Upright Sedums Dazzle in Autumn

Earlier this yr I highlighted a few of my favourite ground-cover sedums. However I can’t ignore the taller, upright sedums, or stonecrops, that are extraordinarily showy in fall. Upright sedums are low upkeep, have minimal illness and pest issues, bloom from late summer time into fall, and are beloved by bees (lots of which have been buzzing throughout me as I snapped these pictures!). They thrive in full solar with well-drained soil and have low water wants, making them excellent for xeric or water-wise landscapes. Most gardeners are acquainted with Autumn Pleasure sedum (Hylotelephium ‘Herbstfreude’, Zones 3–9), however there are such a lot of extra spectacular upright sedum species and varieties to select from. Listed below are just a few of my favorites. (Please observe that whereas many upright sedums have been reclassified to Hylotelephium, you should still discover them bought beneath Sedum on-line or at your native nursery.)

‘Darkish Magic’ sedum

Hylotelephium telephium ‘Darkish Magic’
Zones: 4–9
Measurement: 12 to fifteen inches tall and 20 inches extensive

The darkish, shiny purple foliage of this selection stands out all through the rising season, however when topped with massive inflorescences of darkish pink flowers from August by October, it’s breathtaking to behold. Its clumping behavior makes it an important selection for blended borders or edging.

‘Stardust’ sedum

Hylotelephium spectabile ‘Stardust’
Zones: 3–9
Measurement: 18 to 24 inches tall and extensive

This selection develops vibrant inexperienced foliage early within the season. Clusters of pale inexperienced flower buds burst into tiny pure white flowers, that are simply beginning to open on this photograph. These blooms appeal to a wide range of pollinators, together with butterflies.

‘Thunderhead’ sedum

Hylotelephium ‘Thunderhead’
Zones: 4–9
Measurement: 30 inches tall and 24 inches extensive

The foliage of this selection may be very fascinating; the leaves are darkish inexperienced with reddish margins on darkish purple stems that keep very erect. The big clusters of magenta blossoms are gorgeous and supply a pleasant distinction to the brown tones of decorative grasses.

‘Matrona’ sedum

Hylotelephium telephium ‘Matrona’
Zones: 3–9
Measurement: 30 inches tall and 18 inches extensive

Just like ‘Thunderhead’, this selection has inexperienced foliage and burgundy stems. However in distinction, ‘Matrona’ has a number of clusters of sunshine pink flowers on very tall stems, which actually stand out. It seems placing in a blended border. I’ve discovered that this selection also can deal with some partial shade.

For extra sedum suggestions, try:

And for extra Mountain West regional experiences, click on right here.

—Michelle Provaznik is government director of the Gardens on Spring Creek in Fort Collins, Colorado.

Photographs offered by Michelle Provaznik.