Product Description
Sedum 'Back in Black' PP33632 CPBRAF (25) Bare Root Plants
ROCK 'N GROW® Collection
Common Name: Autumn Stonecrop
New to the ROCK 'N GROW® collection comes an upright Sedum with near black leaves. Enjoy the dark leaf foliage throughout the summer, and when late summer rolls around, flowers with deep garnet red centers and cream petals will appear. Great for adding a dark color to the middle of the border!
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.
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.
National Garden Bureau Green Thumb Award - Perennial -- 2021
Height: 20.0-24.0 Inches
Spread: 26.0-30.0 Inches
Hardiness Zones: 3,4,5,6,7,8,9
Flower Color: Red shades
Foliage Color: Near-black shades
Full Sun
Low to Average Water Needs
Poor to Average Soil Quality
Bloomtime: Early Fall
Attracts Butterflies
Bee Friendly
Rabbit Resistant
Seasonal Interest: Dried Seed Heads
Fall Color
Growth Rate: Medium
Border Plant, Cut Flower, Cut Foliage, Dried Flower, Drought Tolerant, Easy To Grow, Mass Planting, Salt Tolerant
Sedum 'Back in Black' is a remarkably low-maintenance succulent, celebrated for its striking near-black foliage and captivating flowers. This hardy perennial is an excellent choice for both novice and seasoned gardeners, thanks to its resilience and adaptability. Whether you are looking to add a touch of drama to your garden borders, create a stunning container display, or attract pollinators to your yard, Sedum 'Back in Black' is a versatile and rewarding plant to cultivate. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the characteristics, care requirements, propagation methods, and unique benefits of this exceptional succulent.
Characteristics Sedum 'Back in Black' truly lives up to its name, boasting some of the darkest foliage among Sedum varieties. Its leaves emerge with a rich burgundy hue in spring, gradually deepening to an almost black color with intriguing dark gray variegation and hints of coppery-bronze as the season progresses. This captivating foliage provides a dramatic backdrop for the plant's late summer blooms. Clusters of tiny, star-shaped, creamy white flowers with cherry red eyes and deep garnet red centers emerge from distinctive crimson flower buds, creating a stunning contrast against the inky leaves. These flowers bloom from late summer to early fall (August/September). Adding to the visual appeal, the stems are a deep purple, enhancing the overall interest of the plant.
Sedum 'Back in Black' typically reaches a height of 20-24 inches with a spread of 26-30 inches, forming substantial clumps that can even be used as a substitute for shrubs in the landscape. It is worth noting that this plant is an interspecific hybrid , a result of crossing different Sedum species to achieve its unique characteristics.
This remarkable sedum is part of the ROCK 'N GROW® collection , a series of sedums known for their hardiness and outstanding performance in a variety of garden settings. It is also a Proven Winner plant , a testament to its reliability and exceptional garden performance. Developed in Europe by Hans Hansen from Walters Gardens , Sedum 'Back in Black' is patented under PP33632 CPBRAF.
Beyond its ornamental value, Sedum 'Back in Black' offers practical benefits as well. It can be used as a cut flower, adding a unique touch to floral arrangements. Its spreading habit also makes it suitable for erosion control and ground cover , helping to stabilize soil and prevent weed growth. While many sedums die back completely in winter, 'Back in Black' often retains its foliage, which may even take on a reddish hue, providing continued visual interest throughout the colder months. After the flowers fade, they transform into textured seed heads that persist into winter, adding further dimension to the garden.
Care Requirements One of the most appealing aspects of Sedum 'Back in Black' is its low-maintenance nature. This tough and resilient plant thrives in conditions that many other plants would find challenging.
- Light Sedum 'Back in Black' thrives in full sun, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and to develop its characteristic dark foliage. While it prefers full sun, it can tolerate some light shade, especially in regions with harsh afternoon sun. However, prolonged shade can lead to less intense foliage color and a leggier growth habit.
