Sedum MatronaA Distinctive and Different Border SedumSedum Matrona is one of the lesser known Sedum varieties. It has a more robust presence than some of the other border stonecrops that are commonly grown in xeric gardens, making it a little more challenging to fit into a scheme.
However, the colour of the stems and foliage is easier to work into your xeriscape design, being a tan colour with pink overtones, with the edging of the leaves outlined in a darker mahogany. On a larger scale than most Sedum varieties, although not the tallest, the leaves are rounded, about 10cm long, spaced quite widely up the stems. The blooms are a light delicate pink, lasting from August until well in to September when they start to dry and turn a dark rust colour. Like many other stonecrops, Matrona Sedum is valued for this trait, as it adds so much texture and winter interest to the xeric garden. Even under snow, the seed heads remain standing. Propagate by division of the fleshy water storing roots in early spring; each growing point will make a new crown eventually. Stem cuttings root easily if allowed to callous before planting. Use Sedum Matrona in borders and beds to add height behind other lower growing hardy succulents. Nestled around her feet can be placed Sempervivum in some of the same tones such as Sempervivum ‘Kalinda’ or Sempervivum ‘Rita Jane’ which will add texture while remaining in the same colour family. A combination of these three plants alone will be breathtaking for the entire season. Other Sedum for groundcovers work well too, especially those with pale blue foliage such as Sedum cauticola and Sedum ewersii. The rounded leaves of these Sedum varieties echo the texture of Sedum Matrona. Combining many Sedum stonecrops in a tapestry set against the backdrop of the taller types gives the myriad textures and colours a place to contrast with each other.
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Sedum for Borders
Taller Stonecrop Varieties
As backbone plants for many xeric gardens, these taller varieties and species of Sedum are perfect for adding structure and dimension. Their rounded forms and upright stems make great backdrops for other softer textured plants in drifts.
Here are some of my favorite Sedum for Borders:
Sedum Brilliant
Sedum ussuriense Turkish Delight
Sedum Vera Jameson
Sedum Twilight
Sedum Olive
Sedum Red Leather
Looking for smaller varieties and species? Go to the main Sedum page.
Xeriscaping and xeric gardens are made for these tough and resilient plants, along with many other xeric plants. Combined in borders, containers and rock retaining walls, the flexibility and textures of these valuable plants are infinite.
Sedum for Borders plugs are available for sale online at the Garden Shop
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