Sedum 'For Your Eyes Only' (Stonecrop)

Where to Plant:

This hardy perennial is a superb choice for adding reliable, late-season colour to the garden. It requires a position in full sun to thrive and develops its best colour. It is not fussy about soil type, provided it is well-drained, and is extremely drought-tolerant once established. It is perfect for the front or middle of a sunny border, a gravel garden, or a large container, where its unique, dark foliage and contrasting pink flower heads will attract bees and butterflies in droves.

How to Plant:

You can plant container-grown sedums at any time of year, though spring and autumn are ideal. If planting now, in summer, be prepared to water it for the first few weeks to help it establish. Dig a hole the same depth and width as the pot. Gently remove the plant and place it in the hole, ensuring the top of the rootball is level with the surrounding soil. Backfill, firm gently around the plant, and water it in well.

Aftercare:

This is an exceptionally low-maintenance plant. The flower heads look wonderful when dried by frost, so it is best to leave them standing for winter interest. In early spring, just as you see new, fleshy rosettes of leaves emerging from the ground, cut all of the old, dead stems from the previous year right back to the base with secateurs. This is all the pruning that is required. No feeding or supplemental watering is needed once it is established.