Blue Spruce Sedum

by Roger Johnson
(Cornelius, NC)

I planted some Blue Spruce Sedum a few weeks ago and now some of the plants are getting red at the lower end of the stems and they break off when you touch them. I fear they are dying. Can you tell me what this might be caused by and how I can cure it? Thanks very much for your help.



Drought Smart Plants reply:

Hi Roger,
Your plants are most likely going through an adjustment phase. If they were grown in different conditions than where you have planted them (such as in a shady spot, or even indoors in a greenhouse) then they may have a physiological response to higher heat, drier conditions and brighter light.

Luckily, Sedum in general are very tough plants, and there is no action you need to take to help them. If you've watered them once to settle them in the soil, simply stand back and let them adjust in their own time. By the end of the summer, they will be completely adapted to their new environment and will have made new growth. Even if some parts break off, these will also grow roots if you stick the bottom of the stem into the soil.

Please don't hesitate to let me know if you have more concerns.

Jacki