Last updated on August 25th, 2023 at 12:20 pm
Creeping sedum, also known as stonecrop or periwinkle, are low-growing groundcover plants. They often have leaves that point upwards toward the sky and flowers in shades of pink to deep purple. They form large colonies by sending out runners off the mother plant—which can be a small shrub or perennial flower with creeping roots such as an ice plant.
The creeping root system helps them spread rapidly across open areas of soil while providing excellent cover for other vegetation from drought, frost damage, and erosion. Some species require moisture year-round and do not grow well in arid climates but thrive in moist environments like bogs where they sometimes take on a moss-like appearance.
Creeping sedums are used in a variety of ways, from ground cover for gardens to creeping vines that can be trained up in tree trunks as living fences or hedges. They make excellent plantings on slopes where erosion is an issue because they hold the soil together and recover well after storm damage. They also offer food sources and shelter to wildlife such as rabbits, deer, birds, insects, and more!
Creeping sedum propagation
Creeping sedums are easy to grow and propagate. They can be grown from creeping root cuttings which will form new, creeping plants when planted in moist soil with additional heat and light. As creeping roots spread underground, they produce small leaf shoots that eventually develop into new creeping plants. The best time to take creeping root cuttings is in early spring or late fall when the creeping sedum has formed a tight, woody stalk.
Creeping sedums can also be propagated by the division of adult creeping plants which require no special treatment and will grow quickly into new creeping plants. The best time to divide them is during their dormant season in the winter.
They can be divided into sections using a sharp knife and then planted back in their original spot or transplanted to another location. They are an ideal plant for both low-maintenance gardens as well as containers because they thrive on neglect, so little watering is needed.
Creeping Sedums can be found in a variety of colors and are available at local nurseries as well as online.
How to care for creeping sedum?
Light requirements
Without any light, this plant will usually grow as a ground cover. However, if they are planted in moist soil and given at least some hours of direct sunlight, creeping sedum can be used to create an attractive rock garden. If they begin growing too high, they should be staked so that the plants don’t break under the weight of the foliage.
Soil Requirements
This plant requires soil that is moderately moist but well-drained. They will not grow in areas where the soil becomes too dry or wet.
A creeping sedum plant will grow well in most areas of the United States. The plant is a perennial that typically blooms from April to July with flowers ranging in color from white, pink, and purple. They can be used as ground cover or planted near rock gardens for an attractive accent. If they are left in the same location for more than one year, the creeping sedums will form a dense mat or ground cover.
Watering creeping sedum
They require moderate to heavy watering and do not like their soil dry or wet, and they will suffer if they are left in either condition for an extended period of time. If creeping sedum is planted around rock gardens, they need to be watered on a regular basis so that the plants don’t die.
This plant requires at least one tablespoon of water per plant every day. If they are watered two times a week, they will grow uniformly and not form a dense mat or ground cover.
Also, if they begin to turn brown, it is because the soil has become too dry for them to thrive. In this instance, they need more water or they will die.
Fertilizer
The plant requires a monthly application of fertilizer. When they are fertilized with organic materials, they will grow well and not form dense mats or ground cover.
If they have yellowing leaves, it is because they need more nutrients in their soil to prosper. They need fertilizer that is low in nitrogen and high in phosphorus to grow well.
Fertilizers should only be applied when they are either planted or transplanted.
If the plant doesn’t receive enough nutrients, it will turn yellow and die, it’s important for them to get the proper amount of fertilizer for them to survive.
Creeping sedums are good for people who don’t have a lot of time or money because they require little maintenance and can grow well in most climates without any attention.
Temperature Requirements
Creeping sedums will not grow well in areas where they are exposed to temperatures that are too hot or too cold. They need a temperature range of at least 50 degrees Fahrenheit for them to be healthy and grow well.
Humidity Requirements
They will not grow well in areas with low humidity. The plant needs at least 50% relative humidity and they should be grown away from dry winds or they will suffer.
Pruning
Creeping sedums should be pruned with hedge shears or hand clippers. The plant can grow up to four feet high so they need to be trimmed every year, otherwise creeping sedums will form dense mats and ground cover that is difficult for other plants to grow in.
If creeping sedum begins creeping over the side of a container, it should be cut back to ensure that the plant does not break under its own weight.
Growth rate
Creeping sedum has a moderate growth rate, but it can spread rapidly and cover large areas.
Repotting
Frequently, creeping sedums (Sedum sp.) will start to outgrow their pots. The plant may become top-heavy and the leaves could touch the ground if it is not repotted soon enough.
The best time to re-pot a sprawling succulent like this one is during springtime when new growth has just begun to show.
If your plant has not outgrown its pot, but still needs a bigger container you should wait until fall, when the plant will go dormant, and reduce watering frequency by half.
Repotting is easy! Simply remove all of the old soil from around the roots with a hand trowel or similar tool, and place the plant in its new pot. Fill with a mix of soil and perlite to give good drainage and make sure that there is at least one inch of space between the top of the soil level and the rim of your container.
Water well after planting the plant into their newly repotted home!
Toxicity
Creeping sedums are not toxic to animals and humans in small doses. However, they can be harmful if eaten in large quantities or over a long period of time, because they contain oxalic acid which is soluble in water and may cause kidney stones.
In case of accidental ingestion, call for emergency vet services immediately!
Pests and diseases
Creeping sedums are unlikely to be bothered by many pests or diseases, but they can become infested with slugs and snails. Slugs may chew on the leaves of this plant, which could lead to brown spots that will not heal if left untreated.
In order to keep your plant healthy, you should remove any signs of pests and snails.
The most common pest is the spider mite, which will produce a browning effect on plant leaves due to their feeding habits. To avoid this you can use an insecticidal soap or make your own mix of dishwashing detergent with water- just be sure not to overuse these treatments!
In order to kill an infestation of slugs, you should use a hand trowel or similar tool and hit them head-on.
