Sedum 'Neon'
I never was much inclined toward sedum. They were cute little ground covers and easy to start from just a piece that had fallen off, but there were so many more stunning plants.
Then I saw a stonecrop sedum called ‘Neon’ (Sedum spectabile ‘Neon’). Wow, I was hooked. I bought it full price and scurried home to plant it. I’ve not been disappointed either. In early fall, every year, it has bloomed fantastic vibrant pink clusters of blooms that look fluffy.
It’s extremely easy to grow. It doesn’t need fancy soil, although it can’t tolerate wet feet. It thrives in full sun, even in the humid mid-Atlantic. It is also heat and drought tolerant, although mine is planted where it gets regular watering and it likes that as well.
It is a butterfly and bee attractor, as well. When I bought mine they were covered with honeybees. With bees still struggling, giving them something they like to drink is on my important list. That and some other great plantings have meant I’ve had honeybees in my yard all summer this year. I’m finally getting a balance that they like!
One cool thing is that you can just take a leaf from it, set it on the soil and it could very well sprout roots for a new plant. This is not the preferred way to propagate, but it does work.
It grows about 18” tall and spreads about the same, so it won’t take over your garden. If you want an early fall vibrant splash of color check it out.
