How to Use Sedum as a Groundcover
Sedum is a type of flowering plant with approximately 400 different species. These plants are able to store water in their leaves and are very hardy, making them a good option for groundcover. Also, because there are so many different species, it is easy to find one that will grow well in your climate. If you are looking for an attractive groundcover, sedum may be a good choice for you.
- Decide what type of sedum you want. Several varieties exist in which the blossoms will bloom in shades of pink, white, yellow, orange, green, red, or purple. For a groundcover, you will want to select a variety such as blue carpet that grows only to a low height and won’t overtake other plants in the vicinity.
- Find a time and good location to plant. Sedum is best planted in the spring or the fall and does well in sunny areas with light shade coverage. It requires a moist yet well-drained soil.
- Prepare your planting area. Cover the area with compost, which will enrich the soil with nutrients. Acidic soil can be treated by adding one tablespoon each of limestone and bone meal to each gallon of compost. Make sure the soil is well mixed and aerated by turning the soil with a large rake or fork.
- Plant the sedum two feet apart from each other in rows that are two feet apart. Make sure that you plant the sedum at the same depth as it was in the pots.
- Keep the area well watered as the sedum begins to grow in its new area. You can add mulch to help with water retention. The sedum should establish itself relatively quickly and spread if it was planted in the springtime. Don’t be surprised if it looks like it is dying in the winter. The foliage may die, but the plant is very much alive. You may want to clean out the old foliage before spring to allow new foliage to grow in the next growing season.