Sedum spectabile (Showy stonecrop, Iceplant, Butterfly stonecrop) — Spreading branched, Matforming, Clump forming

Overview

Sedum spectabile is a spreading branched, matforming, clump forming succulent in the genus Sedum, part of the Crassulaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 0.4 m tall. Sedum spectabile grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden, patio and container plants, rock garden, conservatory and greenhouse and ground cover. It is native to China and Korea.

About the genus

Sedum is a large genus of flowering plants in the family Crassulaceae, members of which are commonly known as stonecrops. The genus has been described as containing up to 600 species, subsequently reduced to 400–500. They are leaf succulents found primarily in the Northern Hemisphere, but extending into the southern hemisphere in Africa and South America.

Wikipedia contributors, "Sedum", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Sedum

In the garden

Sedum spectabile is a succulent in the Crassulaceae, native to China and Korea, that reaches roughly 0.4 m high and produces its flowers from June to September. As a succulent it stores water in its tissues, which influences where it will do best in a garden. Place it in full sun and avoid consistently waterlogged sites; it accepts sandy, loamy or clay soils so long as they remain well-drained or only moist but well-drained. In practice that means a free-draining border, raised bed or a container with a gritty compost will suit it; poor drainage is the main cause of failure. It is rated H7 for UK hardiness (fully hardy) and corresponds to USDA zones 5–9, so it can be left in the ground year-round across most of the UK. Use Sedum spectabile where a compact, sun-exposed succulent is needed: front or middle of a mixed border, in gravel gardens or in patio pots where drainage is controlled. Its modest height makes it useful where taller perennials might overwhelm lower planting. Expect the flowering period to run from June to September, making it a reliable late-summer presence in sunlit spots.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Sedum

Sunlight: Full sun
Soil type: Sandy, Loamy, Clay
Soil pH: Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture: Well-drained, Moist but well-drained
Aspect: South-facing, West-facing
Exposure: Sheltered
UK hardiness: H7

Plant details

Sedum spectabile size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Succulent
Habit: Spreading branched, Matforming, Clump forming
Foliage: Evergreen
Height: 0.4 m
Suggested uses: City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Rock garden, Conservatory and greenhouse, Ground cover
Native to: China, Korea

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Sedum spectabile

Propagation: Stem or leaf cuttings, Division, Seed
Pest resistance: Slugs, Snails, Vine weevil grubs, Scale insects, Mealybugs
Disease resistance: Fungal and bacterial crown and root rots

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Sedum spectabile?

Sedum spectabile prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Sedum spectabile need?

Sedum spectabile is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained to moist but well-drained.

How big does Sedum spectabile grow?

Sedum spectabile reaches a height of 0.4 m.

Is Sedum spectabile hardy in the UK?

Sedum spectabile has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.