Dragons Blood Sedum Uk? All Answers

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When to prune sedum (Sedum spp.) is a question that cannot be answered with a simple date. Pruning of the flowering perennial, which grows in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 through 10, depends on the size of the plant, the variety, and the look you want. A compact, low-growing sedum requires a different maintenance pruning than a tall, late-flowering variety. In general, however, you can expect to prune sedum in late spring for fuller plants, year-round to remove diseased sections, and late winter or early spring for some tall sedum varieties.

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Before you prune sedum

Before pruning your sedum, sanitize your pruning tools. Pruning shears are best for trimming back tall plants, while pruning shears are good for pinching or trimming leaves. After brushing dirt off the tool blades, disinfect the blades by soaking them in household disinfectant for at least five minutes. After removing the tool from the disinfectant, rinse the blades with clean water and allow them to dry before using them on your plants. Repeat the disinfection process before pruning another plant to avoid spreading disease.

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Pinch to shape sedum plants

To encourage branching and stunted growth in young Sedum plants, pinching is recommended. To pinch the plant, use your fingers or a pair of secateurs to remove the center growth from the top of a stem. Be careful not to damage the buds or small leaflets on either side of the center shoot; In these buds, branching will grow.

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Cut back new plants when they are about 8 inches tall. You can still prune up to 2 inches after the flowers appear, but it will delay flowering. The result is Sedum with more horizontal growth, less vertical growth and extra fullness.

Sedum pruning in late spring

A tighter pruning will encourage bushiness in an older plant that has become top-heavy or leggy. To encourage new plant growth and get a fuller plant, cut back the sedum by half in May or June. New flower buds will form on the cut stems, so you don’t have to sacrifice any of the showy display for a neater looking plant.

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Pick a spot about halfway up a stem and just above a row of leaves to make your cut. Cut the stem cleanly with sharp pruning shears, being careful not to damage the base of the leaves. Repeat with each stem until the sedum is a uniform height.

Sedum pruning in early spring

Some tall sedum cultivars, such as Autumn Joy (Sedum x ‘Autumn Joy’), which grow in USDA zones 5 through 9, bloom throughout winter and require pruning in late winter or early spring. You can cut back the sedum in winter, once the flowers have faded, or anytime after that until you see green peeking out of the ground in spring. Cut the entire plant back to ground level with pruning shears or snap off the stems by hand at ground level. In spring, the sedum will sprout from the roots again.

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Year-round sedum pruning

Some types of pruning are necessary year-round. This includes pruning dead vegetation and cutting out diseased plant material. Removing these from your Sedum while you see them will help the plant look its best, keep it healthy, and make it less susceptible to fungal or insect infestations.

Cut back dead stalks to the base of the stalk. Pull off dead leaves when you see them. Remove diseased parts of the plant to prevent the disease from spreading, making sure you prune back just enough to leave healthy plant material. Cut just above a leaf base for new growth. Do not compost diseased sedum material.

Since sedums thrive in less than ideal conditions, the author decorates a stone wall with a wide assortment of them (see table below).

If you’re looking for a beautiful plant that will thrive with practical neglect, a creeping sedum could be just the ticket. Sedums strut where many other plants dare not. For example, they feel at home in the cracks of a garden wall or sidewalk, on rooftops or the tops of gently sloping birdhouses, or even under massive trees where giant roots monopolize most of the soil moisture. They also do well in rock gardens, borders and containers.

As seasonal and prolonged droughts become a regular occurrence in the United States, many gardeners have begun to take a closer look at members of the Sedum genus. Although Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’ has become popular for its late rust-red blooms, its ground-level relatives are also gaining favor.

Creeping sedum plants, also known as stonecrops, provide endless interest in my garden. They are among the most versatile, drought tolerant, and easy to grow perennials I have grown as a gardener in several decades. Sedums actually reduce a gardener’s labor as they increase in square footage. Known for their rapid spread, these low-growing plants prevent weeds from taking hold. Although it is not necessary to remove faded flowers as they will eventually simply wither, it is easy to remove old flowers with a string trimmer. As long as they are not overwatered, they rarely suffer from disease or pests.

While even the poorest soil can support Sedum – and poor or little soil is actually their preferred medium – good drainage is key to growing them. Too much moisture, especially standing water, does what no drought can: it quickly kills a sedum.

Once established, sedum plants require virtually no additional water to thrive, even in the driest of conditions. Although an ideal choice for gardens in hot, dry climates like the western United States, sedums do well almost anywhere—as long as they have good drainage. In fact, they are widespread in cold, alpine regions, where they protrude from boulders or sprout from just a few inches of boulder. There is at least one sedum species for virtually every USDA hardiness zone. Most creeping sedums prefer full sun but will tolerate partial shade. Native to North America, Sedum ternatum is a sedum that prefers shade and slightly more moisture than its relatives.

