Sedum spectabile Stardust - Autumn Stonecrop

Sedum spectabile 'Stardust' is distinguished by a white flowering, which is unusual for autumn sedums. It is a succulent perennial with fleshy roots, displaying bright green-blue foliage. It produces large, flattened, white inflorescences that become creamy over time. They appear from late summer to autumn and last until the first frost. It is a carefree plant, where butterflies gather in September. Ideal for dry and poor gardens, it requires very little maintenance. It adds an indescribable charm to the late season.

Sedum spectabile 'Stardust' belongs to the Crassulaceae family. It is one of the many cultivars derived from S. spectabile, native to China and Korea. It forms compact, upright, spreading clumps reaching 40cm (16in) in height and spreading up to 50cm (20in), with a fairly slow development. Flowering takes place from September and ceases at the first frost. The inflorescences, in flat and dense terminal cymes, reach 15cm (6in) in diameter. The very small flowers are born in yellowish-green buds, then bloom in white and fade to a creamier shade. They make up false umbels that are intensely nectar-rich and honey-bearing. The herbaceous but sturdy stems emerge from the thick, fleshy, glaucous green, deciduous foliage. The leaves measure 8cm (3in) long. They are flat and ovate, dentate on the upper half.

Sedum spectabile 'Stardust' is a boon for gardens with lean soil. It tolerates drought and poor soils. Mix it with grasses and plants with grey foliage, such as sage, wormwood, or sea cineraria that often accept these difficult living conditions. You can create an unforgettable scene by planting it with asters or fuchsias. Its sculptural appearance is magnificent in a pot, especially a bonsai-style dish. Its flowers are also excellent for drying or for fresh bouquets