Sedum spectabile 'Sunset Cloud' (Stonecrop) — Succulent

Overview

Sedum spectabile 'Sunset Cloud' is a succulent in the genus Sedum, part of the Crassulaceae family. It typically grows around 0.4 m tall. Sedum spectabile 'Sunset Cloud' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H7.

About

Sedum spectabile 'Sunset Cloud' is a succulent stonecrop that reaches about 0.4 m and carries broad, flat heads of pink flowers from June to September. Leaves are frosted blue above, giving a blue-green foliage tone through the growing season. Plant in full sun on sandy, loamy or clay soils that are moist but well-drained; it has an H7 rating so is fully hardy in UK gardens.

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

Sedum spectabile 'Sunset Cloud' sits in the Crassulaceae family and the Sedum genus and originates from China and Korea. It forms succulent stems topped with flat cymes of pink flowers that appear from June to September and remain a feature into autumn. Give it full sun and a position where water drains freely; it tolerates sandy, loamy or clay textures as long as the root zone does not become waterlogged. It prefers moist but well-drained conditions rather than permanently wet soil. At around 0.4 m tall it is compact enough for mixed borders and containers. The H7 rating denotes that it is fully hardy across UK gardens (USDA zones 5–9 offer a comparable climate reference). Use Sedum spectabile 'Sunset Cloud' where late-summer structure is needed: the flat flower heads sit well above foliage and can lift the front or middle of a border. Cut back in late winter or early spring to remove old growth and encourage fresh stems. The pink cymes appear from June to September and commonly hold their form into the colder months, giving the plant a prolonged seasonal role.

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 'Sunset Cloud' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Succulent
Height: 0.4 m

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Sedum spectabile 'Sunset Cloud'?

Sedum spectabile 'Sunset Cloud' prefers full sun.

What soil does Sedum spectabile 'Sunset Cloud' need?

Sedum spectabile 'Sunset Cloud' 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 'Sunset Cloud' grow?

Sedum spectabile 'Sunset Cloud' reaches a height of 0.4 m.

Is Sedum spectabile 'Sunset Cloud' hardy in the UK?

Sedum spectabile 'Sunset Cloud' 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 →