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The definition of Sedum is "member of the Crassulaceae which doesn't fit in another genus". Therefore it's hardly surprising that recent genetic research has discovered that it includes plants that aren't closely related. Consequently it will probably be split into a number genera (and/or have some of it's species re-assigned to existing genera) in the near future. There are currently about 300 - 400 recognised species, mostly from Europe, Asia and North America. As well as the small, creeping, fleshy leaved plants (e.g. S. acrea and S. album) there are rosette-forming plants (e.g. S. spathulifolium and S. suaveolens), burro's tails (S. burrito, S. morganianum), shrubby leaf succulents (e.g. S. pachyphytum and S. nussbaumerianum) and even a few stem succulents (e.g. S. fruitscens and S. oxypetalum), anuals (e.g. S. caeruleum) and bienials (e.g. S. sempervivoides). Some familiar Sedums are now classified in other genera like Aizopsis (S. aizoon and S. kamtschaticum), Hylotelephium (e.g. S. anacampseros and S. spectabile), Graptopetalum (e.g. S. weinbergii), Petrosedum (S. reflexum), Phedimus (S. spurium) and Rhodiola (S. rhodiola).

The flowers are small (less than 1cm across), usually with 5 petals, in various colors. They're born in clusters, usually a terminal inflorescence but a few (e.g. S. pachyphyllum and S. Suaveolens) have axillary inflorescenses.

Most the remaining Sedums, like most Crassulaceae are easy to grow. They're succulents so they like bright light, well drained soil and tollerate drought. Basically anything vaguely sensible in the way of conventional succulent treatment will do. The main problem is their tollerance to temperatures. This depends on the climate from which they come. The colder climate species (S. acre, S. album, S. divergens etc.) are quiet happy to grow outdoors in cold climates where they're usually grown as alpines in rockeries. The more tropical species (S. pachyphyllum, S. morganianum etc.) are often grown as house plants in colder climates. They only tolerate light frost but still don't like to be kept too warm in the winter. A greenhouse with frost protection is best. Some like S. spathulifolium fall between these. In England I could grow them in the garden. In Alberta, Canada, the garden's too cold and the house is too warm (even if I only bring them in when it's very cold). If you live in a hot climate that doesn't get cool in the winter, you're probably better off growing Kalanchoe.

Like most Crassulaceae, Sedums generally grow easily from cuttings, and often detached leaves. They're a lot harder to grow from seed. The seed is dust like and looses its viability quickly. Unless you're a real fanatic you probably want to stick to growing from cuttings.

Sorry if this is confusing but it's a confusing genus, found over much of the northern hemisphere (with one species in the southern hemisphere) so this is only to be expected. When it gets split into sensible genera, it will hopefully be a lot easyer to explain how to grow each one. At least you can take cuttings and experiment. There are lots of Sedums you can try and many of other Crassulaceae.

Learn more about this author, Richard Pearman.
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