Creeping sedums are good candidates for a sunny, well-drained place where other garden plants struggle. Their low growth can soften the edge of a path, spill among rocks or fill a container. They are poor choices for a spot that stays wet: surviving dry conditions after establishment does not mean they will thrive in standing water.
Where will a creeping sedum grow best?
Rock gardens, pockets in rock walls and slopes are places where a low sedum can spread. Look closely at the soil before planting. A rocky site may drain quickly, while a low point near the same rocks may collect water after rain. Full sun suits many creeping varieties. For a shaded place, choose a plant adapted to shade instead of assuming a sedum will cover it; our shade garden ideas cover other options.
A sedum may slowly spread into a mat and reduce bare patches where weeds can take hold, but you will still need to weed around young plants while they fill in. The flowers and foliage vary by variety, so choose one whose mature spread fits the space rather than expecting every low sedum to behave alike. If you are replacing some lawn with planting, Ground Covers for Lawn Alternatives discusses another use for a golden carpet sedum and several other options. Ground covers are for places where you do not need a grass surface for frequent play.
What care do they need at first?
Even a drought-tolerant plant needs watering as it settles in. After that, pay attention to drainage before giving it more water. Creeping sedums have shallow roots and can often be moved by lifting a small patch in spring and replanting it in a suitable place. Watch that new patch until it establishes instead of assuming it will take care of itself from day one.
Some perennial sedums overwinter in outdoor pots, but hardiness depends on the particular plant and the exposed roots of a container may face colder conditions than roots in the ground. Check the variety and the pot rather than relying on a broad zone range. Our container guide covers drainage and the extra watering pots need. Sedums also appear in designed green-roof plantings, though that is a specialized roof system, not a reason to put ordinary garden soil on a roof. Nature’s Friends Landscaping can help choose a variety for an existing bed or container.
