General Description/History

Most of the 400 Sedum species are succulents with thick water-storing leaves. S. spectabile is the major species used as a cut flower. It produces large (15 cm across) flat-topped, umbrella-shaped flower-heads at the top of each stem. Flower-heads are made up of dozens of small, papery, star-shaped, light to dark pink flowers. ‘Autumn Joy’ is a popular variety that blooms in autumn with pink-bronze flower-heads. Leaves are fleshy, egg-shaped and a blue-grey colour. This form of Sedum is a popular garden plant in summer and autumn.

Sedum is grown in the field or in polyhouses. Supplies come mostly from Victoria, Qld and NSW.

What to look for

• Buy when all of the flowers are fully open;
• Avoid bunches with yellow leaves.

Flower Care

1. Keep cool at all times.
2. Strip leaves from the lower half of each stem, and wash stem ends under the tap.
3. Recut at least 2 cm off each stem and place in water immediately.
4. Do not bash or split stems.
5. Always use a preservative as this will help buds to open.
6. Replace vase water with fresh preservative every day.

Botanical Name: Sedum spectabile

Common Names: Ice Plant, Sedum, Stonecrop

Stem Length: 30 to 80 cm

Country of Origin: China

Available Colours: Brown, Pink

Season: Summer,Autumn,Spring

Availability: June