If you are looking for a perennial that needs very little care, yet gives a big show, then perhaps “Showy Stonecrop” (Sedum spectabile) is your plant.

 

True to its name, this tall member of the large Sedum family is a late bloomer and is now coming into colour.

 

Just because the plant is a late bloomer does not mean that it is not attractive over the early summer weeks as the large flower clusters form throughout the summer and resemble tight heads of broccoli. In the late summer, the clusters open up to reveal a show of pink or red flower heads.

 

These flowers are well worth the wait and will bloom for weeks and will take you in to the winter.

 

They do not need to be dead headed, (removed) and at home, we leave the seed heads until the following spring as they add winter interest to the landscape.

 

The flowers will attract butterflies and are ideal for any butterfly gardens. They also make good dry flowers and are very long lasting cut flowers if you choose to bring a few indoors.

 

Showy Stonecrop is an upright clump forming perennial. It can grow from 12 – 24 inches in height and spread, depending on variety. It is a sturdy plant it its thick stems and does not require any staking. The succulent foliage is thick, fleshy and spoon shaped. Sometimes the plant can become leggy early in the season due to a lack of sun, or extreme heat. If this happens, the plant should be pruned back in early July which will encourage new growth.

 

Sedums are a very easy to care for plant and the Showy Stonecrop is no exception. It prefers a well drained soil in full sun to partial shade. It can withstand drought as well as rain, and enjoys the heat. It is a very hardy (zone 3) plant and is rarely bothered by pest or disease. Every few years the centre may dies out ant then it is time to divide the plant and replant it to encourage new growth. The Showy Stonecrop is easily propagated by stem cuttings and this can be done if you prune the plant back in the late spring or early summer as they root very easily.

 

When most of the other summer flowering plants have finished bloomed, the Showy Stonecrop will just begin. This undemanding plant can be used in mass plantings, on its own or as borders. It is an easy plant that will add extra colour to the fall landscape.