Sedum 'Matrona' is a selection from Germany. It's a very sturdy non-flopping variety that has gray-green leaves with rosy pink edges and purple stems. The long-lasting flower clusters are mauve-pink, becoming chocolate-brown in winter. It pairs beautifully with cone flowers and ornamental grasses. We have had 'Matrona' in the display garden for many years and we have found it to be a superb addition to the late summer garden.
Tall sedums form substantial clumps of foliage which can be substituted for shrubs in the landscape. Their stout, sturdy stems support the massive flower heads which develop in summer and burst into bloom in fall. If left standing, they provide winter interest and food for birds.
- Height: 45-60 cm (18-24 in)
- Spread: 30-38 cm (12-15 in)
- Cold Hardiness: Zone 3-8
- Sun or Shade: minimum 4 hours of full sun
- Bloom Time: late summer to early fall
- Leaf Colour: gray green
- Bloom Colour: pink
- Critter Resistance: rabbits
- Nature Attraction: bees and butterflies
Growing and Maintenance Tips
Sedum is one of the most popular perennials grown in North American gardens because it is very easy to grow and so hardy. Because of its thick, succulent leaves which can store water, sedum is drought tolerant. It should be sited in average to poor soil that is well-drained. Plants grown in rich soil tend to be lanky and open. A minimum of 4 hours of direct sun is recommended.
Divide sedum every 3-4 years to maintain its compact growth habit. Older plants tend to split in the center if they have not been divided. Pinching the taller varieties back by half in early summer will also help prevent them from splitting. This plant is not usually bothered by pests or diseases. The seed heads provide excellent winter interest and food for birds. Remove them in spring when the new growth begins to show.
