Sedum telephium 'Munstead Red' (Munstead Red Stonecrop) — Matforming, Spreading branched, Clump forming

Overview

Sedum telephium 'Munstead Red' is a matforming, spreading branched, clump forming perennial in the genus Sedum, part of the Crassulaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 0.5 m tall. Sedum telephium 'Munstead Red' grows best in full sun and full shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include rock gardens, borders and ground cover. It is native to Eurasia.

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 telephium 'Munstead Red' is a perennial from the Crassulaceae family, native to Eurasia, that grows to around 0.5 m. It produces its flowers between June and September, providing colour through the summer into early autumn. The species' compact height makes it easy to place amid mixed borders or on slopes. Plant in an open position with full sun exposure for best results; the cultivar is also recorded as tolerating full shade. It accepts a range of soils — sandy, loamy or clay — provided they are well-drained or at least moist but well-drained. Avoid positions prone to standing water. The hardiness rating H7 indicates it is fully hardy in the UK and will withstand typical winter conditions; the equivalent USDA range is 4–8 for gardeners outside Britain. Because it reaches roughly 0.5 m, Sedum telephium 'Munstead Red' suits beds where a mid-height perennial is required and performs well on rock gardens, as ground cover and in mixed borders. Flowering from June to September gives a reliable summer display and helps bridge the gap to later-flowering perennials.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Sedum

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

Plant details

Sedum telephium 'Munstead Red' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Habit: Matforming, Spreading branched, Clump forming
Foliage: Evergreen
Height: 0.5 m
Suggested uses: Rock gardens, Borders, Ground cover
Native to: Eurasia

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Sedum telephium 'Munstead Red'

Cultivation: Prefers well-drained soil; drought tolerant once established
Pruning: Cut back in early spring to encourage new growth
Propagation: Division, Cuttings
Pest resistance: Slugs, Snails, Vine weevil grubs, Scale insects, Mealybugs
Disease resistance: Fungal and bacterial crown and root rots

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Sedum telephium 'Munstead Red'?

Prefers well-drained soil; drought tolerant once established.

Where is the best place to plant Sedum telephium 'Munstead Red'?

Sedum telephium 'Munstead Red' prefers full sun and full shade. It suits full sun positions.

What soil does Sedum telephium 'Munstead Red' need?

Sedum telephium 'Munstead Red' 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 do I prune Sedum telephium 'Munstead Red'?

Cut back in early spring to encourage new growth.

How big does Sedum telephium 'Munstead Red' grow?

Sedum telephium 'Munstead Red' reaches a height of 0.5 m.

Is Sedum telephium 'Munstead Red' hardy in the UK?

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