Sedum ‘Purple Emperor’

Sedum ‘Purple Emperor

Characteristics

Culture

Easily grown in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils in full sun, Sedum ‘Purple Emperor’ tolerates some light shade. Also tolerates drought and heat, particularly once established. Plants must have good soil drainage to perform well. Plants generally thrive in sandy to gravelly soils of average to moderate fertility. Sedum ‘Purple Emperor’ plants grown in overly rich soils or in too much shade will produce weak, floppy growth. Plants slowly spread over time.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Sedum is a genus of about 400 species found mainly in the mountainous areas of North America but some also in dry area of South America. Most are succulent. They are tough, drought tolerant, easy-to-grow perennials that feature star-shaped flowers in clusters blooming on fleshy-leaved plants ranging from mat-forming ground covers to clump-forming upright mounds. Plants in the genus Sedum are commonly called stonecrops because they are typically found in the wild growing on rocky or stony areas.

Sedum ‘Purple Emperor’ is a hybrid perennial Sedum with masses of tiny, star-like, dusky pinkish-purple flowers.  Flowers bloom in large flattened 3-6” heads atop stems clad with dark purple, fleshy, succulent leaves. Long mid-summer to early fall bloom. Foliage is effective throughout the growing season.

Problems

Watch for slugs and snails. Scale may occur. Rotting out is possible in wet and/or poorly drained conditions. Taller sedum hybrids with large flower heads are susceptible to flopping. This can be avoided by providing full sun conditions and planting in soils that are not too moist or rich. Pinching in spring can also force stems to grow thicker and bushier.

Garden Uses

Border fronts or rock gardens. Best massed or in groups. Small area ground cover. Site in areas where both the foliage and flowers may be appreciated. Also effective in containers.