Earlier this 12 months I highlighted a few of my favourite ground-cover sedums. However I can’t ignore the taller, upright sedums, or stonecrops, that are extraordinarily showy in fall. Upright sedums are low upkeep, have minimal illness and pest issues, bloom from late summer time into fall, and are beloved by bees (a lot of which have been buzzing throughout me as I snapped these images!). They thrive in full solar with well-drained soil and have low water wants, making them good for xeric or water-wise landscapes. Most gardeners are acquainted with Autumn Pleasure sedum (Hylotelephium ‘Herbstfreude’, Zones 3–9), however there are such a lot of extra spectacular upright sedum species and varieties to select from. Listed below are a couple of of my favorites. (Please be aware that whereas many upright sedums have been reclassified to Hylotelephium, you should still discover them offered beneath Sedum on-line or at your native nursery.)
‘Darkish Magic’ sedum
Hylotelephium telephium ‘Darkish Magic’
Zones: 4–9
Dimension: 12 to fifteen inches tall and 20 inches vast
The darkish, shiny purple foliage of this selection stands out all through the rising season, however when topped with giant inflorescences of darkish pink flowers from August by means of October, it’s breathtaking to behold. Its clumping behavior makes it an incredible alternative for combined borders or edging.
‘Stardust’ sedum
Hylotelephium spectabile ‘Stardust’
Zones: 3–9
Dimension: 18 to 24 inches tall and vast
This selection develops vibrant inexperienced foliage early within the season. Clusters of pale inexperienced flower buds burst into tiny pure white flowers, that are simply beginning to open on this picture. These blooms appeal to a wide range of pollinators, together with butterflies.
‘Thunderhead’ sedum
Hylotelephium ‘Thunderhead’
Zones: 4–9
Dimension: 30 inches tall and 24 inches vast
The foliage of this selection may be very fascinating; the leaves are darkish inexperienced with reddish margins on darkish crimson stems that keep very erect. The massive clusters of magenta blossoms are gorgeous and supply a pleasant distinction to the brown tones of decorative grasses.
‘Matrona’ sedum
Hylotelephium telephium ‘Matrona’
Zones: 3–9
Dimension: 30 inches tall and 18 inches vast
Much like ‘Thunderhead’, this selection has inexperienced foliage and burgundy stems. However in distinction, ‘Matrona’ has plenty of clusters of sunshine pink flowers on very tall stems, which actually stand out. It seems to be putting in a combined border. I’ve discovered that this selection may deal with some partial shade.
For extra sedum suggestions, take a look at:
And for extra Mountain West regional experiences, click on right here.
—Michelle Provaznik is govt director of the Gardens on Spring Creek in Fort Collins, Colorado.
Images supplied by Michelle Provaznik.