Red sedum, also known as Dragons Blood, is a ground cover sedum that spreads quickly. This means that once planted in a garden, it has the ability to spread and cover a larger area over time. The spreading nature of red sedum is one of its desirable qualities for gardeners and landscapers looking to fill in empty spaces or create a dense mat of vegetation.
The growth habit of red sedum allows it to form a dense mat that can reach a height of 3 to 8 inches. This low-growing habit makes it an excellent choice for ground cover, as it can effectively fill in gaps between other plants or cover bare patches of soil. The ability of red sedum to spread quickly and form this dense mat is due to its vigorous growth and its ability to produce new shoots from the base of the plant.
One of the factors that contributes to the spreading nature of red sedum is its ability to root at the nodes along its stems. This means that as the plant grows and its stems come into contact with the soil, they have the potential to root and establish new plants. This process, known as vegetative propagation, allows red sedum to spread and fill in gaps in the garden.
In addition to its ability to root at the nodes, red sedum also produces offsets or baby plants that can be easily separated from the parent plant and replanted elsewhere. These offsets can quickly establish themselves and begin to spread, further contributing to the overall spread of red sedum in the garden.
It is worth noting that the spread of red sedum can be controlled to some extent by regular pruning or trimming. By cutting back the plant in early spring or after flowering, you can help maintain its desired size and prevent it from spreading too aggressively. However, it’s important to keep in mind that red sedum is a vigorous plant, and even with regular pruning, it may still continue to spread and fill in spaces over time.
In my own experience as a gardener, I have found red sedum to be an excellent ground cover option for sunny areas in the garden. Its ability to spread quickly and form a dense mat of foliage adds visual interest and helps suppress weed growth. I have also noticed that the more sun red sedum receives, the more intense the red coloration of both its flowers and foliage becomes, making it a vibrant addition to any garden.
To summarize, red sedum is a ground cover sedum that spreads quickly due to its ability to root at the nodes and produce offsets. It forms a dense mat of foliage and can reach a height of 3 to 8 inches. While its spread can be controlled through pruning, it is important to note that red sedum is a vigorous plant that will continue to spread over time. Its vibrant red flowers and foliage make it a visually appealing choice for sunny gardens.