Plant of the week: Sedum, Dragon’s Blood

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture does not endorse, endorse, or endorse any crop featured in Plant of the Week. Please contact your local Extension office for plants suitable for your area.

plant of the week

[AZ]

Dragon blood sedum

Latin: Sedum spurium

Gardeners are not picky. You only want plants that will grow in poor soil, thrive on neglect, and look good all year round. Surprisingly, a few plants actually meet these fairly demanding criteria, including the little groundcover called Dragon’s Blood Sedum.

Sedum spurium is a pendulous succulent groundcover native to north-central Asia that forms a tangle of stems with 2-inch-tall leafy branches in summer. It has rounded, crenate leaves, half an inch in diameter, that face each other but are set at 90 degree angles from pair to pair along the length of the stem. The stem is sticky and roots freely. The leaves are light green in spring and gradually take on shades of maroon in winter. In most areas, only the leaves near the stem ends are truly evergreen.

The pink, red, or crimson flowers of this small sedum are surprisingly showy, appearing in flat-topped, 4-inch-tall, 3-inch-diameter clusters in mid-summer. Individual flowers are small and star-shaped with five pointed petals.

Several clones are offered, with “Schorbuser Blood” (Dragon’s Blood) being the most common. This German introduction was one of the first plants to be widely touted in the often fraudulent advertisements in the newspaper’s Sunday supplement in the 1970s. It’s been touted as the best groundcover for all sorts of impossible situations, and surprisingly, it really is. Although it does not grow in deep shade, it tolerates partial shade and grows in almost any soil. Red Carpet, with red leaves, and Voodoo, with mahogany leaves, are also improved colored leaf shapes.

‘John Creech’ is a smaller, slower growing selection with pink flowers in autumn. It was collected by Creech in Siberia in 1971 when he was director of the U.S. National Arboretum in Washington DC was.

‘Tricolor’ is a beautiful variegated form with white variegation overlaid with pink on the edges of the leaves. It’s not as vigorous as the green-leaved forms and tends to be a bit unstable due to its chimera nature, so plan on removing the non-variegated branches.

Of the sedums tested in the Arnold Arboretum groundcover trials, S. spurium was the best. While not fully evergreen, it retains enough vegetation to make it appear as if it is. Plant divisions or new plants on 12-inch centers if using as ground cover. It is hardy in zones 3 through 8. It does not tolerate foot traffic but otherwise makes a good carefree groundcover for sunny or partially sunny spots. It also does well for use in rock gardens, between stepping stones (if the ground is slightly recessed) and in outdoor containers. Propagation is easy by division or cuttings at any time of the year.

By: Gerald Klingaman, retired

Extension gardener – ornamental plants

Expansion News – September 12, 2008

The University of Arkansas Department of Agriculture does not maintain lists of retail stores where these plants can be purchased. Please check with your local nursery or other retail outlets for availability of these plants in your growing area.

The deep red flower buds of Sedum Dragon’s Blood open to a bright pink and contrast beautifully with the green succulent foliage which is tinged with burgundy edges in summer. Charming star-shaped flower clusters are borne just above the foliage. With cooler temperatures in autumn, the leaves turn red. Quickly forms a dense mat for an excellent ground cover.

Sedum Dragon’s Blood is perfect for troughs, stone walls, green roofs or a massed ground cover as it drapes gently over edges. Our plant spacing recommendations are based on how quickly these plants spread during their first growing season.

Groundcover plants are useful in landscaping and in garden beds because they add visual interest, keep weeds out, and cover areas other plants can’t reach. They’re a low-maintenance landscaping solution, but you probably don’t want to wait months for ground cover to grow to achieve the look you want. The solution? Fast-growing ground covers will give you the landscaping you want without long waits.

A fast-growing groundcover plant is ideal for those areas of your landscape where nothing grows well. You know those annoying spots, like under trees. Most of these ground covers are easy to care for and will help suppress weeds.

The most important thing to keep in mind is this: Make sure you choose a ground cover that is appropriate for your region. It will only grow quickly if given the right climate and growing conditions. Fortunately, there are many options out there, so there is sure to be something for your garden.

16 options for fast-growing ground cover

1. Wild Thyme (Thymus serpyllum)

Wild thyme is also known as creeping thyme and mother-of-thyme. It is a popular ground cover used by landscapers around edges and to fill in areas between pavers, sidewalks, bluestone and garden paths.

Wild thyme is native to Europe and can be grown as a perennial in North America in USDA hardiness zones 4-8. Adding it to your garden or landscape will add a little pop of color with its small, delicate pink flowers. When you touch it or walk on wild thyme, it gives off a warm, peppery scent, similar to the culinary thyme you might be growing in pots on your patio.

One thing gardeners love about wild thyme is that it is drought tolerant. It only grows 3 inches and can withstand heavy foot traffic. So if you are looking for a plant for your garden path, wild thyme is a great choice.

2. Moss phlox (Phlox subulata)

You may know this plant as moss pink or phlox. It is a North American plant that grows well in the eastern and central United States. Gardeners can use this ornamental groundcover in USDA hardiness zones 3-9.

It’s a bit taller than some other ground covers, reaching an average height of 6 inches. Something that makes moss phlox attractive is that it resists soil erosion, drought, wildlife, and air pollution. So if you have a deer problem or an area with erosion problems, plant moss phlox. For erosion control, there aren’t many groundcovers that work better than this one.

