Sedums Galore

Splashy succulents transform outdoor spots from dull to dazzling

- ERICA BROWNE GRIVAS

1 Cape Blanco stonecrop

SEDUM SPATHULIFOLIUM, ZONES 5 TO 9

Cape Blanco's luminous, silver-blue foliage lights up any combination in the garden or container arrangements. This is a cultivar of a native species, offering up tiny yellow flowers in summer. As a ground cover, it'll stretch up to 2 feet.

Why we love it:

Truly a standout with its coloration, the shimmery leaves can play checkers in a landscape with black mondo grass (Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens').

2 Petite Bicolor crassula

CRASSULA, ZONES 9 TO 11

With the tiniest of leaves, this charming option shines in a mixed container or on its own. Move it indoors in winter and grow as a houseplant where not hardy. Watch for bees and butterflies to stop by in droves during summer and early fall when star-shaped pink flowers appear.

Why we love it:

Often referred to as Little Missy sedum, this pick's leaves are edged in cream and flushed pink.

WARM AND DRY Like other succulents, sedums thrive in poor soil and can even withstand drought once established. For most, the preferred growing conditions are gravelly, well-draining soil in full sun. Plant where rain or moisture won't puddle.

3 Weihenstephaner Gold orange stonecrop

PHEDIMUS KAMTSCHATICUM VAR. FLORIFERUM, ZONES 3 TO 8

This plant sports 6-inch-tall olive green foliage that beautifully complements its pink stems and wildlifefriendly yellow flowers. Its trailing habit, up to 16 inches, makes it perfect to use in hanging baskets or as a ground cover. It also tolerates deer and drought.

Why we love it: Abundant blooms appear from June to August, then deliver a bonus of tiny reddish fruit.

4 Evergreen orpine