Growth Rate
|
– Moderate
– Reaches full size in 1–2 seasons under optimal conditions |
Colorful leaves
|
|
Flowering
|
Yes |
Bloom Color
|
|
Disease resistant
|
Yes |
Cold Tolerant
|
Yes |
Heat Tolerant
|
Yes |
Drought Tolerant
|
Yes |
Deer Resistant
|
Yes |
Edible
|
No |
Wildlife Attraction
|
– Attracts bees, butterflies, and hoverflies
– Valuable nectar source in late summer and fall |
Self-pollinating
|
|
Seasonality
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– Spring: Foliage emerges
– Summer: Flower buds develop
– Late summer–fall: Peak flowering
– Winter: Seed heads remain attractive if left uncut |
Ideal For
|
– Perennial borders
– Pollinator gardens
– Low-maintenance landscapes
– Rock gardens |
Leaf Description
|
– Fleshy, thick, oval-shaped leaves
– Blue-green in color with a slightly serrated margin
– Leaves are arranged alternately along sturdy, upright stems
– Deciduous in cold climates |
Flower Description
|
– Dome-shaped, dense clusters of bright rose-pink flowers
– Bloom period: late summer to early fall (August–October)
– Flowers age to a deeper pink or muted rose, then dry on the plant
– Blooms held high above the foliage on strong, upright stems
– Excellent for fresh and dried cut flower arrangements |
Planting Instructions
|
– Plant in early spring or early fall for best establishment
– Choose a site with full sun and well-drained soil; avoid heavy clay or waterlogged spots
– Space plants about 16–20 inches apart to allow room for mature spread
– Dig a hole the same depth as the root ball, place the plant in, and backfill gently
– Mulch lightly around the base (avoid crown) if desired to suppress weeds |
Pruning & Maintenance
|
– Cut back stems to the ground in early spring before new growth appears
– Optionally pinch tips in early summer to encourage bushier growth
– Deadhead blooms in fall if a tidy appearance is desired, or leave seed heads for winter texture |
Water Needs
|
– Drought tolerant once established
– Water regularly during first few weeks after planting
– Thereafter, only water during extended dry periods
– Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root or crown rot |
Light Needs
|
– Requires full sun (6+ hours of direct sunlight per day) for compact growth and best flowering
– Tolerates light shade, but may become floppy and bloom less vigorously |
Harvesting
|
– Harvest flowers when just opening for longest vase life
– For dried arrangements, cut when flowers are fully mature and air-dry upside down
– Foliage is typically not used for decorative purposes |
Fertilizing
|
– Generally doesn’t need fertilizing in healthy soil
– If growth is slow, apply a low-nitrogen, balanced fertilizer in early spring
– Avoid high-nitrogen products that cause leggy stems |
Pollination
|
– Insect-pollinated; highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects
– No special pollination requirements—grown primarily for ornamental value |
Companion Plants
|
– Coreopsis verticillata 'Zagreb' – for a soft-textured, golden contrast
– Echinacea purpurea – complementary bloom time and upright habit
– Rudbeckia fulgida 'Goldsturm' – bright yellow contrast to Sedum’s pink hues
– Ornamental grasses like Pennisetum or Festuca glauca – add texture and movement
– Lavandula angustifolia – matches drought tolerance and adds fragrance |