IN THE GARDEN:
‘Lemon Coral’ sedum is as tough as nails in the heat.
Every year, most of us hit that period where the heat crosses over from hot to oppressive, and we know the tough season for our plants has arrived.
There’s is one plant that, if it could talk, would say, “What heat?” This plant is ‘Lemon Coral’ sedum and its botanical name, Sedum mexicanum, gives clear indication from where its rugged nature derives.
Wherever I have it planted, the lime green, soft succulent, needlelike foliage becomes a beacon in the landscape. Its habit is mounding, compact and will compete on your list of toughest plants you have ever grown, reaching 10 inches tall with a 14-inch spread.
I combined it with ‘Surefire Red’ begonias, which look even showier when combined with lime green. In blue ceramic glazed containers leading to the front door, I have ‘Lemon Coral’ sedum growing with ‘Angelface Perfectly Pink’ angelonia and ‘Whirlwind Blue’ scaevola. Every color seems to look better with lime green.
‘Lemon Coral’ sedum will be a rock-solid perennial in zones 7-11. ‘Lemon Coral’ also makes a great container mix for other succulents grown indoors.
Succulents are persevering summer performers because they store moisture in their roots, leaves and stems. Droughtlike conditions can wreak havoc on most containergrown plants, but not succulents. In fact, the arch enemy will be too much water or inferior drainage. They are low maintenance in that they require little fertilizer and no constant deadheading.
They are perfect choice for the landscape when the heat is on.
Whether you plant in a container or in the landscape, the soil must drain freely, as soggy soil usually proves fatal. Place your plants with the top of the root ball even with the soil line.
‘Lemon Coral’ sedum, offered by Proven Winners, has won Top Performer Awards from Michigan to Mississippi. How will it do at your home? I predict you’ll be the one giving it the next trophy. If your landscape or mixed containers look tired and need a pick me up, let ‘Lemon Coral’ sedum be among your first choices.