The National Garden Bureau (NGB) has named Sedum its Year of the Plant for 2026, celebrating one of the most dependable and diverse genera in the perennial garden. Known for durability, drought tolerance, and the ability to thrive in challenging conditions, Sedum has earned its place as a go-to plant for gardeners of every skill level.

From sprawling groundcovers to bold, upright clumps that anchor the fall border, Sedum offers something for virtually every garden style and climate. The genus is available wherever perennials are sold and has built a loyal following among novice gardeners and seasoned landscapers alike.

A Genus Built for Real Gardens

Sedum is one of the broadest perennial genera in horticulture, with anywhere from 200 to 700 species depending on classification. Despite its diversity, most Sedum share three key traits: a preference for full sun and well-drained soils, thick water-storing leaves, and clusters of star-shaped flowers.

Sedum generally fall into three categories: upright Autumn Stonecrops such as the beloved ‘Autumn Joy,’ compact clumping varieties ideal for garden borders and rock gardens, and low-spreading groundcover types that form dense mats of succulent foliage.

Easy to Grow, Hard to Kill

Sedum thrive on neglect. They prefer dry, well-drained soils and handle poor, rocky, and nutrient-deficient conditions exceptionally well. Overwatering is one of the few ways to trouble a Sedum — soggy soils can cause stretching, stem weakness, and foliage damage. In most cases, no fertilizer or soil amendments are necessary. 

“The beauty of Sedum is its resilience,” says Diane Blazek, executive director of the National Garden Bureau. “Over-fertilizing or over-watering can actually be detrimental. These plants are designed to be drought-hardy, storing moisture in their foliage to survive long periods without supplemental irrigation.”

Hardy across a wide range of climates — from Zone 3 to Zone 11 depending on species — Sedum are also easily propagated by division, making them a generous plant for sharing with neighbors and fellow gardeners.

Their late-season blooms are a valuable resource for pollinators, attracting bees and butterflies at a time when many other garden plants have finished flowering.

Varieties Worth Knowing

The Year of the Sedum celebration highlights a range of standout varieties, including:

Sedum Autumn Joy (Herbstfreude): A classic upright Sedum with large flower heads that mature from pink to deep copper in fall. A reliable anchor in perennial borders. Zones 3–9.

Sedum ROCK ‘N GROW Back in Black: Deep black-purple foliage contrasts with vibrant red flower clusters in late summer. Bold and sturdy. Zones 3-9.

Sedum ROCK ‘N ROUND Bright Idea: Compact mounds of glossy green foliage with cheerful yellow flowers in midsummer. Perfect for the front of the border. Zones 3-9.

Sedum Banana Split: Dark chocolate-burgundy foliage with creamy yellow flowers. Strong stems, compact habit, and good winter interest. Zones 4-9.

Sedum rupestre Angelina: A fast-spreading golden-yellow groundcover that turns orange in cooler weather. Excellent for erosion control and rock gardens. Zones 3-11.

Sedum Blue Spruce - blue-green, spruce-like foliage, this sedum forms a dense mat and produces yellow flowers in summer. Zones 3-9

Sedum What a Doozie: White and green variegated foliage with blush and creamy pink flowers in fall. A standout spreader. Zones 5-9.

Sedum mexicanum Lemon Coral: Vibrant chartreuse needle-like foliage that adds texture to containers and landscapes. Zones 7-11; annual in colder climates.