Plant of the Month August 2024
GENERAL INFORMATION: I fell in love when I saw this outstanding sedum with eye-catching foliage. It was 2019 Plant of the Year at Chelsea Flower Show. Sun, well-drained soil, low moisture, ground cover or specimen plant, attracting pollinators. What else can you ask for?
Scientific name: Sedum takesimense ‘Atlantis' ('Nonsitnal' PP27454)
Common Name: Takeshima Stonecrop.
Range: Native to coastal Korea, growing among rocks by the sea.
Life Cycle: Clumping, succulent perennial, dying down in winter. New growth pink flushed.
Sedum takesimense ‘Atlantis' in February with new growth and old stems.
Height: to 15 cm high, 30 cm wide.
Leaves: Variegated, smooth fleshy dark green leaves with wide, creamy yellow serrated margins, to 4 cm long and 1.5 cm wide. Pink flushed in cold.
Sedum takesimense ‘Atlantis' - leaves.
Bloom Time: July to early fall in Toronto.
Sedum takesimense ‘Atlantis' - young plant.
Flower Colour & Size: Clusters of small, 1 cm across, yellow star-like flowers with 5 petals, 10 stamens with dark anthers and 5 large central carpels.
Sedum takesimense ‘Atlantis' - flowers.
CULTIVATION:
Plant: In rock garden, on banks or in planters. Remove any all-yellow and old stems.
Sedum takesimense ‘Atlantis' - with yellow leaves.
Light: Sun - at least 6 hours for best colour contrast. Light shade if hot.
Soil: Poor to average soils, very well drained. Some humus.
Water: Minimum water. Hates excess moisture.
USDA Hardiness: Zones 4-9.
Companion planting: Other rock garden plants.
Propagation: Stem cuttings or division.
Pollinators: Bees, butterflies, hummingbirds.
Pests & Diseases: Possibly aphids.
References:
https://www.waltersgardens.com/variety.php?ID=SEDAT
Text and images supplied by Anna Leggatt (Toronto Master Gardener)