Caring for Stonecrop

Sedum spectabile is one of the easiest perennials to maintain, thriving on neglect once established. Its succulent leaves store water, so it has low water needs and tolerates drought well. Water newly planted sedums lightly during dry spells in their first summer, but after that, rainfall is usually sufficient. Avoid overhead watering and never allow the soil to stay wet, as this can cause root rot. Feed sparingly. In March or April, scatter a light dressing of general-purpose granular fertiliser (such as blood, fish and bone) around the base of the plant, or apply a low-nitrogen feed if your soil is already fertile. Over-feeding, especially with high-nitrogen fertilisers, produces lush, floppy growth that collapses under the weight of the flowerheads. Sedums perform best in lean, free-draining soil. Sedum spectabile is fully hardy and needs no winter protection. The crown may look dormant or even disappear below ground in winter, but it will resprout reliably in spring. Avoid mulching with organic matter directly over the crown, as this can encourage rot. Pests and diseases are rare. Slugs and snails occasionally nibble young shoots in spring; check plants in damp weather and remove any pests by hand. Vine weevil larvae can damage roots in containers, so inspect potted sedums if growth seems weak. Root rot caused by poor drainage is the most common problem—ensure your soil is gritty and never waterlogged. Otherwise, sedum spectabile asks very little of you and rewards minimal care with reliable late-summer and autumn flowers that attract bees and butterflies.