Sedum (Sedum spp.) is an easy to care for plant that grows in poor soils and under conditions of neglect. Gardeners with little time to spend maintaining and watering their garden turn to specimens like sedum for a rewarding landscape plant that needs little attention. Even mulching is generally unnecessary for this hardy plant. Sedum grows in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 through 10, depending on the species.
Gardeners rely upon mulch during the growing season to conserve moisture in the soil around plants, and to prevent the growth of weeds in a cultivated area. Mulch is used to protect water-sensitive plants that cannot tolerate the loss of water through competition from other plants, and through evaporation during times of intense sunlight and high heat. Mulch is often applied in the spring at the time of planting, but may be re-applied in the summer when temperatures rise.
Sedum and Drought Tolerance
Sedum is known for its drought tolerance, requiring minimal regular watering throughout the growing season. In fact, sedum that is too heavily watered will become imbalanced with its abudant, heavy blossoms, causing the stems to bend and the flowers to tip. In general, sedum does not require gardeners to take special precautions, like mulching, to conserve water moisture in the soil, even in the summer.
Sedum and Stem Rot
Sedum is sensitive to stem rot, which can occur if the soil is too moist or if air circulation between stems is poor. Stem rot can also occur if mulch is pressed against the base of the stems. Gardeners who prefer to mulch their sedum must beware of the dangers that mulch can pose if it comes into contact with sedum in the garden. For a safe distance, keep mulch at least 2 to 3 inches from the stems of sedum.
Other Growing Tips
Sedum grows well in poor soils as long as they aren't heavy or have too high a clay content. Heavy soils must be amended with organic material, like compost, before planting sedum. Sedum doesn't require fertilization, and needs only be watered once every two weeks in the summer. Coastal gardeners may find sedum becomes leggy or spindly in conditions that are often overcast, but inland gardeners are less likely to experience this issue.
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