One effective way to stop sedum from spreading is by regularly pruning and pinching back the stems. This will help control its growth and prevent it from taking over your garden or landscape.
To begin, it is important to understand that sedums are vigorous growers and can quickly spread if left unchecked. However, by following a few simple steps, you can easily keep them in check and maintain a more controlled growth pattern.
1. Timing is key: The best time to prune and pinch back sedums is in late spring or early summer, typically sometime in June but before July 1st. This is when the plants are actively growing and can recover quickly from pruning.
2. Pinching technique: Simply pinch each stem back by one third to one half of its height. This can be done by using your fingers or garden pruners. By doing so, you encourage the plant to branch out and produce more compact growth.
3. Don’t worry about flowers: If your sedum already has small broccoli-like flowers, don’t fret. Pruning at this stage will not harm the plant. In fact, more flowers will follow after pruning, as new shoots will form below the pruning cut. These new shoots will result in more flowers on shorter stems that shouldn’t flop over.
4. Regular maintenance: It is important to make pruning and pinching back sedums a regular part of your garden maintenance routine. By doing it consistently every year, you can prevent the sedum from spreading and maintain a more controlled and tidy appearance.
5. Divide and conquer: If your sedum has already spread too far, you may need to consider dividing the plant to control its growth. Dig up the plant and gently separate the clumps into smaller sections. Replant these divisions in desired areas or share them with fellow gardeners.
By following these steps, you can effectively stop sedum from spreading and maintain a more manageable growth pattern. Regular pruning and pinching back will help keep the sedum in check, while still allowing it to produce beautiful flowers. Remember to enjoy the process and make it a part of your gardening routine. Happy gardening!
