What is it? An essential late-summer pit stop for bees and butterflies. Sedum flowers are little pools of nectar, held on big, flat, easily accessible flowers where butterflies can rest and bask in late-summer sun. Green buds look good from midsummer, then colour pink into autumn. Stems are succulent and frosted, hence the common name "ice plant".
Plant it with? Many late-flowering perennials glory in autumnal colours that do not sit happily next to sedum's pink. Carefully chosen cultivars of Japanese anemones, penstemons and phlox will rub along beautifully, however.
And where? A sunny position in soil that is not too rich, even verging on the malnourished. The succulent stems cope well with dry positions.
Any drawbacks? Floppage. Plants usually keep to a fairly tidy 40cm x 40cm, but planted in a fertile soil the stems overreach themselves, and then can't support the heavy flowers. Treat 'em mean and grow 'em lean, or carry out the Chelsea chop, cutting back the stems in late May (Chelsea Flower Show time, keep up) to encourage bushier growth.
What else does it do? Leave the flowers on the plant after they fade and they will dry and catch those glistening, ephemeral hoar frosts.
Buy it Get three bare-root plants for £8.99, or six for £12.98 (including p&p). To order, call 0330 333 6856 quoting ref GUWBSC. Or visit our Reader Offers page.