In botanical gardens or gardening stores, you may have found plants named “Sedum” that are so different that you wonder if they are related to one another.
Some sedum plants are shrubby and tall, while others have Rose-shaped or spiral leaves that creep across the ground. In fact, there are several species of Sedum: the Sedum genus includes about 470 different species[1].
The different sedum species have some characteristics in common. They have thick stems and fleshy leaves.
The genus Sedum is part of the large Crassulaceae (stonecrops) family named for their ability to grow in cold, dry areas with little water. Sedum originally occurs mainly in the northern regions of the world and in the desert areas of South America and Africa.
Since they require little maintenance once established and thrive in a wide range of harsh conditions, Sedum varieties are good choices for many gardens.
Sedums are perennial plants valued for their fleshy, colorful, distinctive foliage in shades of blue, green, purple, rose, pink, chartreuse, burgundy, and unique combinations.
