PerennialsSedum spectabile
Stonecrop
Stonecrop is a succulent perennial with thick, grey-green leaves and flat pink flower heads from August to October. The plant is extremely drought-tolerant and attracts large numbers of butterflies and bees in late summer. The dried flower heads provide striking winter interest.
Characteristics
- Sun
- Full sun
- Water
- Low
- Height
- 30–50 cm
- Spread
- 30–50 cm
- Hardiness zone
- 3–9
- Family
- Crassulaceae
- Evergreen
- No
- Flower colors
- pink
- Wildlife value
- bees, butterflies
Bloom period
Care guide
Plant in full sun in well-drained, poor to moderately fertile soil. Overly rich soil causes floppy stems. Water sparingly — the plant stores moisture in its thick leaves. Feeding is rarely necessary.
Pruning tips
Leave flower heads standing after blooming for winter silhouette and frost effects. Cut old stems back just above ground level in early spring. New rosettes will emerge on their own.
Good companions
PerennialsRudbeckia fulgida
Black-eyed Susan
Black-eyed Susan blooms from July through October with radiant golden-yellow petals surrounding a dark brown center. The plant is virtually indestructible, spreads gradually, and suits large borders and prairie-style gardens. After flowering, the seed heads provide food for birds.
PerennialsEchinacea purpurea
Purple Coneflower
Purple Coneflower is a sturdy perennial with distinctive pink-purple petals surrounding an orange-brown cone. The flowers appear from July to September and are a magnet for butterflies and bees. In autumn and winter, the seed heads attract goldfinches and other seed-eating birds.
ShrubsLavandula angustifolia
English Lavender
Lavender is a beloved herb with aromatic silver-green foliage and purple-blue flower spikes. This evergreen plant blooms profusely from June to August and is remarkably drought-tolerant, attracting butterflies and bees to the garden.