Sedum 'Summer Glory'

Sedum 'Summer Glory': A Fast Pink Carpet for Sunny Slopes

'Summer Glory' peaked in high school and is absolutely still talking about it. Bright green mat, deep pink stars all summer long, and the confidence of a prom queen. THE GLORY DAYS NEVER ENDED.

Plant Characteristics:

• Botanical Name: Sedum spurium 'Summer Glory' (also listed as Phedimus spurius)
• Common Name: Two-row Stonecrop
• Height: 10–15 cm (4–6 in)
• Spread: 30–60 cm (12–24 in)
• Flowers: Deep pink, star-shaped flowers in flat clusters just above the leaves
• Bloom Time: Early to late summer (June to August)
• Foliage: Small, rounded, green succulent leaves forming a dense, semi-evergreen mat that turns bronze-green in fall

Where to Plant: Use it as a groundcover on a sunny slope, along a path or driveway, in a rock garden or between stepping stones. It spreads fairly fast, so a few plants can cover a larger area. It's also a common choice for green roofs and the pockets of living walls.

Companion Plants: Use 'Summer Glory' as a carpet in a sunny, dry bed with chartreuse spurge, magenta cranesbill and coral coneflowers. Euphorbia polychroma opens chartreuse-gold bracts at 30 to 45 cm in April and May. Geranium 'Max Frei' adds bright magenta cranesbill at 15 to 20 cm from June to August. Echinacea 'Coral Craze' brings coral coneflowers at 65 to 70 cm from July to September. Pennisetum Prairie Winds® 'Desert Plains' adds red-tipped blades at 90 to 120 cm.

Plant Care: Plant in full sun to part sun, in well-drained, average to dry soil. Sandy and gravelly soils suit it best. In heavy clay, add grit or plant on a slope so water doesn't sit around the roots in winter. Water through the first season, then only during long dry spells. In spring, the old growth fades away as fresh rosettes appear; shear off anything that looks tired. To fill gaps, break off a rooted piece and plant it where you want more. Trim the edges if it wanders onto a path.

History: Two-row stonecrop, Sedum spurium, is native to the Caucasus region between Europe and Asia and has been one of the most widely planted groundcover sedums for generations. Selections like 'Summer Glory' were chosen for heavy flowering and a dense, quick-spreading habit.

Final Thoughts: Edge the path or fill the gaps in a sunny wall. Deer pass and the bees cheer from the stands. RELIVE THE GLORY, NO REUNION REQUIRED.