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 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.
From the Fenn Plants journal
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More in the Sedum genus
- Sedum 'Autumn Joy'Autumn Joy Stonecrop
- Sedum aizoonAizoon stonecrop
- Sedum aizoon 'Aurantiacum'Stonecrop
- Sedum roseaRoseroot
- Sedum spectabileShowy stonecrop, Iceplant, Butterfly stonecrop
- Sedum spectabile 'Meteor'Stonecrop
- Sedum spectabile 'September Glow'September Glow Stonecrop
- Sedum spectabile 'Sunset Cloud'Stonecrop