Plant Type

Perennial, Succulent

 

Height Range

1-3'

 

Flower Color

Pink

 

Flower Season

Summer, Fall

 

Leaf Color

Blue Green, Grey Green, Purple

 

Bark Color

n/a

 

Fruit Color

n/a

 

Fruit Season

n/a

Sun

Full

 

Water

Low

 

Growth Rate

Moderate

 

Soil Type

Sandy, Clay, Loam, Rocky, Unparticular

 

Soil Condition

Average, Rich, Poor, Well-drained, Dry

 

Soil pH

Neutral

 

Adverse Factors

Attracts Bees

Design Styles

English Cottage, Mediterranean, Ranch, Spanish

 

Accenting Features

Fall Color, Showy Flowers, Unusual Foliage

 

Seasonal Interest

Summer, Fall

 

Location Uses

Perennial Border, Shrub Border, Foundation, Parking Strip, Patio, Raised Planter

 

Special Uses

Container, Mass Planting, Small Spaces

 

Attracts Wildlife

Hummingbirds

Similar in form to 'Autumn Joy,' Matrona has fabulous blue-green foliage with tinges of burgundy and grey. Stems are sturdy and erect, and a lovely red color. Plant grows about 24 to 30 inches tall and 15 to 18 inches wide. Flower buds appear in clusters, sort of cauliflower-like, in June, and as the summer progresses, they open into little pink stars, holding their color all summer and into the fall. Plants persist into winter, and are enjoyed by smaller migrating birds. Summer flowers attract butterflies. Use in perennial, shrub, or foundation borders, rock gardens, and parkstrips. Stunning with blue fescue or blue oat grass.

As a group, sedums prefer well-drained soils, including sandy-loam, clay-loam, or rocky soils, as long as it is well drained. In nature, most sedums occur in light shade or partly sunny sites, while a few are also well-adapted to full sun situations. They can tolerate both drought conditions or more frequent watering, but the key is good drainage. Their xeric nature makes sedums popular for use in rock gardens, roof gardens, wall gardens, and living wreaths.