Tall-Growing, Late Bloomers

Sedums --commonly called stonecrops-- bloom in the late summer/early fall, and right now, ours are in full bloom.  We inherited about 15 of these plants when we bought this house.  They can live in poor soil, with very little water, and pretty much grow anywhere between Zones 3-10 (we live in a Zone 6 environment).  I love their dense pink blooms, succulent leaves, and wiry shape.  They remind me of being home in California. 

They say that the 400 species of sedum can be broken down into two groups: low-growing early bloomers, and tall-growing late bloomers.  In our yard, we have an abundance of tall-growing late bloomers... but, I would like to start planting both next spring.

Martha Stewart Living did a lovely spread on sedum last month...

I found this image (by Jennifer Davis Photography), showing how beautiful sedum can be even before it blooms...  those tiny little buds provide the most beautiful texture! 

And, aren't they the perfect shade of green?

Then in September, they open up to reveal a dense, magenta-colored blossom... 

In October, they begin to turn a warmer shade of brown.  Before ours lost all their pink color, I snipped a few and put them in a vase on the porch...

our very own tall-growing, late bloomers.

 

 

 

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