Sedum Red Canyon: The Unbelievably Beautiful Stonecrop You Need in Your Garden
Have you seen photos of this jaw-droppingly gorgeous succulent floating around on social media lately? With its plump, bluish-green leaves tinged with ruby red edges, Sedum Red Canyon is an unbelievably striking ground cover that looks like it came straight out of a fairytale book. If you love unique, low-maintenance plants that pack a huge visual punch, this variety needs to go straight to the top of your must-have list.
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About Sedum Red Canyon
Part of the Stonecrop family, Sedum Red Canyon (Sedum lanceolatum) is a spreading succulent that naturally forms a lush, carpet-like mat as it trails along the ground. The chunky, red-edged leaves have a quirky spiked appearance, giving it a funky, modern appeal.
But the real showstopper is the masses of tiny star-shaped flowers that blanket the plant in vibrant rosy-pink hues each summer. The dainty blooms create a striking color echo with the already ruby-tinged foliage. It’s an absolutely eye-popping combination that provides weeks of nonstop color.
Despite its slightly exotic, otherworldly looks, Sedum Red Canyon is incredibly easy to grow and resistant to drought, frost, heat, and pests. Highly adaptable and low-maintenance, it makes an excellent choice for gardeners of any skill level looking to add some bold, trendy appeal to gardens, borders, or outdoor containers.
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How To Care For Sedum Red Canyon
Light
Like most sedums, Red Canyon needs at least 6 hours of direct sun per day for best growth and coloring, though it can tolerate some light afternoon shade in hot climates. Indoors, situate in a sunny, bright window or provide supplemental lighting from a grow light.
Water
Sedum Red Canyon has excellent drought tolerance once established. Plan to give about 1 inch of water weekly in spring through fall, increasing slightly if planted in containers or during extreme heat. Reduce water in winter, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
This rugged little plant prefers a porous, well-draining potting mix made for succulents or cactus. A blend of 60% succulent soil combined with 40% mineral grit like perlite, crushed granite, or coarse sand works perfectly to prevent soggy soil while still retaining some moisture.
Fertilizer
Like most succulents, Red Canyon doesn’t require much in the way of fertilizer. If desired, you can apply a balanced liquid succulent fertilizer at half-strength during the growing season. Or simply top-dress with a 1/2 inch layer of compost in spring for gentle nutrient support.
Temperature
With an average cold hardiness range of USDA zones 5-9, Sedum Red Canyon can handle just about any temperature extreme. It easily brushes off frosty winters down to around -30°F as well as sizzling summer heat and drought conditions. Indoors, aim for average household temperatures of 60-70°F.
Pests and Problems
Sedums like Red Canyon have very few pest or disease issues when grown in their preferred conditions. The main risk is rot caused by excessive moisture or poor drainage. Be sure to utilize well-draining soil and avoid overwatering.
Potting and Repotting
No repotting is really required for this low, spreading variety. Simply clean up any dead or unsightly growth in spring.
Pruning Sedum Red Canyon
Sedum Red Canyon is very low maintenance and pruning isn’t necessary. You can clean them up a bit after winter by removing any dead or damaged branches or foliage; this will also help keep your succulent healthy.
For Sedum Red Canyon, pinch new growth in spring to promote branching and shorter growth; this will help keep them from getting leggy and drooping. Deadheading the succulent in fall isn’t necessary, as the flower heads provide fall and winter interest.
Ground cover types like Red Canyon can be trimmed to stay within their boundaries. If you don’t want seedlings from these creeping varieties, the flower heads can be removed after blooming in summer.
How to Propagate Sedum Red Canyon
One of the easiest plants to propagate, you can multiply Sedum Red Canyon through division, cuttings, or seed:
- Division – Carefully dig up the parent plant in spring and split apart into sections, ensuring each has some new growth. Replant the divisions.
- Cuttings – Allow cut pieces to callous over for a few days before sticking into well-draining soil.
- Seed – Sow seeds in succulent seed starting mix, keeping lightly moist until germination in 3-4 weeks.
Whether grown in-ground, containers, or as a vibrant filler between cracks and crevices, Sedum Red Canyon is an absolute showstopper that’s guaranteed to stop people in their tracks. Unbelievably low-care and hardy yet extremely eye-catching, this is one trendy succulent that lives up to all the hype. Get ready to fall deeply in love!
