Add Vibrant Color to Your Garden with Red Sedum Ground Cover Plants

Red sedum ground cover plants are an excellent option for adding visual interest and pops of color to garden beds borders and containers. With their dense, carpet-like foliage in shades of red and pink and attractive blooms, these low-maintenance succulents are ideal for filling spaces with vibrant color.

Overview of Red Sedum Varieties

Sedums belong to the large Stonecrop genus, with around 600 different species. They are prized for their colorful foliage, drought tolerance, and spreading habit that works perfectly as a ground cover. Many types of sedums have leaves that range from deep red to bright pinkish-red.

Some popular red sedum varieties that make great ground covers include

• Sedum spurium ‘Dragon’s Blood’ – Deep burgundy red foliage with pink flowers. Grows 2-4 inches tall.

• Sedum spurium ‘Red Carpet’ – Cherry red leaves and pink blooms. Grows 1-2 inches tall.

• Sedum ‘Desert Red’ – Blue-green leaves that turn deep red in sun and pink flowers. Grows 3-4 inches tall.

• Sedum x ‘Red Cascade’ – Green leaves with red edges and yellow flowers. Grows 3-4 inches tall.

• Sedum ‘Voodoo’ – Deep reddish-purple succulent foliage and pink star-shaped blooms. Grows 3-6 inches tall.

Growing Conditions for Red Sedums

One of the best qualities of sedums is how easy they are to grow. Here are the basic conditions red sedums need:

• Full sun exposure to develop their bright foliage colors, although some tolerate partial shade.

• Well-drained soil – sedums dislike wet soil that can lead to rot. Adding grit improves drainage.

• Low moisture once established. They store water in their leaves so don’t need frequent watering.

• Hardiness varies by variety, but most tolerate USDA zones 3-9.

• Little fertilizer is required. Occasional compost or slow-release fertilizer is sufficient.

• Avoid windy sites that can damage their shallow root systems and break stems.

How to Plant Red Sedum Ground Covers

When planting red sedum ground covers, follow these tips:

• Spring is the ideal time to plant after the last frost so they establish before summer.

• Space plants 12-18 inches apart in garden beds, borders or between stepping stones.

• Dig holes the same depth as the root ball and water at planting time.

• Add grit like pea gravel to improve drainage if you have heavy soil.

• Water weekly until established, then water only during droughts. Mature plants are very drought tolerant.

• Many varieties spread quickly. Cut back runners or separate overgrown clumps to contain spread.

Caring for Red Sedums

Once planted, red sedum ground covers require minimal care:

• Water only during extended dry periods for established plants. Avoid overwatering.

• Fertilize lightly in spring with compost or organic granular fertilizer if needed, but sedums don’t require much.

• Prune back leggy growth in spring to compact the plant. Pinch off spent blooms to encourage reblooming.

• Cut plants back to a few inches in late fall in cold climates. New growth appears in spring.

• Divide overgrown clumps in spring every 2-3 years to rejuvenate. Replant divisions to expand beds.

• Excellent pest and disease resistance, although aphids may sometimes appear. Hose off with water.

Uses of Red Sedum Ground Covers in the Landscape

Red sedum varieties add a pop of vivid color and texture when used as:

• Low edging plants along paths, patios and walkways

• Ground cover between stepping stones

• Accents or fillers in rock gardens and xeriscapes

• Erosion control on slopes and banks

• Cascading out of containers and hanging baskets

• Front of borders, accenting ornamental grasses or bright perennials

• Part of a drought-tolerant lawn alternative

• Rock garden filler around boulders and in stone walls

Top Red Sedum Varieties to Try

Some of the best red sedum ground cover varieties to try growing include:

• Sedum ‘Dragon’s Blood’ – Stunning deep burgundy foliage

• Sedum ‘Voodoo’- Unique dark purple succulent leaves

• Sedum ‘Desert Red’ – Leaves turn intense red in sunlight

• Sedum spurium ‘Red Carpet’ – Brilliant cherry red foliage

• Sedum ‘Red Cascade’ – Green leaves with red edges

With minimal care, red sedum ground covers provide vivid color, curb appeal, and visual interest to gardens. Their dense, carpet-like habit effortlessly fills in spaces while their blooms add seasonal displays. Add a splash of red to your garden with these easy-care succulents!