Sedum SunSparkler Firecracker - Stonecrop

Sedum 'Firecracker' is a compact succulent with delicate round leaves that start off green and later turn purple. Its pink flowering in late summer is appreciated by pollinators. It forms a dense cushion that is equally suitable for rock gardens and container cultivation, and prefers dry to moist, well-drained soil in full sun.

'Firecracker' belongs to the SunSparkler hybrid series, which are recent American innovations with amazing foliage. Sedums, or stonecrops, belong to the Crassulaceae family, which includes many drought-tolerant succulent species. They offer numerous allies for the garden, with diverse shapes and colours. This variety stands out with its round and flattened foliage, which starts off green and then gradually darkens, becoming dark red and purple. A green shadow remains at the base of older leaves. The contrast with the dark red is highly decorative. Between August and October, 'Firecracker' produces short stems of pink flowers, adding a lovely touch to the whole. The blooms are popular with pollinators. The overall appearance is a compact, dense, round cushion, about 20cm (8in) tall and 30cm (12in) in diameter. The clump does not hollow out, unlike other varieties.

Place Sedum 'Firecracker' in full sun or very light shade (otherwise its stems will droop), in any well-drained, rocky soil that is not too acidic, where it will make a good ground cover. It is also very easy to grow in pots, taking care not to overwater and selecting a substrate that does not retain too much moisture. In late autumn, the stems and leaves completely disappear, and you can cut off the dry parts when spring arrives.

In a rock garden or dry border, you can plant it with Sedum sexangulare as ground cover, for a refreshing contrast with its tender green and yellow flowers. It also makes a good companion for other rock garden plants such as Alyssum montanum 'Berggold', Teucrium cossonii, savory, the grass Stipa tenuifolia, and perennial flax.