Showy stonecrop (Sedum spectabile) SEE-dum spek-TAB-il-ee Genus:  Sedum An upright species to 18 inches tall and wide, this plant bears pink flowers in August that persist into fall. Thick, almost succulent leaves are bluish green. S. spectabile was crossed with S. telephium to create the very popular 'Autumn Joy.' Noteworthy Characteristics:  Attractive to bees. Care:  Grow in full sun and well-drained, neutral to slightly alkaline soil of moderate fertility. Divide every 3 or 4 years. Plants sometime flop late in the season, so stake or cut back by half in early June. Propagation:  Take stem cuttings in early summer, or root individual leaves in summer. Start seed in fall; divide in spring. Problems:  Mealybugs, scale insects, slugs, snails.

Overview

Height 1 ft. to 3 ft. Spread 1 ft. to 3 ft. Growth Habit Clumps Growth Pace Moderate Grower Light Full Sun to Part Shade Moisture Dry to Medium Maintenance Low Characteristics Attracts Butterflies, Showy Flowers, Showy Seed Heads Bloom Time Early Fall, Late Summer Flower Color Pink Uses Beds and Borders Style Cottage Garden Seasonal Interest Summer Interest Type Perennials