Sedum ‘Matrona’ is a captivating plant that effortlessly attracts bees and butterflies during late summer while offering stunning foliage throughout the season. Its distinctive smoky blue-green leaves, adorned with deep purple overlays and stems, create an eye-catching display. As summer progresses, broad clusters of cream buds burst open to reveal rusty pink flowers. This versatile plant delights with its easy cultivation and charming soft pink flowers that gracefully transition to deep pink hues over time. The transformation continues as the green leaves gradually shift to a rich red, captivating attention.
Flourishing with blooms from August through October, Sedum ‘Matrona’ stands at a height of 60cm with a spread of 45cm. Its low-maintenance nature makes it an indispensable addition to any garden.
To enhance the captivating beauty of Sedum ‘Matrona,’ strategic companions are essential. A play of contrasts in both leaf structure and color can be achieved by surrounding the sedum with lighter, airy plants such as Calamintha nepeta. This allows the sedum’s ornamental effect to shine brilliantly. Moreover, pairing sedum with delicate grasses like Briza media and Stipa tenuissima adds a touch of grace and light to the composition.
Capitalizing on color contrasts, consider the advantageous combination of Sedum ‘Matrona’ and Sesleria autumnalis. The rich hues of Origanum vulgare ‘Aureum‘ alongside the sedum create an enticing visual display. Lavender pairs harmoniously with sedum, while the striking contrast between Festuca glauca and sedum adds a dynamic element to the landscape.
For the best growth of Sedum ‘Matrona,’ you can utilize the effective ‘Chelsea Chop’ technique. This method gets its name from the popular flower show held at the end of May, making it easy to remember when to apply it. By the end of May, just as spring transitions to summer, it’s time to get hands-on in the garden. The process involves pruning your herbaceous perennials by about a third to half of their height. This simple action has remarkable results – it encourages the sedum to develop compact, bushy growth, which is ideal for maintaining its overall shape and preventing it from becoming overly elongated or top-heavy.
It’s worth noting that this technique might slightly delay the flowering process and result in slightly smaller inflorescences. However, the payoff is well worth it. By employing the ‘Chelsea Chop,’ you ensure that your Sedum ‘Matrona’ grows into a beautifully structured, flowering bush.
If you’re eager to explore more plant combinations and gain valuable insights on creating your own flower bed with Sedum ‘Matrona,’ be sure to check out my ‘Perennial Combinations workbook.’ Inside, I’ll share my top 12 easy-to-grow plants for full sun, carefully selected to attract various pollinators, with a special focus on those beloved by butterflies.
Download and print your copy of this workbook.
Or grab a paperback copy at Amazon.
Leave a Reply