Product Description
Sedum 'Bright Idea' PP34396 CPBRAF (25) Bare Root Plants
ROCK 'N ROUND® Collection
Common Name: Stonecrop
This hybrid Stonecrop has a similar appearance and blooms in early summer like S. kamtschaticum. However, the habit is much more polished with a rounded, mounding habit similar to fellow Proven Winners Sedum, 'Pure Joy'. Red stems hold deep green, serrated leaves and clusters of bright yellow, star-shaped flowers. This tough perennial is perfect for hot, dry areas in the garden or as a filler in mixed containers.
This plant falls into a category of hardy, dome shaped Sedum hybrids. These plants typically bloom in early fall on round mushroom cap-type habits. Especially vivid when planted en masse. Through the year they showcase succulent foliage and are well adapted to low water and rock gardens. 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.
Height: 10.0-12.0 Inches
Spread: 16.0-20.0 Inches
Hardiness Zones: 3,4,5,6,7,8,9
Flower Color: Yellow Shades
Foliage Color: Green shades
Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun)
Low to Average Water Needs
Poor to Average Soil Quality
Bloomtime: Early Summer - Midsummer
Attracts Butterflies
Bee Friendly
Rabbit Resistant
Growth Rate: Medium
Border Plant, Container, Cut Flower, Cut Foliage, Dried Flower, Drought Tolerant, Easy To Grow, Edging, Attractive Foliage, Mass Planting, Salt Tolerant, Small
Sedum 'Bright Idea' is a popular, low-maintenance perennial that brings vibrant color to gardens and landscapes.
Sedum 'Bright Idea' is a hybrid stonecrop with a polished, rounded, mounding habit, similar in appearance to S. kamtschaticum. It typically reaches a height of 10-12 inches and spreads to about 16-20 inches wide. This fall-blooming perennial boasts vibrant clusters of bright yellow, star-shaped flowers that emerge in early to mid-summer. These flowers grow on red stems that provide a beautiful contrast to the deep green, serrated foliage. The foliage adds further visual interest with its notched edges. Sedum 'Bright Idea' is hardy in USDA zones 3-9.
This sedum is a good cut flower and can be dried for use in arrangements. It has many desirable attributes, including being drought tolerant, heat tolerant, and salt tolerant, making it a versatile choice for various garden settings. It is also a great ground cover option. This plant falls into a category of hardy, dome-shaped Sedum hybrids. These plants typically bloom in early fall on round, "mushroom cap-type" habits. They are especially vivid when planted en masse.
Care Requirements Sedum 'Bright Idea' is a hardy and adaptable plant that thrives in a variety of conditions. It offers year-round interest with its succulent foliage and attractive seed heads.
- Watering Once established, Sedum 'Bright Idea' is quite drought tolerant and does not require frequent watering. Overwatering should be avoided, as it can lead to root rot.
- Light Sedum 'Bright Idea' prefers full sun, meaning at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. In harsh summer conditions, it appreciates some afternoon shade.
- Soil While it can tolerate average soil, Sedum 'Bright Idea' performs best in poor to average, well-drained soil. It tolerates clay soil and does well in sandy or gravelly soils.
- Fertilizing and Mulching Sedum 'Bright Idea' generally does not need fertilizer. In fact, over-fertilizing can cause weak, leggy growth. It also does not need mulch in the winter.
- Pruning To maintain the plant's shape and encourage new growth, prune it back in early spring. You can cut the stems back to the ground after the first hard frost or leave them for winter interest. If you choose to leave the stems, cut them back in early spring before new growth emerges. Deadheading the spent flowers is not necessary, but you can do so in late summer or early fall if desired.
- Overwintering Sedum 'Bright Idea' is a hardy plant that can tolerate cold temperatures. To help it overwinter, you can leave the foliage and seed heads on the plant. This will provide some winter interest and food for birds. In spring, cut back the stems to soil level to make way for new growth.
- Propagation Sedum 'Bright Idea' can be easily propagated through division in the spring.
Companion Plants Sedum 'Bright Idea' pairs well with a variety of other plants that have similar growing requirements. Some good companion plants include:
- Other Sedums: Consider combining 'Bright Idea' with other sedums in the Rock 'N Round™ series, such as 'Pure Joy', 'Pride and Joy', 'Popstar', 'Superstar', and 'Bundle of Joy'.
- Drought-Tolerant Perennials: Plants like yarrow, dianthus, and lavender are good choices for a low-maintenance garden.
- Ornamental Grasses: Fountain grass and blue fescue provide contrasting textures and movement.
Uses in the Garden Sedum 'Bright Idea' is a versatile plant that can be used in various ways in the garden:
- Borders: Its compact size makes it ideal for edging pathways or adding color to the front of borders.
- Rock Gardens: Its drought tolerance and attractive foliage make it a perfect addition to rock gardens.
- Containers: It can be grown in containers to add interest to patios and decks.
- Mass Plantings: Planting 'Bright Idea' in masses creates a stunning display of color.
- Small Spaces: This sedum is well-suited for smaller gardens or areas with limited space.
- Specimen Plant: Its unique characteristics make it an excellent choice for a stand-alone specimen plant.
Sedum 'Bright Idea' is an excellent choice for gardeners of all levels, especially those looking for low-maintenance plants that thrive in hot, dry conditions. This hardy perennial offers year-round interest with its vibrant yellow flowers, attractive foliage, and unique "mushroom cap" growth habit. It is drought-tolerant, making it a water-wise choice for gardens.
To ensure your Sedum 'Bright Idea' thrives, plant it in a sunny location with well-drained soil and avoid overwatering. It requires minimal pruning and can be easily propagated through division. Consider pairing it with other drought-tolerant perennials, ornamental grasses, or other sedum varieties for a dynamic and colorful garden display.
With its versatility and ease of care, Sedum 'Bright Idea' is a fantastic addition to any garden. Add this vibrant and resilient plant to your landscape and enjoy its beauty for years to come!
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!
