Stonecrop

Product Description

Position: full sun or partial shadeSoil: moderately fertile, well-drained, neutral to slightly alkaline soilRate of growth: average to fast-growing Flowering period: July to September Flower colour: ruby-redOther features: attractive to butterflies and bees; the dried flower-heads provide colour and structure in the winter gardenHardiness: fully hardySucculent, greenish-purple leaves, topped with large, flat heads of ruby-red, star-shaped flowers from mid-summer to early autumn. This low-growing form of sedum is perfect for softening the front of a sunny, well-drained border. Best planted in generous drifts, the flowers are a valuable nectar source for butterflies and bees. Garden care: The flowerheads look great left during the winter to add shape and texture to your border. In February and March cut back the old flowerheads and apply a generous 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted garden compost or manure around the base of the plant. Once established, sedums can have a tendency to flop leaving an open and unsightly centre, especially in fertile soil. One technique to help prevent this is the 'Chelsea chop'. During the last week of May (Chelsea Flower Show week), cut one in every three stems back to the ground. This will produce plants that are less lush and flower slightly later.