Sedum: The Drought-Resistant Perennial Every Gardener Will Love in 2026

If you're looking to enhance your garden, sedums are a fantastic option for gardeners at any level. These drought-resistant succulents are both visually appealing and low-maintenance, earning them the title of perennial plant of the year from the National Garden Bureau.

While many are familiar with growing succulents indoors, sedums can transform outdoor spaces. They attract pollinators and flourish in diverse environments, making them a versatile addition to any garden.

To learn more about why sedums are becoming increasingly popular, we consulted experts for insights on their remarkable benefits.

Reasons to Incorporate Sedum into Your Garden

Many houseplant lovers know sedums well, but they might not immediately think of them for outdoor gardens.

With their vibrant foliage and star-shaped flowers, sedums can add visual appeal to any garden. They come in a variety of types to suit different styles and preferences.

According to the National Garden Bureau, 'Sedums range from sprawling groundcovers to upright clusters that enhance fall landscapes, catering to diverse garden aesthetics and climates.'

'They're readily available wherever perennials are sold and are favored by both beginners and experienced garden designers.'

Two key reasons for sedum's popularity are the extensive range of species and their low upkeep requirements.

'Sedums are the hardworking heroes of gardens, thriving in virtually any setting, regardless of size,' shares Rachel Bull, a gardening expert.

'These hardy succulents flourish in poor soil, easily handle drought, and require minimal care while providing a stunning array of forms and textures to complement your garden design.'

Woman sat on greenhouse step wearing navy dungarees and khaki shirt and holding a notebook

As noted by the National Garden Bureau, 'Sedums typically fall into three main categories: upright Autumn Stonecrops like the popular 'Autumn Joy,' compact varieties great for borders and rock gardens, and low-spreading groundcovers that create thick mats of succulent leaves.'

If you want something colorful, consider acquiring an Autumn Joy sedum from Nature Hills, or opt for the Mr Goodbud sedum, also from Nature Hills, which is perfect for borders.

For groundcover needs, the Atlantis sedum is a fantastic choice, available at Burpee.

Are Sedums Simple to Grow?

For those seeking fast-growing outdoor succulents, sedums are an ideal pick because they thrive on minimal care. The National Garden Bureau describes them as 'easy to grow and hard to kill.'

'Sedum's resilience is its charm,' states Diane Blazek, Executive Director of the National Garden Bureau.

'Over-fertilizing or excessive watering can harm them. These plants are designed to withstand drought, storing moisture in their leaves for extended periods without extra watering.'

Ensure you have well-draining soil; consider using Back to the Roots' organic succulent mix available on Amazon, or add gravel or sand to your planting areas to keep your sedums thriving.

'Wet soils can lead to stretching, weak stems, and damage to leaves,' cautions the National Garden Bureau. 'Generally, no fertilizer or amendments are needed.'

Using sedums is also a great way to create a wildlife-friendly garden: their late blooms attract pollinators, making them perfect for a 'set it and forget it' approach.

'Many sedum varieties provide critical late-season nectar for pollinators,' Rachel explains. 'They enhance visual appeal in the fall while remaining low-maintenance. Their diverse forms and textures unify planting designs beautifully.'

Explore More Sedum Options

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Rock N Grow® Back in Black Sedum

This striking variety features dark purple foliage and bright red flowers, perfect for adding flair to your landscape. It thrives in US Hardiness Zones 3-9.

Cheerful hues