- Soil Well-drained soil is crucial for the health of Sedum 'Back in Black'. It thrives in average, well-drained soils and performs well in sandy or gravelly soils with moderate to low fertility. While it can tolerate heavier clay soils, good drainage is essential to prevent root rot. For optimal growth, a soil mix of John Innes No. 2 and perlite is recommended. This provides the necessary nutrients while ensuring excellent drainage.
- Water As a succulent, Sedum 'Back in Black' is naturally drought-tolerant, storing water in its fleshy leaves. Once established, it requires minimal watering and can withstand extended dry spells. Overwatering is detrimental and can lead to root rot, so it is essential to allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Water the plant deeply during prolonged dry periods but avoid frequent shallow watering. If the leaves become mushy or start to drop off, it is a sign of overwatering.
- Fertilizer Sedum 'Back in Black' generally does not require fertilizer. In fact, excessive fertilization can lead to weak, leggy growth and reduce the intensity of the foliage color.
- Pruning Pruning is minimal for Sedum 'Back in Black'. To encourage bushier growth, pinch back new growth in spring. In early spring, clear away any old foliage from the previous season to make way for new growth. Deadheading spent flowers in late summer or early fall can help maintain a tidy appearance and prevent self-seeding.
Other Care Considerations
- Salt Tolerance: Sedum 'Back in Black' exhibits good salt tolerance, making it a suitable choice for coastal gardens or areas with salty soil conditions.
- Urban Pollution Tolerance: This resilient plant is highly tolerant of urban pollution and can even thrive in inner-city environments.
- Sunburn and Shock: While Sedum 'Back in Black' loves the sun, it is important to acclimate it gradually to intense sunlight, especially if it has been grown in shadier conditions. Sudden exposure to strong sun can cause sunburn or shock, leading to leaf damage. A reddish tinge on the leaves can also be a sign of excessive sun exposure.
- Container Gardening: When growing Sedum 'Back in Black' in containers, remember that it may require more frequent watering than when planted in the ground. Terracotta pots are particularly well-suited for sedums as they provide good aeration and help prevent overwatering.
- Winter Care: In colder regions, the top growth of Sedum 'Back in Black' may die back in winter, but the foliage often persists and provides winter interest. You can leave the seed heads on the plant for added visual appeal and as a food source for birds. If desired, you can cut back the stems to the ground after the first hard frost or in early spring before new growth emerges.
Wildlife Benefits Sedum 'Back in Black' is not only a beautiful addition to the garden, but it also provides valuable benefits to wildlife. Its nectar-rich flowers attract a variety of pollinators, including butterflies (especially Monarchs), honey bees, and native bees. It can also occasionally attract hummingbirds. Leaving the seed heads on the plant over winter provides a food source for birds and adds visual interest to the winter garden.
Plant Combinations Sedum 'Back in Black' is a versatile plant that combines well with a wide range of other garden favorites. Its dark foliage provides a striking contrast to plants with lighter-colored foliage or flowers. Some excellent companion plants include:
- Achillea millefolium (yarrow cultivars)
- Asclepias tuberosa (butterfly weed)
- Dalea (prairie clover)
- Echinacea purpurea (coneflower cultivars)
- Bearded Iris
- Lavandula (lavender)
- Nepeta x faassenii (catmint cultivars)
- Origanum vulgare (oregano and cultivars)
- Paeonia (peonies)
- Penstemon (beardtongue)
- Rudbeckia (black-eyed Susan)
- Salvia (sage)
- Salvia nemorosa (wood sage)
- Stachys ('Humello', 'Summer Romance', 'Pink Cotton Candy')
In container plantings, Sedum 'Back in Black' works well as a 'thriller' in the 'spiller-thriller-filler' combination, providing height and visual interest in the center of the pot. Surround it with smaller plants that spill over the edges for a dynamic and eye-catching display.
Pests and Diseases While generally pest and disease resistant, Sedum 'Back in Black' can occasionally be affected by certain issues.
