I absolutely love sedum aka stonecrop!
I mean, it’s a tough succulent known for its gorgeous star-shaped flowers that come in shades of burgundy, copper, pink, or white… What’s not to like?
They’re super low-maintenance, but like any garden favorite, they need a good pruning to stay in top shape. As the seasons shift, your sedum might look like it could use a trim, and trust me, the right timing makes all the difference.
In today’s article, I am going to share the best time to cut back your sedum and how to do it right.
If everything goes well, your garden will be adorned with even more gorgeous flowers next year!
Spring, Summer, Fall, Or Winter Pruning?
You probably love watching your sedum thrive, with its bold, star-shaped flowers. But to keep these beauties looking their best year after year, knowing when (and when not) to cut them back is crucial.
In spring, you should give your sedum a fresh start by cutting the stalks all the way down to the ground. This way, you’ll ensure that they grow back strong and healthy.
By early summer (around late May or June), your sedum might start looking a bit too tall. Trim it down by half to prevent that leggy, stretched-out look. Tall types, like Autumn Joy stonecrop, will appreciate this!
During mid to late summer, avoid pruning your sedum. It’s too hot, and trimming could stress them out. Let them enjoy the sun.
In the fall, take a moment to clean up your sedum by removing any dead or sick stems. This is important to prep them before winter comes. Cut any dead stalks back to the ground, but leave the healthy parts alone.
When winter arrives, it’s time to put those scissors away! The cold can be tough on sedum, so let them rest until spring. With just a few easy cuts here and there, your sedum will be happier and ready to impress you again next year!
Also read: When And How To Cut Back Blanket Flowers To Get Even Flowers Next Year
Follow These Tips To Successfully Cut Back Sedum
When cutting my sedum, I always focus on these steps:
1. Tidy up in spring – once the last frost has passed, begin by clearing away winter debris like old leaves, pine cones, and twigs. Do this manually.
2. Get rid of old growth – pull out and dispose of any loose or dead stalks and leaves.
3. Prune dead stalks – with pruning shears, clip any dead stalks that are still attached. Hold the stalks in place with one hand while cutting with the other.
4. Cut back to the ground – trim the remaining sedum stalks all the way down to soil level using hand shears.
5. Clear the area – remove any lingering debris to make sure the sedum gets plenty of sunlight and water.
6. Summer trim – by early summer, cut the sedum stalks halfway down to keep them in good shape and prevent legginess.
7. Fall cleanup – in fall, hand-remove any dead or loose stems and leaves. Attached stalks should be cut to the ground (you can use a hand pruner for this).
Waiting for the perfect time to prune and following these steps will help keep your sedum looking great throughout the seasons!
Just remember to always use sterile pruning shears and clean up the debris afterwards.
Also read: Is It Too Late To Cut Back Hydrangeas Now Or Could Waiting Affect Next Year’s Blooms?