Yellow-flowering Stonecrops

Yellow-flowered Sedum are mostly small, carpet-forming perennials, suited to sunny rock gardens and walls. Their star-shaped flowers appear from February until the end of summer, depending on the species. Undemanding, these stonecrops grow in a shallow layer of soil and tolerate drought. Well-drained soil is essential, especially in regions with wet winters.

Sedum acre 'Yellow Queen' forms an evergreen yellow-green carpet, covered with bright yellow flowers in June and July. In Sedum reflexum 'Angelina', summer flowering accompanies chartreuse foliage that turns orangey bronze in cold weather. Sedum kamtschaticum 'Variegatum' is recognisable by its green leaves edged with cream and its golden yellow flowers. More tender, Sedum palmeri flowers from the end of winter; growing it in the open ground is restricted to relatively mild climates.

In a dry rock garden, these stonecrops can grow alongside the rosettes of houseleeks or the brightly coloured flowers of hardy Delosperma, which also need plenty of sun and careful drainage. Our guide "Gardening in dry or free-draining soil: all our advice" will help you get to grips with these difficult sites and choose suitable plants.