Depending on the variety you are growing, moss phlox can display an array of colors. You can buy white, pink, red, blue, and purple varieties so you can add different touches of color to your landscape.

3. Trailing Periwinkle (Vinca minor)

Periwinkle is a ground cover plant that will fill your garden with beautiful periwinkle colored blooms. The scent is pleasant and perfect for any spot near your patio or porch.

If you leave this ground cover unattended, it will quickly grow in your garden. It grows so fast that you need to be careful and monitor its growth. You don’t want it to overwhelm your entire yard.

Trailing periwinkle grows well in sunlight or shade, so it can grow at the base of your trees or against a rock face. You can place this ground cover anywhere you need fillers.

4. Woodruff (Galium odoratum)

Woodruff is a perennial ground cover native to Eurasia. Over time, landscapers have naturalized woodruff in USDA zones 4-8, and it thrives in thousands of home landscapes.

Woodruff loves moist, shady areas and is a fast-growing groundcover in woods, rock gardens and borders. If you plant in these areas, you will be amazed at how quickly it grows!

Another reason to love woodruff is that it leaves a delicious scent reminiscent of freshly mown hay. Who doesn’t love this scent? In spring, the woodruff shows delicate, small white flowers.

5. Colorful snow on the mountain (Aegopodium podagraria)

Are you looking for a groundcover that grows well in the shade? Look at this plant. Colorful snow on the mountain is often referred to as bishop’s herb or goutweed. It is a pale green and creamy white plant with umbrella-like clusters of white flowers. Hence the name snow on the mountain!

This ground cover is slightly larger than average, growing 10 inches in height and spreading to 18-24 inches in width. Gardeners love this groundcover in barren areas under trees because it loves shade so much. It works well in wooded areas in USDA hardiness zones 3-8.

6. Aubrieta (Aubrieta deltoidea)

Finding groundcover for sunny areas can be difficult, but Aubrieta is a low-maintenance evergreen native to Mediterranean regions and therefore prefers hot areas with little rainfall. Aubrieta grows in USDA hardiness zones 4-8.

Believe it or not, Aubrieta belongs to the Brassicaceae family and is therefore related to annual garden vegetables like cabbage and broccoli. Aubrieta is an ornamental ground cover and cannot be used for food although it belongs to the same family. Crazy, right?

If you want this to be a fast growing ground cover plant, make sure it gets 4-6 hours of sun each day. It reaches 6 inches in height and 24 inches in width. This plant makes bright purple flowers that grow against gray-green foliage from early spring to early summer.

7. Firecracker Sedum (Sedum)

Are you looking for a fast-growing ground cover for sunny locations that also shows colour? Firecracker could be the groundcover for you. Suitable for USDA hardiness zones 4-9, it produces deep burgundy foliage that forms in dense mounds that keep weeds from taking over your landscaping.

One of the reasons gardeners love fireworks sedum is that it has rabbit-resistant foliage. It makes small pink flowers that appear in late summer or early fall. The flowers attract butterflies and other valuable pollinators for your garden.

To grow properly, make sure this plant gets six hours or more of direct sun each day. It reaches a height of 6 inches and spreads up to 18 inches wide when grown under the right conditions.

8. Dragon’s Blood Sedum (Sedum)

Here is another sedum plant related to Firecracker Sedum. It is one of the hardiest and most versatile of all weed-suppressing groundcovers. Dragon’s blood sedum is hardy in USDA hardiness zones 3-8 and will grow in a wide range of conditions. She grows well in both full sun and partial shade, but she also does well in poor soil, meaning you can plant her anywhere you want.

It grows similarly to creeping jenny (listed below) because it has trailing stems that root easily, making it easy to propagate. You can grow it in containers as a spiller, but it does better in rock gardens, under the tree, and more. When nothing else grows there, the dragon’s blood sedum grows.

In spring, this plant has light green leaves that turn maroon in colder temperatures. In summer it has beautiful red flowers, which is why it is called Dragon’s Blood.

9. Golden Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia)

Golden Creeping Jenny is a shaggy groundcover plant that prefers to grow in moist areas. While it does well in partial shade, growing in full sunlight will help the plant produce more vibrant colors.

This plant grows well in USDA hardiness zones 3-9 but needs plenty of water. It’s not good in drought-prone areas. Try it in a ring around a pond, on a path along a wall, or at the edge of a walkway. It does well as a spiller in mixed container gardens.

Golden Creeping Jenny has long trailing stems with bright yellow flowers and rounded leaves. It grows quickly, quickly covering large areas while suppressing weeds. Note that some strains of Golden Creeping Jenny can be quite aggressive growers. The “Aurea” variety is well-behaved and will not overtake your entire garden.

10. Mazus (Mazus reptans)

Here’s another low-maintenance, fast-growing groundcover plant that grows well in USDA hardiness zones 4-9. Mazus grows best in partially shaded locations but can also grow in full shade.

Mazus needs to be kept moist, especially in hot weather. It stays green all year round and starts flowering in early spring. When grown in the right conditions, it will bloom all summer, sometimes even well into fall.

This groundcover only reaches a height of 2 inches, making it perfect for stepping stones and along walls. It’s easy to propagate, so you can transplant small plugs from established plants in spring or fall. You can also try taking root cuttings in the summer and planting them in the fall.

11. Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi)

Bearberry is a low growing shrub perfect for your dry, sandy, rocky soils. This plant grows wild near the beach where other plants cannot survive. The only thing it doesn’t tolerate is clay. It grows in zones 2-7 and gets about a foot tall. It attracts hummingbirds and butterflies and deters deer.

12. Large Root Geranium (Geranium macrorrhizum)

This perennial groundcover has beautiful magenta flowers on semi-evergreen aromatic leaves. It grows in zones 3-8 and grows to about a foot tall and 2 feet wide. It can handle drought, moisture, poor soil, and resists pests and deer. Big Root Geranium grows anywhere from sun to shade.

13. Fern moss (Thuidium delicatulum)

Fern moss forms a delicate bed of evergreen yellow-green leaves that can spread quickly in partially sunny to shady locations. It gets its name because the leaves look like tiny little ferns. Fern moss needs plenty of moisture and protection from the wind. It grows in zones 3-11.

14. Japanese Spurge (Pachysandra terminalis)

Japanese Spurge has beautiful glossy green leaves and small white flowers in spring. It spreads quickly, forming a dense carpet in shady areas. It needs regular moisture and grows in zones 4-8. One of the great things about the Japanese Spurge is that it stays compact so you don’t have to fight it to keep it under control.

15. Winter Runner (Euonymus fortunei)

Wintercreeper is a member of the Euonymus family that creeps along the ground in full sun, part sun, or full shade. It likes moist, well-drained soil in zones 5-8. This pretty plant has evergreen glossy green leaves and will tolerate some drought. It spreads about 20 feet long and grows about a foot tall.

16. Juniper (Juniperus conferta)

There are several juniper ground covers that are spreading quickly, but the blue pacific juniper is the champion. It is an evergreen that is drought tolerant and thrives in zones 6-9. It grows about a foot tall and spreads 5-6 feet in full or part sun. In winter, the feathery needles turn gray-green and add color to the dreary landscape.

What is missing?

You may have noticed that we left out a few options that you might expect to find on this list, such as English ivy, ice plant, and tomentosum. That’s because while they’re fast-growing ground covers, they can also become downright invasive. If you have an enclosed area you may consider planting one of these, but be careful. They can go from tiny to titanic in no time.

Final Thoughts

Sometimes you need to add some fast growing ground cover plants to your landscape. If you have an area where nothing seems to grow well and you want to jazz it up quickly, one of these groundcovers will grow quickly and cover bare patches in your landscape or under trees. These plants take off instantly, suppressing weeds and adding pops of color where it’s needed most.

by Matt Gibson

When considering ground cover for your garden, is it walkable? Add some color and character to your garden that is sure to turn heads. Instead of grass, try the following walkable ground covers in your lawn or garden beds. Having a beautiful, well-cut and carefully maintained lawn with no weeds is okay. A well-groomed lawn that is obviously cared for with great attention to detail is rather rare these days. But lawns with flashier ground covers make your yard stand out from the crowd.

Grassless landscaping is on the rise, and other groundcover options are gaining popularity. Ground covers add more texture and color than traditional lawns and have the added benefit of making mowing a thing of the past and landscaping a breeze.

Ground covers are plants that grow wider than they are tall. Some of our favorites are listed here. These “steppables” are more colorful than grass sods, they generally require less maintenance than grass, and many also offer a pleasant aroma. There are far too many different ground covers to choose from, but these are our absolute favorites. Sink in with your feet.

sedum

Sedum is tough enough to withstand foot traffic and very easy to care for. Sedum loves the sun and is resistant to heat and drought, so it’s perfect for warmer climates that get plenty of direct sunlight. Sedum grows in many different varieties. The best species for ground cover are the shorter varieties. Try blue spruce, dragon’s blood, tricolor, fuldaglut, or kamtschaticum for zones 3 through 9. As an added benefit, most of these produce blooms in summer that attract pollinators.

Creeping Jenny

Creeping Jenny’s golden leaves resemble coins, earning her the nickname Moneyroot. Creeping Jenny prefers direct sunlight or light shade, can take a lot of foot traffic, and thrives with very little care as long as it doesn’t dry out completely. In spring, Creeping Jenny produces pretty yellow flowers that attract birds and bees, and the plant does well in zones 3 through 8.

thyme

Not all varieties of thyme make good ground cover, but those that do provide a beautiful and fragrant lawn that prefers direct sunlight and requires little maintenance. Try mother thyme, woolly thyme, or creeping thyme for zones 5 through 9. Bonus – your groundcover provides tasty herb cuttings that you can use in cooking.

soapwort

Soapwort actually gets its name because the plant used to be made into soap as it naturally creates a lather when the leaves come into contact with water. It’s also a fantastic groundcover for zones 3 through 9, producing pink, red, or white flowers in spring.