Pests
- Mealybugs and Aphids: These pests can be a problem, especially when the plant is grown indoors. Regularly check your plants for signs of infestation and treat promptly if necessary. Mealybugs, in particular, are often associated with poor airflow, so ensure adequate ventilation around your plants.
- Slugs: Slugs can also be pests, especially in damp weather. They can be controlled by handpicking or using beer traps. To create a beer trap, bury a container with steep sides in the ground and fill it with beer. Slugs are attracted to the beer and fall into the trap, unable to climb back out.
- Thrips: Thrips can cause stippling and discoloration on the leaves. They can be deterred by placing sheets of aluminum foil between rows of plants.
Diseases
- Fungal Diseases: Sedum 'Back in Black' can be susceptible to various fungal diseases, including basal or root rot, gray mold, leaf spots, powdery mildew, and rust. Mildew, in particular, can be problematic and often appears as scabbing on the leaves. Preventative fungicide applications may be necessary in humid conditions or if mildew has been a problem in the past.
- Crown and Stem Rots: Sedum 'Back in Black' can also succumb to crown rots caused by Fusarium and Rhizoctonia, and to stem rot (Colletotrichum). These diseases are often associated with overwatering or poorly drained soil.
Propagation Sedum 'Back in Black' is incredibly easy to propagate, allowing you to expand your plant collection or share this beautiful succulent with friends and family. It can be propagated through division, stem cuttings, or leaf cuttings.
Division Division is best done in early spring. Simply dig up the plant and carefully divide the root ball into smaller sections, ensuring each section has roots and shoots. Replant the divisions in well-draining soil, water them well, and they will quickly establish themselves.
Stem Cuttings Stem cuttings can be taken at any time during the growing season. Select a healthy stem that is at least 6 inches long. Remove the bottom leaves and allow the cutting to form a callous before planting it in a sandy soil mix. You can also skip the callousing step and plant the cutting directly into the soil. Another option is to place the stem cutting in a glass of water and allow it to root before planting it in soil.
Leaf Cuttings Leaf cuttings are a simple and effective way to propagate Sedum 'Back in Black'. Simply pluck a healthy leaf from the plant and place it in moist potting mix. Roots should begin to form in 3 to 4 weeks, and eventually, you will notice small sedum offshoots emerging from the base of the leaf.
General Propagation Tips
- Rooting Hormone: While not essential, using rooting hormone can help speed up the rooting process for both stem and leaf cuttings.
- Drainage: Good drainage is crucial for successful propagation. Use a well-draining potting mix and avoid overwatering.
- Humidity Dome: Using a humidity dome can help create a more humid environment for cuttings, which can aid in rooting.
- Overwintering: If you propagate Sedum 'Back in Black' later in the season, it is a good idea to overwinter the newly propagated plants indoors to protect them from frost.
- Seed Propagation: While less common, Sedum 'Back in Black' can also be propagated from seed. However, this method takes longer and may not produce plants that are identical to the parent plant.
Hardiness Zones and Ideal Growing Conditions Sedum 'Back in Black' is a hardy plant that can be grown in a wide range of climates. It is hardy in USDA zones 3 to 9 , meaning it can tolerate winter temperatures as low as -40°F (-40°C). It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil and is tolerant of summer droughts, heat, and humidity.
Sedum 'Back in Black' is a truly exceptional succulent that deserves a place in every garden. Its near-black foliage, attractive flowers, and low-maintenance nature make it a versatile and rewarding plant to grow. It is a perfect choice for beginner gardeners due to its ease of care and hardiness, while experienced gardeners will appreciate its unique beauty and versatility in the landscape. Whether you are looking to add a touch of drama to your borders, create a stunning container display, or attract pollinators to your yard, Sedum 'Back in Black' is sure to impress. With its ability to thrive in a variety of conditions and its ease of propagation, this remarkable succulent will provide years of enjoyment with minimal effort. Consider adding Sedum 'Back in Black' to your garden and experience the beauty and resilience of this remarkable plant.
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!
