Extension

The Chinese New Year 2026 may be the Year of the Fire Horse, but for Oklahoma gardeners, this is the year of the Sedum.

One of both veteran and novice gardeners’ favorite succulents, Sedum is one of the most diverse and dependable perennials. The popularity of these plants stems from their durability and drought tolerance, making them ideal for an Oklahoma landscape. They thrive in the most challenging environments and are viable in USDA hardiness zones 3-11.

There are hundreds of species of Sedum, and almost all of them share three traits: a love for full sun and well-drained soil, thick water-storing leaves and star-shaped flower clusters. Among the hundreds of species are also hundreds of cultivars, providing an array of foliage and flower colors; leaves come in shades of green, blue, gold and purple, while the flowers can be white, yellow, pink or red. Generally, Sedum fall into three habits:

• Upright stonecrops: Tall, clumping varieties that provide sturdy, late-season structure.
• Compact clumping Sedum: Less than 1-foot tall, these are good for rock gardens or borders.
• Groundcover Sedum: low, spreading plants that create a colorful, succulent carpet over soil.

Sedum are adapted to less-than-desirable conditions, thriving in dry, well-drained or even rocky soil. Gardeners should avoid planting Sedum in nutrient-rich or consistently moist areas, as these can cause stems to stretch and flop.

While some plants are prima donnas, constantly demanding attention from a gardener, Sedum are much more relaxed and independent. They store water in their leaves, making supplemental watering rarely necessary. This is beneficial because Sedum can be planted in areas of the landscape that aren’t close to a water source. Also, skip the fertilizer – these plants are naturally adapted to low-nutrient conditions.

Gardeners who enjoy the look of Sedum in the landscape should know that it is easy to propagate. Simply divide mature clumps in the spring or fall by digging up a portion and replanting it elsewhere. They are remarkably resilient, making them one of the easiest perennials to spread or share with fellow gardeners.