Sedum spectabile 'Carl'

Sizes available: True gallon

Basics: zones 4-9, 12-18" x 18-24", full sun, pink flowers over grey-green foliage late summer into fall, needs good drainage, likes sandy or gravelly soils with moderate to low fertility

Common names: Tall Sedum, Upright Sedum, Ice Plant, Showy Stonecrop, Butterfly Stonecrop, Showy Orpine

Synonyms: Hylotelephium spectabile 'Carl'

Family: Crassulaceae

Origin/Distribution: Species are native to Korea and China. Sedum spectabile is cultivated in its local regions as food and medicine as well as an ornamental.

Habitat: There is conflicting information regarding habitat. Clearly some species can grow on a shadier wood's edge or in a valley (presumably less sun and more moisture down there), as well as rocky cliffs and slopes in full sun.

More: Tall sedums are hardy garden perennials that make excellent cut flowers in bud, while blooming, and after senescence as dried seed heads. Over fertilization, or too much moisture or shade will lead to flopping. Salt and drought tolerant. Rabbit resistant, but may be browsed by deer (this has not been my experience). Great for any sunny spot including a rock garden or container planting. The flowers attract numerous pollinators, their leaves look good in spring and summer prior to bloom and the dried standing structure looks good in the late fall and winter. 

Nursery: Van Berkum

Image credits: Van Berkum Nursery