Masus

For a dense, light green bedding of orchid-like lavender flowers, Mazus is a perfect groundcover for zones 5 through 8. However, you should keep Mazus away from high-traffic areas as it can only handle light foot traffic.

Corsican coin

Corsican mint prefers sunlight and some shade over direct sun during times of extreme heat. Its delightful scent makes this mint variety a wonderful ground cover – the scent is quite strong after someone has stepped on it lightly. Zones 6 through 9 are perfect for Corsican mint. Although the flowers are so tiny that you might not even see them without a close look, Corsican mint produces tiny purple flowers in late summer. Corsican mint requires a little maintenance and some light watering when there is little rain.

creeping phlox

The needle-like leaves of the creeping phlox look great year-round in zones 4 through 8, but shortly after winter, in early spring, the entire plant becomes lavishly studded with blue, purple, pink, white, or bicolor blooms. Phlox prefers direct sunlight and well-drained soil and is hardy enough to walk on all year round.

snow in summer

White flowers appear in summer against the contrast of gray to silvery foliage that is sure to catch the eyes of passers-by. Snow in summer prefers very well-drained soils, making it perfect for slopes or rock gardens. This ground cover option requires a bit of maintenance as it needs pruning after flowering to prevent it from becoming invasive. Snow in summer prefers cooler climates and thrives in zones 3 through 7.

Scottish moss

Scottish moss can’t seem to stand up to foot traffic. However, like memory foam, Scotch Moss simply springs back into place after being stepped on. Scottish moss thrives in zones 4-8, needs plenty of water in summer, and comes with a pretty bouquet of tiny white flowers in spring.

purslane

Portulaca flowers come in a variety of colors. Like Scottish moss, Portulaca’s needle-like leaves spring back into place after you step on them. Magnificent in zones 9 through 11, purslane flowers are a sight to behold. Although a bit of trimming is necessary if you want to use purslane as a ground cover, but once you see it in bloom you’ll agree it’s worth the effort. Although many groundcovers are meant to be walked on, some are more durable than others—even grass will thin with enough foot traffic. Take a look at your lawn and note where the most stressed areas are. Consider adding some stepping stones[] in these areas to keep foot traffic on the plants to a minimum. The stepping stones aren’t a mandatory addition, however, as the many groundcovers listed here can take a beating

Want to learn more about ground covers?

Better Homes & Gardens covers walkable ground covers

Fine gardening includes plants for paths

High Country Gardens includes ground covers for you to step on

Wood Press Covers Ground Cover You Can Walk On

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Sedum has it all! This perennial plant has dense, succulent green foliage and clusters of star-shaped flowers that bloom from mid-summer through fall. It is easy to care for and loved by pollinators too! Here’s how to grow sedum in your garden.

About sedum

Perennial plants don’t get much simpler than sedum, a genus of succulents with fleshy stems and succulent leaves — also called “sedum plant.” A hardy plant that grows well in shallow soil, this is a Sedum variety for almost any garden.

We like to divide sedum into two main categories based on the plants’ growth habits: low-growing sedum and upright sedum.

Sedum, also known as stonecrop, is a perennial plant of the succulent family. This low-maintenance plant is a popular choice for rock gardens, cliff walls, as groundcover, for borders, or as a container plant indoors or outdoors. Sedum includes 600 species of plants and is generally considered non-toxic to pets and humans. Sometimes referred to as bitter cress, sedum leaves have a mild, peppery, bitter flavor. Some types of succulents are known to be poisonous, but sedum is not one of them.

Are Sedums Toxic to Children?

Most houseplants are considered safe for infants and young children. Plant material usually doesn’t taste good. When a child puts a piece of plant in their mouth, they usually spit it out immediately. Sedum has a bitter flower. The taste alone will probably keep kids from trying it a second time. To be on the safe side, it’s a good idea to keep your sedum out of the reach of children.

Are Sedums Toxic to Dogs?

Most succulents are harmless to animals. Since sedum neither tastes nor smells appetizing, most dogs will avoid eating it. Keep in mind that eating plant matter in dogs and cats can cause vomiting or gastrointestinal distress. It is not expected to be life threatening to your pet.

Are Sedum Poisonous to Cats?

Sedum is a succulent and most succulents are considered safe for pets. There are a few species of succulents that can pose a threat to your cat, but sedum is non-toxic. It’s always best to check what type of succulent you have. Although cats are smart enough to stay away from plants that can make them sick, not every cat will.

Are sedums poisonous to other animals?

As with humans, dogs, and cats, sedum is not toxic to other animals such as livestock.

Symptoms of sedum poisoning

Although sedum is not poisonous to dogs, cats, and other animals, some species of succulents are poisonous to animals. If you notice your pet has eaten a succulent, identify the plant species and call your veterinarian. If your vet is unfamiliar with poisonous houseplants, call the poison control center.

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center – (888) 426-4435

Pet Poisons Hotline – (855) 764-7661

Click here for a full list of pet-safe plants.

