What hardiness zones is Sedum spectabile suitable for?

Sedum spectabile is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9.

What are the sun requirements for Sedum spectabile?

Sedum spectabile requires Full Sun.

How much water does Sedum spectabile need?

Sedum spectabile has Very Low water needs.

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Perennials

Sedum spectabile

sedum

Crassulaceae

Northeastern China (Liaoning, Jilin provinces) and Korea; rocky slopes and hillsides. Synonym: Hylotelephium spectabile

At a Glance

TypePerennial

HabitUpright

FoliageDeciduous

Height18-24 inches (45-60 cm)

Width18-24 inches (45-60 cm)

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

3 - 9

Zone 3

Zone 4

Zone 5

Zone 6

Zone 7

Zone 8

Zone 9

These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.

Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators

Attracts Butterflies

Deer Resistant

Drought Tolerant

Container Friendly

Maintenancevery low

Overview

A robust, clump-forming succulent perennial in the family Crassulaceae, native to rocky slopes, hillsides, and open ground of northeastern China (Liaoning, Jilin provinces) and Korea. Currently recognized by many authorities as Hylotelephium spectabile (Boreau) H.Ohba, though the name Sedum spectabile remains widely used in horticulture. Plants form substantial clumps 18–24 inches (45–60 cm) tall and wide of thick, erect, unbranched stems clothed in whorled or opposite, broadly ovate, glaucous, blue-green to gray-green, fleshy leaves 2–3 inches (5–8 cm) long with scalloped margins. From August through September, the stems are topped with large, flat-topped cymes 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) across of masses of tiny, star-shaped, 5-petaled flowers in pink to rose-pink, opening from ornamental bud clusters. The flower heads are among the most intensely butterfly-attractive of any garden perennial. After bloom, faded seed heads turn from buff to russet-brown and persist through winter. Common cultivars include 'Brilliant' (deep rosy-pink), 'Iceberg' (white), and 'Carmen' (deep pink). Hardy to zone 3. Non-toxic.

Native Range

Native to rocky slopes, hillsides, and open ground of northeastern China (Liaoning and Jilin provinces) and Korea, growing in well-drained, lean soils in full sun. Also recognized under the synonym Hylotelephium spectabile.

Suggested Uses

Planted in mixed perennial borders, pollinator gardens, and prairie-style plantings at 18–24 inch (45–60 cm) spacing. One of the top butterfly-attracting perennials for the temperate garden. The glaucous blue-green foliage provides strong textural interest from spring through summer before flowers open. Persistent winter seed heads are outstanding for structural and frost-garden effects. Excellent combined with ornamental grasses, rudbeckia, and asters in the late-summer border.

How to Identify

Identified by substantial clumps of thick, erect, unbranched stems with whorled or opposite, broadly ovate, glaucous blue-green fleshy leaves with scalloped margins, topped in August–September by large, flat-topped flower cymes 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) across of small star-shaped pink to rose-pink flowers. The thick glaucous succulent stems and leaves, the large flat-topped pink flower head in late summer, and the persistent russet-brown seed heads through winter are diagnostic. The synonym Hylotelephium spectabile is recognized by most current botanical authorities.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1'6" - 2'

Width/Spread1'6" - 2'

Colors

Flower Colors

pink

rose

Foliage Colors

blue

green

gray

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~6 weeks

SummerFall

Blooms August through September for 4–6 weeks, with attractive bud clusters developing in late July before opening. Butterfly activity on the flower heads is intense and consistent — reliably one of the top butterfly-attracting perennials in the late-summer garden. After bloom, russet-brown seed heads persist through fall and winter, providing structural interest and attracting finches.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

pink to rose-pink; large flat-topped cymes 4–6 inches across of masses of tiny 5-petaled star-shaped flowers; fading to russet-brown seed heads

Foliage Description

glaucous blue-green to gray-green; broadly ovate, fleshy, with scalloped margins; thick erect stems

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun

Requires 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

sandloamrockychalk

Drainage

well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Very Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

1-2 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plant in full sun in average to lean, well-drained soil with a pH of 5.5–7.5. Drought-tolerant once established; tolerates poor, lean soils well. Rich, moist soils cause lax, flopping stems — lean conditions produce the most compact, upright growth. No staking required in full sun with lean soil. Divide every 3–4 years in early spring when the clump center becomes unproductive. Apply a Chelsea Chop (cut back by one-half in late May) to reduce height and prevent flopping in richer soils.

Pruning

Leave the ornamental seed heads through fall and winter for structural interest and bird forage — one of the best perennials for winter skeleton effects. Cut all stems to 3–4 inches (8–10 cm) above ground in late winter (February–March) before new growth begins. Divide every 3–4 years in early spring: separate into sections each with 3–5 stems and replant at 18–24 inch (45–60 cm) spacing.

Pruning Schedule

early spring

Maintenance Level

very low

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 3 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic