Sedums are clumping, perennial succulents in the stonecrop family (Crassulaceae) and are mostly native to China and Korea. Depending on variety, plants discussed in this blog are tall-growing mound forms that grow 1 to 2 feet high and wide. Botanical nomenclature has changed and is a bit confusing. Sedum genus, now Hylotelephium, contains many of the tall forms. Tall sedums are sustainable garden dynamos, both a beautiful plant weather wise perennial plant. This garden blog shows off five (5) of my favorites.

Tall sedums are both easy to grow and low maintenance. It can be grown as a houseplant, ground cover, or in containers. They are easy to grow indoors with bright direct light from a window or grow light. Use a coarse, well-drained soil, preferably a cactus mix. They are at their best in full sun or partial shade and a well-drained garden soil or potting media. Sedums tolerates rocky and poor soils, establish quickly, and are heat tolerant. The succulent leaves make it drought tolerant. Flowers attract bees and butterflies, plus deer and rabbits tend to avoid sedums.

Pests and diseases are rarely troublesome, including slugs and snails. Taller sedum species with large flower heads are susceptible to flopping. Site in full sun and pinch back in spring to develop thick sturdy stems. Let dried flower heads remain to provide a wildlife seed source plus winter interest.

Sedums require full or partial sun (minimum of 4 hour or more direct sun and a well-drained gravelly soil with average to low fertility. Many sedums will suffer if planted in overly moist or fertile soils. To maintain a bushy shape and thick stems, cut or pinch back the stems in early spring. If pruned in summer, the showy blooms may be delayed. It is drought- and salt-tolerant, Sedums are easily rooted from stem cuttings. 

Plant singly as a specimen or in small groups in rock or crevice gardens. Sedums grow well in containers (indoors or outdoors), in front borders, along a foundation, near a patio or pool hardscape, or alongside walkways. Their showy flowers, succulent leaves, and floral nectar attract songbirds, hummingbirds, butterflies and other insect pollinators.

These five (5) selections are among the finest for four season garden interest:

Hylotelephium ‘Herbstfreude’ (‘Autumn Joy’) large 24 inches tall and wide; gray-green, more toothed foliage; light green stems; dome shaped gray green.

These two Autumn Joy look-a-likes are worthy of mention: (1) ‘Autumn Fire’ — grows more compact and requires no pinching or staking, and (2) ‘T-Rex’ — has sturdier stems, 2-3 feet tall, with more pronounced teeth along leaf edges.

Hylotelephium spectabile ‘Brilliant’ grows 18-24 inches tall and wide; spectacular flat dome, 3-4 inches wide pink flowers; recommend 1-2 extra feedings of water-soluble fertilizer during summer to darken pink flowers and foliage. Highly disease resistant.

Sedum telephium ‘Matrona’ – 24-32 inches tall x 18 inches wide plant; extra-thick, gray-green large foliage with some purple highlights and medium-sized flower cluster. (Zones 3-9).

Hylotelephium spectabile ‘Dark Magic’ grows 12 inches tall and 15-20 inches wide. Big, deep pink flower clusters bloom on short, upright stems of high gloss, purple-black foliage from late summer into fall. Small, star-shaped flowers are 7 inches wide.

Sedum telephium x ‘Bertram Anderson’– 6-8 inches tall x 12-15 inches wide plant with gray foliage. Starts out with erect foliage; loose flower clusters in late summer, ruby carpels and pink petals above dark-hued foliage. (Zones 4-9).

Source: “The Plant Lover’s Guide To Sedums” by Brent Horvath, Kew Botanical Garden series.