Is it okay to let creeping sedum creep under perennials & shrubs?

14 years ago

For a while now I've had creeping sedum in a certain area of my garden, and this year it's really taking off -- or you could say, taking over! I like the way it looks a lot, especially when it creeps around the bases of shrubs and other perennials. So far, it hasn't seemed to be doing any harm to these plants (I've only let it get near the sturdier types, such as lilacs, bee balm, daylilies, etc.), but I want to make sure that this is not a bad thing to do. Can I leave it, or should I weed it?

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Comments (10)

coolplantsguy
14 years ago
Do you know specifically which "creeping Sedum" you have? Some are more vigorous than others.

I planted a whole bunch of 'Angelina' last year, and hope that it eventually creates a relative "mat" around and in front of other perennials. I am sure however, that in a few years, it will need some control to keep in check.
jayco
Original Author
14 years ago
I got it from my next-door neighbor, so I assume that, whatever it is, it's the most vigorous type available!

What you talked about is what I want to do too -- have it create a sort of mat as a transition between the larger plants toward the back of the bed and the garden path. So I guess you would advise just keeping an eye on it and pulling out anything that gets too close to the base of the other plants? Would this also be true for a woody plant like the aforementioned lilacs?

While I'm on the topic, I forgot to ask another question: can this type of sedum be used as a ground cover in an area that will get walked on? I'd like to let it grow over a pathway that right now is covered with mulch.
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Please tell me... am I making a huge mistake?????? We moved into our house 17 years ago, back then it had no trees, and the back border was in bright sun. I planted it with sun-lovers, and it bloomed amazingly -- lilies, daylilies, native sunflowers, etc. Fast forward to the present. The amur maple border at the back of the border is now 10 or 15 feet tall, and combined with the oak, pine, butternut, and buckeye tree in the same root-zone, just about every drop of water and ray of sunshine goes to the trees and shrubs. The lilies have faded to a paltry few blooms. The daylilies produce leaves but no flowers. Even the late-introduced martagon liies strain for light (but still bloom, not great though). But there's a new kid on the block, that seems to not mind the dry, shady environment. I think it was introduced via an attempted bleeding-heart transplant from a friend's garden from an older part of town. And I believe it is creeping bellflower. It's been gradually establishing itself in one spot in the back border for a few years. And so far, I'm liking it. Last week I dug a few separations and moved them to new spots in the back border (some of the toughest spots, to see just how tough this plant really is). Am I nuts? Am I inviting the devil? Or is this plant going to provide some colour and texture in a garden area that has become shady, dry, and largely barren? Once it spreads under the fence I will never be rid of it, as my neighbour has an adjacent border, but does essentially zero garden maintenance. I could still kill this thing off before it gets fully established. But right now it's looking pretty appealing to me. Oh, here's a picture:
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coolplantsguy
14 years ago
I think you have to judge on the other plants' ability to "compete". For example, I will be less concerned with my S. 'Angelina' encroaching on my Centaurea montana, than say a perennial Geranium. Shrubs, like your Lilac, should not have a problem, although moisture could become an issue.

And yes, most of the more vigorous "creeping Sedum" can tolerate moderate foot traffic, i.e. 1-2 times a day, while the less vigorous types can handle light foot traffic, i.e. 1-2 times a week. Check out Stepables site below for more info.

Here is a link that might be useful: Stepables
ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
14 years ago
a decent sized shrub should not even know it is down there ...

anything but the largest perennial COULD be affected in drought... or if the things seeds into the plant ...

either situation is easily handled by just making sure no plant crowns get too close to compete ...

i wouldnt care if the creepers get near something .... but not the sedum centers...

all that said.. most likely.. in a few years.. you MIGHT have a big job on your hands.. trying to beat this invasive-like weed back into submission.. if you just let it go willy nilly all over the yard...

ken
coolplantsguy
14 years ago
Especially S. acre -- that is essentially a weed that should be avoided.

In previous gardens, I've used both S. album 'Murale' and S. spurium 'Fuldaglut' (Fulda Glow) to this effect with good success and only minimal work. As mentioned, I'm now using S. reflexum 'Angelina'.

jayco, I would suggest again that you try and find out which specific Sedum it is that you have.
jayco
Original Author
14 years ago
Thanks for all your help. I looked at Google images and it's sedum sarmentosum, stonecrop.

Is it pull-out material? It definitely grows vigorously, but it's always been quite easy to rip out whenever I want to, since it's very shallow-rooted.
coolplantsguy
14 years ago
I don't know that one very well. Check out the link below. It sounds like you should be okay, and can even add some leaves to a salad or relish if you like! ;)

Here is a link that might be useful: Paghat's Sedum sarmentosum
jayco
Original Author
14 years ago
Thanks, Coolplantsguy, for the link to Stepables -- I am very interested in those sorts of plants and the website is nice.

I'm thinking I'll keep the sedum in the more "wild" area and let it creep under the established shrubs and among the real thuggish perennials; but not let it invade the part of the garden where I have my nicer perennials.

Thanks for the advice.
laceyvail 6A, WV
14 years ago
"While I'm on the topic, I forgot to ask another question: can this type of sedum be used as a ground cover in an area that will get walked on? I'd like to let it grow over a pathway that right now is covered with mulch."

Much better than sedum are creeping thymes. I have them on wide paths all around my gardens. The best ones I have ever found for this purpose can be purchased from High Country Gardens, and of their offerings, the two that are the "flattest" have done the best for me. Sorry, I don't remember their names, though one may be Van Ohme, or something like that.
jayco
Original Author
14 years ago
Thanks for the advice, Laceyveil. I will definitely check out the creeping thymes. I'm just getting to the stage where I'm sick of having mulch paths with creeping Charlie constantly encroaching!

Is it okay to let creeping sedum creep under perennials & shrubs?

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Is it okay to let creeping sedum creep under perennials & shrubs?

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