It’s also good to know that eating plant matter in dogs and cats can cause vomiting and gastrointestinal distress. Here are common symptoms of plant poisoning in a pet.

Like most succulents, Dragon’s Blood roots well from cuttings. Take cuttings in early spring to mid-summer. Cut the stems near their base and remove any leaves from the bottom inch of the cutting. Fill a 2-inch pot with soilless potting soil and add the leafless part of the stem to the mix. You can put two or three cuttings per pot. Pour them in and let them dry between waterings. Be careful of rooting – if you pull on the stems and they won’t come loose, they have roots. Allow the roots to fill the pots and then plant the rooted cuttings where you want them to grow.

Dragon’s Blood Sedum, also known as Dragon’s Blood Stonecrop or Shorbuser’s Blood, is a unique succulent known for its vibrant color. This succulent was formerly known as Sedum spurium but is now referred to as Phedimus spurius.

This colorful species gets its name from its blood-red foliage. The leaves actually start out a deep green with crimson leaf edges in spring. By fall, the leaves have darkened to the deep burgundy color the species is known for.

If you can provide the right type of care, dragon’s blood sedum flowers in mid-summer to mid-fall. The clustered flowers are star-shaped and can be various shades of pink and red.

During the winter, it is common for this succulent to lose its leaves as it nears its hibernation. So don’t be surprised if your dragon’s blood sedum starts dropping leaves as cold weather approaches.

Dragon’s Blood isn’t the only strain of Phedimus spurius. There are other strains including Album Superbum, Fludgaglut, John Creech, Tricolor, and Voodoo. Dragon’s Blood tends to be the slowest growing P. spurius variety.

Dragon’s blood sedum is easy to care for and ideal for gardeners of all skill levels. However, it’s important to note that this species is mildly poisonous, so use caution if you have children or pets in your home

Name: Phedimus spurius Soil: well drained soil Flowering Period: early summer to late summer Light: bright to full sun Water: allow soil to dry out again before watering Propagation: cuttings

water

Buy it at:

Like most succulents, Dragon’s Blood Sedum prefers to be watered sparingly as it is sensitive to overwatering. The best way to achieve this is the soak and dry watering method. Soak the soil to the point where the excess will drain from the bottom of the pot, then allow the soil to dry thoroughly again before the next watering.

If the soil is not allowed to dry out between waterings, the moist environment encourages the development of root rot. Unfortunately, root rot is rarely visible above ground level until the plant is too far away to save.

The key to successfully using the soak and dry method is to inspect the soil before watering, rather than relying on a set watering schedule. By checking the soil, you are taking into account changes in temperature and humidity, which can affect how quickly the soil dries.

You can check the soil with your finger or a soil moisture meter if you prefer more high-tech tools. Simply poke your tool of choice a few inches into the soil near the base of your Dragonborn.

If the soil is dry, you can water without hesitation. If the soil is damp, it’s best to wait a few days before checking again. Otherwise, you risk accidentally overwatering your plant. While the occasional instance of overwatering can be forgiven, repeatedly overwatering your succulent will be a problem.

You’ll also need to adjust your watering schedule to suit the season and weather. Hot, dry weather means more frequent watering, while cool or humid weather means less frequent visits to your watering can.

Also, Dragonsblood Sedum is dormant in winter. As previously mentioned, this species loses its leaves in the fall and is one of the few succulent species that can withstand winter temperatures.

During this hibernation, the plant is not actively growing and requires little to no moisture during this time. You can resume watering in spring when new leaves sprout and the plant begins its active growing season again.

light

When kept indoors, dragon’s blood sedum grows best in bright light. It is not a low light succulent. A southern or western orientation is ideal for providing your succulents with sufficient light. An east-facing window can also work, but a north-facing window will not be able to provide enough light.

Without adequate light, your sedum will become stunted or stretched. Etiolation is not harmful, but it is not an attractive appearance for your plants. They will grow long stems with large spaces between the leaves. The stems also incline toward the nearest light source.

Unfortunately, efflorescence cannot be repaired. So if you don’t have enough light in your indoor space, you need to prevent this by investing in a grow light. Full spectrum grow lights are the artificial version of natural sunlight and come in a variety of shapes and sizes.

Dragon’s Blood Sedum can also be grown outdoors in most climates. When grown outdoors, she grows best in full sun. Full sun will also help develop the deep burgundy color that the species is known for.

However, care must be taken when bringing your sedum outdoors. Placing your plant in full sun after it has lived comfortably indoors will likely result in sunburn. Instead, slowly increase the amount of light your succulent is exposed to over several weeks.

Sunburn damage, like etiation, is a cosmetic concern, but prolonged exposure to too much light can be fatal. By giving your sedum time to adjust, you reduce the chances of cosmetic damage and death to your succulent.

If you live in a particularly hot climate you may want to give your Dragonborn some shade even during the hottest hours of the afternoon. Although this species usually thrives in direct sunlight, extreme heat can increase the chances of sunburn.

temperature

As previously mentioned, dragon’s blood sedum is one of the few types of succulents that can withstand the cold temperatures of winter. It is able to survive temperatures as low as -30 degrees Fahrenheit.

