Sedum 'Matrona'

MATRONA SEDUM
syn. Hylotelephium, Sedum 'Herbstfreude'
Family: Crassulaceae
Pronounced: SAY-dum

 

Quick Jumps

Growing Guide
Rainy Side Notes

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GROWING GUIDE

Origin:
Garden.
Plant Group:
Perennials.
Hardiness:
Sunset zones: 1-24.
USDA zones: 3-9.
Mature size:
Height 24 inches (60 cm).
Width: 12-24 inches (30-60 cm).
Flowering period:
August to September.
Flowering attributes:
Large corymbs of pink flowers.
Leaf attributes:
Succulent, gray-green leaves with rosy edges on dark burgundy stems.
Growth habit:
Clump-forming.
Light:
Full sun.
Soil:
Light, well-drained soil.
Feeding:
S. 'Matrona' is not a heavy feeder, but I give it a nitrogen boost in spring and side dress with compost or manure.
Propagation Methods:
Stem cuttings.
Divisions.
Pruning Methods:
None needed. However, if you leave the plant intact over winter, prune out dead stems in early spring.

 

Rainy Side Notes

This sedum appeared in Germany in Ewald Hugin's garden. It is a cross between Sedum 'Atropurpureum' x S. 'Autumn Joy'. The word matrone in German means a lady of well rounded form. What a perfect name for this robust succulent, named Perennial of the Year 2000 by Plant Publicity Holland in Europe.

S. 'Matrona' dies back down to the ground every year. In the spring, you will notice what looks like little cabbages around the base of the plant, as the rosettes get ready to spring into growth. The flowers open a light green, coloring to a rosy pink and by fall turning bronze-red. Leave the flowers intact through winter to add winter interest. This cultivar is a good forage plant for bees and butterflies.

Debbie Teashon
Photographed in author's garden.

More Sedums.

A Pacific Northwest Plant of the Week (2012)