Guide to growing Sedum - Gold Moss

The Sedum genus contains hardy perennials that range in height from 5 to 60cm; this size and their trailing nature makes them ideal for many purpose in the garden, such as rock gardens, gaps in walls and edging.

There are many species in the Sedum genus so blooming time varies from the start of summer to early autumn.

Usually flowers are star shaped ans of white, pink or yellow. Some common names for Sedum include Autumn joy stonecrop, Gold Moss, Worm Grass, Wall pepper, Ice Plant, Orpine and Stonecrop.

How to grow Sedum species such as Gold Moss

It is probably easiest to start Sedum in the spring. Sow the Gold Moss (or other Sedum genus members) seeds in pots, put in a plastic bag, and refrigerate for three weeks. The pots should then be sank into the ground in a shady part of the garden and covered with glass. It should take from one to four weeks for the seeds to germinate. Transplant the young seedlings at a distance of 15cm (small Sedum varieties), 30cm (medium) or 60cm (large Sedum species) apart. Sedum should be grown in a sunny part of the gatrden that has good drainage, and a moist slightly acidic (pH 5.5 to 7) soil.

Caring for Sedum

It is very easy to care for Sedum species such as Gold Moss, stonecrop and Worm grass; they should be watered regularly to keep moist, but do not allow the soil to become drenched. At the end of the season in autumn cut back to ground level. If you require more plants then propagate by either taking cuttings in the summer, or dividing the plants in the spring or autumn.