Product Description
Sedum 'After Dark' PPAF (25) Bare Root Plants
Common Name: Stonecrop
'After Dark' is a compact dark-leaved sedum. Deep purple foliage is near-black, with the summer sun bringing out the darkest color. In fall clusters of black buds will open to garnet red flowers. Dark red seedheads remain for attractive fall and winter interest.
Tall, upright sedums form substantial clumps of foliage which can be substituted for shrubs in the landscape. Their stout, sturdy stems support the massive flower heads which develop in summer and burst into bloom in fall. If left standing, they provide winter interest and food for birds.
Sedum is one of the most popular perennials grown in American gardens because it is very easy to grow and hardy in most areas of the country. Because of its thick, succulent leaves which can store water, sedum is drought tolerant. It should be sited in average to poor soil that is well-drained. Plants grown in rich soil tend to be lanky and open. Most varieties should be grown in full sun to light shade. The lower growing types, however, will survive in partial shade.
Pinching the taller varieties back by half in early summer will help prevent them from splitting. This plant is not usually bothered by pests or diseases. The seed heads of the taller varieties provide excellent winter interest and food for birds. Remove them in spring when the new growth begins to show.
Height: 18.0-20.0 Inches
Spread: 24.0-28.0 Inches
Hardiness Zones: 3,4,5,6,7,8,9
Flower Color: Red shades
Foliage Color: Near-black shades
Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun)
Low to Average Water Needs
Poor to Average Soil Quality
Bloomtime: Late Summer - Early Fall
Attracts Butterflies
Bee Friendly
Rabbit Resistant
Seasonal Interest: Dried Seed Heads, Fall Color
Growth Rate: Medium
Border Plant, Container, Cut Flower, Cut Foliage, Dried Flower, Drought Tolerant, Easy To Grow, Attractive Foliage,
Mass Planting, Salt Tolerant
Sedum 'After Dark' is a captivating stonecrop that brings a touch of mystery and drama to the garden with its deep, dark foliage and vibrant flowers. Here is a breakdown of what makes it special:
What Makes Sedum 'After Dark' Special
- Near-Black Foliage: Its most striking feature is the deep purple foliage that appears almost black in full sun. This rich, dark color adds depth and contrast to the garden, especially when planted among plants with lighter-colored foliage or flowers.
- Garnet-Red Flowers: In fall, clusters of black buds open to reveal vibrant garnet-red flowers, creating a beautiful contrast with the dark foliage. The flower color intensifies in full sun.
- Compact Habit: Compared to some other upright sedums, 'After Dark' has a more compact habit, making it suitable for smaller gardens or the front of borders.
- Pollinator-Friendly: The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, providing a valuable late-season food source.
- Low Maintenance: Sedums are known for their drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor soils, making 'After Dark' a low-maintenance choice for busy gardeners.
Description and Details
- Common Name: After Dark Stonecrop
- Botanical Name: Sedum 'After Dark'
- Mature Size: 18-20 inches tall, 24-28 inches wide
- Foliage: Deep purple, almost black, succulent leaves
- Flowers: Garnet-red, blooming in fall
- Growth Habit: Upright, mounding
- Hardiness Zones: 3-9
- Light: Full sun (at least 6 hours per day)
- Soil: Well-drained, adaptable to various soil types, including poor soils
- Water: Drought-tolerant once established
Landscaping Design Tips
- Front of the Border: Its compact size makes it suitable for the front of borders, where its dark foliage and vibrant flowers can be easily admired.
- Mass Plantings: Plant it in groups or masses for a more dramatic effect.
- Rock Gardens: It is a natural fit for rock gardens, where its drought tolerance and interesting foliage can shine.
- Containers: It can also be grown in containers, adding a touch of color and texture to patios and balconies.
- Companion Plants: Consider pairing them with other perennials that enjoy similar growing conditions and offer contrasting colors and textures, such as:
- Ornamental grasses
- Coneflowers (Echinacea)
- Black-Eyed Susans (Rudbeckia)
- Russian Sage (Perovskia)
Planting and Care
- Planting:
- Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil.
- Plant in spring or fall.
- Space plants according to their mature size (about 24 inches apart).
- Water thoroughly after planting.
- Care:
- Water regularly until established, then only during prolonged dry spells.
- Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
- No fertilization is needed, as this can cause the plant to become leggy.
- Leave the seed heads standing for winter interest and as a food source for birds.
- Cut back stems in early spring before new growth begins.
Additional Notes
- 'After Dark' is a great choice for gardeners looking for a low-maintenance, deer-resistant perennial that adds a touch of drama to the garden.
- The dark foliage provides interest throughout the growing season, even when the plant is not in bloom.
- It is a good choice for late-season color, as it blooms when many other perennials are starting to fade.
Other Details
The most important part of the plant is its root system. Healthy roots are the foundation of a healthy, vibrant plant. The type of plug container used is based on the specific needs of the plants. Perennials offered as bare root traditionally perform better when planted as bare root.Planted in a specialized mix, potted plants have well established root systems. Top growth stage will vary depending on the current life cycle and time of year when shipped. In Winter and early Spring dormant plants may be shipped. Dormant plants may be planted right away, even before the last frost date.
Most bare root varieties are field grown for at least one season, though Hemerocallis and Hosta are grown for two seasons. The bulk of the soil is removed during the harvesting process and the tops of most varieties are trimmed back to the crown. They are graded, packed in shredded aspen or sphagnum moss and stored in freezers until ready to be shipped.
See our Container Sizes and Bare Root Perennials pages for more information.
Plant information and care is provided in the Overview section, Plant Genus Page and general information is provided in the Planting Care & Guides. Additional questions can be asked on each Plant page.
Plant Spacing: Using the maximum mature spread or width of a plant to guide spacing, ensures space to grow to full size. To fill an area sooner, plant them closer together. Just remember, future thinning or transplanting may be needed.
Water: Keep a close eye on newly planted perennials, especially throughout the first growing year. Most early plant loss is due to too much or too little water!
