Sedum spathulifolium 'Cape Blanco'

You get a lot of reward for very little effort with sedum. Sedums are sometimes known as stonecrop because they need about the same amount of care as stones: almost none. Very occasional water and lots of sun is all this plant asks. This one, Cape Blanco, has grey-green leaves all year round and zingy yellow flowers in summer. Lots of colour for minimal work.

The reason sedum plants need so little care is because they store water in those thick, fleshy leaves. Those water stores can get them through long periods of drought. In the wild, they’re mainly found in places where the weather is hot and dry. This variety spreads out wide but never grows taller than about 10cm. Put it in a pot with other sedums for a pretty, easycare display. 

While there’s not much required beyond a bit of water if the soil gets completely dry, feeding it once at the beginning of spring will give it a nutrient boost for the growing season. Also, make sure excess water can drain from the bottom of the pot. It doesn’t like to be waterlogged. 

Did you know?

There are around 600 varieties of sedum.