsequent offspring.

Landing rules at home

Almost all varieties of sedum need to be repotted periodically. If this is a young specimen, then about once every 2 years, and an adult requires this once every 4 years.

Young cuttings should be planted very carefully and carefully, because otherwise, there is a risk of damage to the stem or root. Also, do not allow direct sunlight to fall on young sprouts.

For the cutting, it is better to choose the stem as long as possible, when cutting from the main part, a 5-centimeter process should be left, and the removed part should not be chopped into 10-centimeter sectors.

At home, in addition to cuttings, you can use dry foliage of stonecrops. They dig as deep as possible into the soil and give young shoots in a few weeks.

Choosing a sedum pot

The most important thing is refuse plastic structures when planting stonecrops in a pot. You also need to choose it according to the form. This is because stonecrops have a horizontal root system, so if the pot is too deep, they will not like it.

The best option is a wide and shallow pot.

Choosing soil for growing in a pot

When planting stonecrops, it is very important to choose and prepare the soil correctly. It is very important that it has a low acidity.

The mixture can be prepared independently based on components such as:

  • river coarse sand;
  • turf;
  • rotten leaves;
  • peat.

The soil should be even and loose. To make its structure better, you can add brick chips there. And it is better to equip the bottom of the pot with a plentiful drainage layer. The soil should not be wet when planting.

It is necessary to make sure that the environment for planting stonecrop is favorable in a few days. Loosen the soil and water it abundantly. And after a few days, check the top layer for moisture. If not, then you can start planting a plant.

After planting, sedum should be protected from exposure to sunlight for several days. And then the pot can be safely put on the sunny side. About once every few hours, the room with the plant needs to be ventilated. At this time, it should not be watered abundantly.

Sedum white- Sedum album L ., 1753. Sedum teretifolium Lam., 1778. Sedum vermiculare Gaterau, 1789. Leucosedum album (L.) Fourr, 1868. S. balticum Hartm. f., 1864. Oreosedum album (L.) Grulich, 1984, Sedum athoum DC., Sedum vermiculifolium P.Fourn.

It occurs naturally in the European part of Russia, the Caucasus, Western Europe, North Africa and Asia Minor. It got its name from the fragrant white flowers. The use in folk medicine led to the emergence of a large number of folk names: God's color, Thunder Bob, Living grass, Mylnik, Bee, Skripun, Uzik, Tselistnik, Shestinedelnik.

The plant is perennial, evergreen, glabrous, forming low mats up to 5 cm high in the vegetative state. The bases of the stems spread along the ground and are equipped with thin adventitious roots. Vegetative branches are short, with crowded thickish oval or elliptical obtuse leaves 7-10 mm long. Flower-bearing shoots are straight, vertical, slightly reddening with thick, alternate leaves 10-15 mm long, denser in the middle part of the peduncle. Paniculate inflorescence of several branches, bearing umbels with curls at the end. Flowers on short stalks, about 10 mm in diameter. Sepals ovate, obtuse, green, 2-3 times shorter than petals. Petals white, lanceolate or ovate-lanceolate, obtuse. Stamens almost equal to petals, white, anthers purple. Blooms in June-July.

In severe snowless winters, it may partially fall out. Sometimes gives active self-seeding. Grows well in partial shade and full sun. The typical coloration appears only on poor dry soils. After flowering, pruning or plucking of faded shoots is required. Aged curtains bloom weakly. Used to create "background" spots in rocky gardens, to fix slopes, effective in the foreground of a mixborder. It is best to plant in compositions with low ground cover plants. Individual flower-bearing twigs with drooping inflorescences are very beautiful against the background of a low rug of vegetative shortened shoots.

Unpretentious and drought-resistant plant. The varieties listed below are winter-hardy in central Russia, however, there are forms from North Africa and the Mediterranean, for example " Ibiza"("Ibiza") from the Spanish island of the same name, which, most likely, will not winter with us. A new variety " Bella d'Inverno"("Bella d" Inverno ") with cream tops of the shoots, selected in Sicily, not tested in the Moscow region. Natural forms and high varieties are somewhat burdensome on the hills, as they grow strongly and are able to multiply, rooting the smallest piece of the shoot that has come off. Rugs from them partly lose their decorative effect when the faded shoots dry out. After mass flowering, even rather large “holes” appear in the carpets, which are gradually tightened. Due to their undemanding to soil and moisture, they can quickly cover the most unsuitable places for plants - stone roofs, walls, areas covered with gravel or gravel. They are used as ground cover, replacing small lawns, in countries with a hot and dry climate. Low-growing varieties look great on slides, in containers, on carpet beds.

Sedum album f. atropurpureum
Photo Nursery "Northern Flora"

A very changeable look. Long time in culture. It has a number of garden forms and varieties, the most common of the varieties are:
"Coral Carpet"("Coral Carpet") - a bush no more than 5 cm tall, the leaves are reddish, acquiring a red color in autumn. Often, under this name, something completely different is sold - the usual tall, reddened stonecrop is white.
"Atoum"("Athoum") - a form with hemispherical, flat leaves on top, reddening in the summer in the sun.
"Laconicum"("Laconicum") - tall with green, densely sitting thick leaves, sometimes reddens, similar to "Atoum" ("Athoum").
"Rubrifolium"(" Rubrifolium ") - a sport (mutation) of white wall stonecrop with red leaves without brown shades in summer and dark green in winter.
"Faro Form"("Faro Form") - the lowest variety with tiny leaves, up to 3 mm long, forming mats up to 1 cm tall. Inflorescences are also very short. Reddens in the summer and then turns brown. " France"("France") - tall, with long green leaves, turns slightly pink in the sun.
"Hillebrandty"("Hillebrandtii") is a large green cultivar that turns orange-red in summer, sometimes remaining pink in winter.

Forms:
Stonecrop white small-flowered(S. album var. micranthum subvar. chloroticum) is a low plant, with pure green, never reddening, spherical leaves and white flowers. Non-flowering mats no higher than 2 cm, in bloom - about 4 cm. Widely distributed in culture.
Stonecrop white wall(S. album f. murale) - tall and profusely blooming, with bronze or purple leaves and pink flowers.
Stonecrop white wall "Cristatum"(S. album f. murale "Cristatum") - the overgrown ends of the shoots are densely covered with leaves.

Also popular stonecrop is a white variety. small-stamen(Sedum album var. micranthum), whose plants bear small spherical leaves, similar to emerald beads. In culture, a form with dark-colored leaves is often found ( f. atropurpurea).