Winter Care of a Sedum

Sedum is a very hardy plant that prospers through heat, drought and freezing winter weather. The few insects that are attracted to the plant include mealworms, snails and slugs, but none of them causes much damage. Sedum is an attractive succulent that grows to a height of 3 feet and spreads to the same diameter. It blooms in fall and maintains showy brown, pink and red flowers well into winter. It is used as beds and borders for the garden during both summer and winter. In winter, Sedum will wither or change color as part of its normal routine, but it over-winters well.

Sand or mulch

Sheets

Wooden stakes

Maintain the soil as dry as possible by stopping all watering and feeding in early to late fall.

Make certain the garden is enjoying good drainage. If the ground is soggy or waterlogged, add sand or organic mulch to the garden.

Cover the plants during extreme or prolonged freezing temperatures by draping old sheets or similar material that breathes over the plants. The material should be propped up off the ground with wooden stakes and should not touch the plants. Do not keep the plants covered any longer than necessary, because they need air circulation and sunlight.

Leave snow cover on the plants because it acts as a good insulating material against wind and freezing temperatures.

Sedum make great cut flowers, especially in late autumn.

Sedum attracts butterflies and hummingbirds.

Use sedum as an attractive ground cover plant year round.

Use plant supports to keep stems from collapsing.