Sedums

Sedums, commonly known as stonecrops, are a diverse genus of succulent plants in the family Crassulaceae. With hundreds of species, they occupy a wide range of habitats across the temperate and arid regions of the Northern Hemisphere, especially rocky, alpine, and sandy soils. They are perennial and range from creeping groundcovers to upright shrubs. Leaves are fleshy and vary from slender, cylindrical forms to broader spatulate shapes. Flowers are small and star-shaped, usually arranged in flat-topped clusters, and bloom in late spring to summer. Flower colors include yellow, pink, red, and white, and many species attract bees and other pollinators.

Cultivation and horticultural use: Sedums are valued as durable garden plants for rock gardens, borders, containers, and green roofs because of drought tolerance. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil; excess moisture can lead to rot. Most species are drought-tolerant once established and require infrequent watering. Hardiness varies by species, with many tolerating cold climates to USDA zones 3–5 depending on cultivar. Propagation is straightforward by division, stem cuttings, or leaf cuttings; many cultivars form dense mats that spread over time.

Taxonomy and naming: The genus Sedum has taxonomic complexity, and several species have been reassigned to other genera such as Hylotelephium and Phedimus. Garden lists often retain traditional Sedum names for horticultural purposes. Notable examples include Sedum acre, Sedum spurium, Sedum reflexum, and the popular cultivar Sedum spectabile in older classifications (now Hylotelephium spectabile).