While you may need to bring more delicate succulents indoors for the winter, dragon’s blood is safe to stay outside year-round in all but the coldest climates. During this dormant period, you don’t need to worry about frequent watering either, as the plant isn’t actively growing and won’t be using the moisture effectively anyway.

This species can also tolerate extreme heat, but as mentioned earlier, it may need shade during the hottest part of the day. You’ll also need to water your Dragonborn more frequently during heat waves to prevent wilting.

If you plan to grow Dragon’s Blood Sedum indoors, you don’t need to worry about the temperatures. However, it is still recommended to keep your plants away from sudden drafts or temperature changes as this can cause unnecessary stress.

floor

Like other species of Sedum and Phedimus, Dragon’s Blood grows best in well-draining, porous soil. If you’re looking for a commercial soil mix, look for one that’s formulated for succulents and cacti.

Succulent and cactus soil generally provides the drainage and airflow needed for sedum to thrive. Ingredients such as coarse sand, gravel, perlite and pumice prevent unnecessary water retention.

Small amounts of ingredients such as clay, peat, and coir are acceptable, but large amounts should be avoided as the soil can then retain too much moisture. This causes the soil to take longer to dry out and your succulent is at risk of rotting.

If you have a soil mix formulated for use with vegetables or flowers, you will need to customize it by adding a granular mineral mix. Most gardeners recommend a total of 50-70% mineral grit.

Some organic matter is necessary in the mix as it provides much-needed nutrients to your dragon’s blood. The more mineral grit, the less available nutrients. So if you use a particularly grainy mix, you will occasionally need to top up the soil with fertilizer or repot the plant.

As this is the slowest growing variety of Phedimus spurius, you won’t need to repot frequently, but it is recommended if the plant seems to be struggling.

It is recommended to fertilize your sedum in the spring as it will begin to actively grow again. Fertilizing in winter is not recommended as the plant cannot use the nutrients during the dormant period. Too much fertilizer should also be avoided as this will lead to leggy and uneven growth.

Container

When choosing your ideal container for dragon’s blood sedum, be sure to choose a pot with proper drainage. While it’s technically possible to grow succulents in containers without drainage holes, it’s not recommended.

Most gardeners are not precise enough in their watering habits to accommodate a pot without drainage. If the excess water has nowhere to go, it’s easy to accidentally overwater it. Over time, this exposes your succulent roots to too much moisture and they can rot.

You also need to consider the material your pot is made of as it will also affect your watering schedule.

Terracotta pots absorb excess moisture from the soil, which can be good or bad depending on your watering habits. They’re a favorite of many gardeners, but they’re not the most exciting or decorative containers.

Glazed ceramic or plastic pots don’t absorb water from the ground, but come in a much wider range of colors and patterns to suit your decor. Just remember that darker colored pots absorb more heat than lighter colored pots and can dry out more quickly when exposed to the sun.

As long as your pot has drainage holes, it makes little difference in the growth of the plant as long as you adjust your watering schedule accordingly. Dragon’s blood sedum can also be planted directly in the ground if you prefer to forgo the container altogether.

care tips

If you choose to fertilize your dragon’s blood sedum, it is recommended that you only do so once or twice during each growing season. This frequency is enough to provide the plant with the necessary nutrients, but not enough to encourage false growth.

It is recommended to use a fertilizer specially formulated for succulents. These fertilizers tend to contain less nitrogen than other types of fertilizers. High levels of nitrogen can cause the plant to stop absorbing potassium.

Potassium is important for keeping succulents healthy and for transporting nutrients and water down the length of the plant. In addition, it increases the plant’s disease resistance and promotes even, healthy growth.

Fertilizers formulated for use with succulents and cacti have the right balance of nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus to ensure your dragon’s blood grows at a healthy rate.

It’s also worth noting that Dragon’s Blood Sedum is incredibly easy to propagate. So if you’re looking for a colorful groundcover or just want to share your favorite plant with friends and family, you can do so by taking a few healthy cuttings and planting them in well-drained soil.

Sedum is notorious for taking root relatively quickly, so propagation may be particularly easy. However, if you’re interested in faster root growth, you can always dip your dragon’s blood cuttings in rooting hormone powder before planting.

Sedum (sedum plant) is a plant of the succulent family. Succulents have thick, fleshy leaves that help make them drought resistant. Sedum stores water in its leaves, stems, or roots, making it easier for the plant to survive long periods between waterings. That doesn’t mean that sedum doesn’t need water. All plants need water to grow and thrive, and sedums need regular watering. Although sedums grow in harsh, dry conditions, you should allow the plant to thrive with just enough water, but not too much. An overwatered sedum will die much quicker than an underwater one.

How to tell if Sedum needs to be watered

The most important thing to consider when deciding whether to water sedum is the soil. If the top inch of soil feels dry, he needs to drink some water. Sedums have thick, fleshy leaves that retain water. The first sign that the sedum is in dire need of water is when the plant looks wilted and limp. Its leaves lose their fullness due to lack of water. The plant may also start shedding some leaves and some leaves at the base of the plant will dry up.

How often to water sedum

Whether planted in a pot or in a garden area, newly planted Sedum requires thorough watering. Once established, water when the top inches of soil feel dry.

Sedum is drought tolerant and thrives in well-drained soil. It’s best to give the plant a good slow drink and let the soil dry out before the next watering. Sedum thrives best in full sun and a dry climate. During the hot summers, plan to water every 7-10 days. Water every 2-3 weeks in autumn and winter.

The water needs of sedum plants in containers depend on a few factors. Depending on the rainfall, an outdoor container may not need to be watered. whereas an inner container needs to be watered weekly. A large container holds more moisture and requires less watering than a small or shallow container. Give the sedum a long drink until the water trickles out of the drainage holes. Allow the soil to dry out before the next watering. A good rule is to check the soil once a week.

Best time to water sedum

It is best to water sedum due to the dryness of the soil. During active growth in spring and summer, weekly watering will help you bloom better. Less watering is required in the autumn and winter months.

Overwater sedum

Whether growing in a container or in the garden, sedums can easily become overwatered. An overwatered sedum will die much quicker than an underwater one. Stonecrop leaves will tell you if it’s overwatering. Soft mushy leaves and wilting are the first signs of overwatering. When the leaves turn black, the sedum is beginning to rot from overwatering. Another sign that the plant is in trouble is when the leaves swell and fall off the plant. Stop watering and let the soil dry out completely.

How to water sedum

Step 1 – Check the dryness of the soil.

When the soil feels dry to within an inch, the sedum needs a drink.

Step 2 – Water thoroughly.

A long slow drink is better than frequent short drinks. Water a potted plant until water drips from the drainage holes.

Step 3 – Let the soil dry out completely.

Wet soil can cause root rot. Do not water at all during rainy seasons. The plant may need to be protected from rain.

Sedum watering tips

Allow the soil to dry out between waterings

Underhydration is better than overhydration

Slow, thorough watering is best

Avoid watering the leaves

Plant in a pot with drainage holes

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Plant of the week: Sedum, Dragon’s Blood

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture does not endorse, endorse, or endorse any crop featured in Plant of the Week. Please contact your local Extension office for plants suitable for your area.

plant of the week

[AZ]

Dragon blood sedum

Latin: Sedum spurium

Gardeners are not picky. You only want plants that will grow in poor soil, thrive on neglect, and look good all year round. Surprisingly, a few plants actually meet these fairly demanding criteria, including the little groundcover called Dragon’s Blood Sedum.

Sedum spurium is a pendulous succulent groundcover native to north-central Asia that forms a tangle of stems with 2-inch-tall leafy branches in summer. It has rounded, crenate leaves, half an inch in diameter, that face each other but are set at 90 degree angles from pair to pair along the length of the stem. The stem is sticky and roots freely. The leaves are light green in spring and gradually take on shades of maroon in winter. In most areas, only the leaves near the stem ends are truly evergreen.

The pink, red, or crimson flowers of this small sedum are surprisingly showy, appearing in flat-topped, 4-inch-tall, 3-inch-diameter clusters in mid-summer. Individual flowers are small and star-shaped with five pointed petals.

Several clones are offered, with “Schorbuser Blood” (Dragon’s Blood) being the most common. This German introduction was one of the first plants to be widely touted in the often fraudulent advertisements in the newspaper’s Sunday supplement in the 1970s. It’s been touted as the best groundcover for all sorts of impossible situations, and surprisingly, it really is. Although it does not grow in deep shade, it tolerates partial shade and grows in almost any soil. Red Carpet, with red leaves, and Voodoo, with mahogany leaves, are also improved colored leaf shapes.

‘John Creech’ is a smaller, slower growing selection with pink flowers in autumn. It was collected by Creech in Siberia in 1971 when he was director of the U.S. National Arboretum in Washington DC was.

‘Tricolor’ is a beautiful variegated form with white variegation overlaid with pink on the edges of the leaves. It’s not as vigorous as the green-leaved forms and tends to be a bit unstable due to its chimera nature, so plan on removing the non-variegated branches.

Of the sedums tested in the Arnold Arboretum groundcover trials, S. spurium was the best. While not fully evergreen, it retains enough vegetation to make it appear as if it is. Plant divisions or new plants on 12-inch centers if using as ground cover. It is hardy in zones 3 through 8. It does not tolerate foot traffic but otherwise makes a good carefree groundcover for sunny or partially sunny spots. It also does well for use in rock gardens, between stepping stones (if the ground is slightly recessed) and in outdoor containers. Propagation is easy by division or cuttings at any time of the year.

By: Gerald Klingaman, retired

Extension gardener – ornamental plants

Expansion News – September 12, 2008

The University of Arkansas Department of Agriculture does not maintain lists of retail stores where these plants can be purchased. Please check with your local nursery or other retail outlets for availability of these plants in your growing area.