Sedum spectabile 'Brilliant', or 'Atropurpureum' (Showy Stonecrop) — Succulent

Overview

Sedum spectabile 'Brilliant', or 'Atropurpureum' is a succulent in the genus Sedum, part of the Crassulaceae family. It typically grows around 0.4 m tall. Sedum spectabile 'Brilliant', or 'Atropurpureum' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. It is native to China and Korea.

About

Sedum spectabile 'Brilliant', or 'Atropurpureum' is a succulent perennial in the Crassulaceae that carries upright stems to about 0.4 m and produces flat clusters of pink, star-shaped flowers from June to September. The leaves are fleshy with a frosted blue appearance. It prefers full sun and soils that drain freely and is fully hardy in the UK (H7).

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Hylotelephium spectabile

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

A succulent in the Crassulaceae, Sedum spectabile 'Brilliant', or 'Atropurpureum' comes from China and Korea and reaches roughly 0.4 m high. It forms erect, succulent stems topped by broad, many-flowered heads that appear in summer and run from June to September. The flowers are pink and typically held above the foliage. Give it a sunny aspect and a free-draining spot: it will grow in sandy, loamy or clay soils provided they do not remain waterlogged. Soil should be moist but well-drained; avoid heavy, permanently wet planting sites. The cultivar is rated H7 for the UK (fully hardy) and corresponds to USDA zones 5–9, so it tolerates a wide range of temperate garden conditions. Plant it at the same depth as the nursery pot and allow room for the upright stems to show; at about 0.4 m tall it works well towards the front or middle of borders, in gravel beds or containers where summer flower heads can be appreciated. After the flowering season, cut back spent stems in spring to expose fresh succulent growth from the crown.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Sedum

Sunlight: Full sun
Soil type: Sandy, Loamy, Clay
Soil moisture: Well-drained, Moist but well-drained
UK hardiness: H7

Plant details

Sedum spectabile 'Brilliant', or 'Atropurpureum' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Succulent
Height: 0.4 m
Native to: China, Korea

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Sedum spectabile 'Brilliant', or 'Atropurpureum'?

Sedum spectabile 'Brilliant', or 'Atropurpureum' prefers full sun.

What soil does Sedum spectabile 'Brilliant', or 'Atropurpureum' need?

Sedum spectabile 'Brilliant', or 'Atropurpureum' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. Aim for soil that stays well-drained to moist but well-drained.

How big does Sedum spectabile 'Brilliant', or 'Atropurpureum' grow?

Sedum spectabile 'Brilliant', or 'Atropurpureum' reaches a height of 0.4 m.

Is Sedum spectabile 'Brilliant', or 'Atropurpureum' hardy in the UK?

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

More in the Sedum genus

Browse all Sedum →