Product Description
Sedum 'Frosted Fire' (25) Bare Root Plants
Common Name: Autumn Stonecrop
Similar to AUTUMN CHARM™, ‘Frosted Fire’ is a variegated sport of ‘Autumn Fire’ rather than ‘Autumn Joy’. This plant shares the same brightly colored rosy flower heads, tighter growth habit, and thicker foliage as ‘Autumn Fire’. Light green leaves with creamy yellow, serrated margins form a dense, upright mound. Limited supply.
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.
Height: 12-15 Inches, Spread: 18 Inches
Flower Color: Pink shades, Foliage Color: Green shades
Hardiness Zone: 3 - 9
Full sun
Blooms Late summer - Mid-fall, Fall seasonal interest
Sedum 'Frosted Fire' is a beloved succulent, prized for its striking variegated foliage and showy rosy pink flowers. This hardy and adaptable plant is a wonderful addition to any garden, offering both visual interest and low-maintenance care. Whether you are a seasoned gardener or just starting out, Sedum 'Frosted Fire' is sure to delight with its beauty and resilience.
Appearance and Characteristics
- Foliage Sedum 'Frosted Fire' is a unique variety that originated as a sport of 'Autumn Fire'. Unlike its parent plant, 'Frosted Fire' boasts stunning variegated foliage. The leaves are a vibrant light green with creamy yellow, serrated margins, creating a beautiful contrast that adds depth and texture to the garden. These thick, succulent leaves not only contribute to the plant's visual appeal but also serve an important function: they store water, enabling the plant to thrive in dry conditions.
- Flowers In late summer, Sedum 'Frosted Fire' begins to produce creamy white buds that open into masses of bright rosy pink flowers. These dense flower heads, held aloft on strong, sturdy stems, create a spectacular display that continues through autumn. As the season progresses, the blooms mature to a deeper reddish-pink hue and eventually dry on the plant, providing winter interest and a source of food for birds.
- Growth Habit This sedum is a clump-forming perennial with an upright spreading habit. It typically grows to be about 12 to 15 inches tall with a spread of 18 inches. It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 15 years. The relatively coarse texture of the foliage can be used to stand it apart from other garden plants with finer foliage. This adaptable, hardy perennial blooms from late summer through autumn.
Similar sedums include 'Autumn Fire' and 'Autumn Joy'. While 'Autumn Joy' is perhaps the most well-known variety, 'Frosted Fire' and its parent, 'Autumn Fire', offer a more compact growth habit and thicker foliage. The variegated foliage of 'Frosted Fire' sets it apart, adding an extra dimension of visual interest.
Care and Maintenance One of the reasons Sedum 'Frosted Fire' is so popular is its incredibly easy care. This resilient plant thrives on neglect, making it a perfect choice for busy gardeners or those new to gardening. However, understanding its basic needs will help ensure it thrives and provides years of beauty in your garden.
- Light: As a full-sun loving plant, Sedum 'Frosted Fire' needs at least six hours of direct sunlight per day to flourish. While it can tolerate some light shade, it will produce more flowers and exhibit more vibrant foliage color in full sun.
- Soil: Well-drained soil is crucial for Sedum 'Frosted Fire'. It prefers average to dry soil and is not particular as to soil pH. In fact, it actually performs best in poor soils, as rich soil can lead to lanky and weak growth. Sandy or gravelly soils are ideal, mimicking its natural habitat.
- Water: Once established, Sedum 'Frosted Fire' is remarkably drought-tolerant. Its succulent leaves store water, allowing it to withstand periods of dryness. However, regular watering during its first year will help it establish a strong root system.
- Fertilizer: While not a heavy feeder, Sedum 'Frosted Fire' benefits from a monthly application of a balanced fertilizer during the growing season. This will help support healthy growth and abundant blooms.
- Maintenance: To keep your Sedum 'Frosted Fire' looking its best, remove any old growth in spring before new growth emerges. Dividing the plant every 3-4 years will help maintain its compact growth habit and prevent it from splitting in the center. Pinching back the stems by half in early summer can also encourage bushier growth and prevent flopping.
Hardiness and Growing Conditions Sedum 'Frosted Fire' is a hardy plant that can thrive in a wide range of climates. It is hardy in USDA zones 3-9, tolerating both cold winters and hot summers. It is extremely cold-hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. It is also salt-tolerant, making it a good choice for coastal gardens or areas with salty soil. Information about Sunset Climate Zones and the American Horticultural Society (AHS) Heat Zones was not available in the research.
Pests and Diseases Sedum 'Frosted Fire' is generally a trouble-free plant, rarely bothered by pests or diseases. However, it is always a good idea to be aware of potential problems so you can address them promptly if they arise.
- Pests: While generally pest-resistant, Sedum 'Frosted Fire' can occasionally be affected by aphids, slugs, snails, and vine weevils. Aphids are small, sap-sucking insects that can cause distorted growth. Slugs and snails can chew holes in the leaves, while vine weevils can damage the roots.
- Diseases: Potential diseases include powdery mildew, root and crown rots, leaf spots, and stem rot. Powdery mildew appears as a white powdery coating on the leaves. Root and crown rots can cause the plant to wilt and die. Leaf spots are usually caused by fungal infections and appear as brown or black spots on the leaves. Stem rot can cause the stems to blacken and rot.
Propagation Sedum 'Frosted Fire' can be easily propagated, allowing you to increase your plant collection or share this lovely succulent with friends. It can be propagated by division in spring or by softwood cuttings of non-flowering shoots in early summer.
To propagate from stem cuttings:
- With clean, sharp pruners or a knife, cut a 4- to 6-inch piece from a healthy stem. Remove the bottom leaves.
- Insert the cutting in a 4-inch pot filled with soilless potting mix. Water it well and keep it evenly moist.
- After a few weeks, you should see new growth, which indicates that the plant is rooting. Gently tug on the plant. If you feel resistance, it tells you that roots have formed.
Alternatively, you can divide established plants to create new ones. This is best done in the spring when new growth starts. Carefully dig up the plant and separate it into sections, ensuring each section has roots attached. Replant the sections at the same depth as the original plant and water well.
Uses in the Landscape Sedum 'Frosted Fire' is a versatile plant that can be used in a variety of ways in the garden. Its attractive foliage, showy flowers, and adaptability make it a valuable addition to any landscape.
| Use | Description | Light | Soil | Water |
| Mass Planting | Plant in groups to create a bold statement and groundcover. | Full sun | Well-drained | Low |
| Rock/Alpine Gardens | Thrives in dry conditions and poor soil. | Full sun | Well-drained, rocky | Low |
| Border Edging | Provides a neat and tidy edge along walkways or flower beds. | Full sun | Well-drained | Low |
| Groundcover | Spreads to form a dense mat, suppressing weeds. | Full sun | Well-drained | Low |
| Container Planting | Adds height and texture to container arrangements. | Full sun | Well-drained potting mix | Moderate |
Sedum 'Frosted Fire' is also a good choice for attracting butterflies and other pollinators to the garden. Its nectar-rich flowers provide a valuable food source for these beneficial insects. It is also deer-resistant and not particularly attractive to deer, making it a good choice for gardens where deer pressure is a concern. The flowers are excellent for cutting and for drying, adding a touch of nature to indoor arrangements.
Here are some specific examples of how to use Sedum 'Frosted Fire' in the landscape:
- Rock Garden: Combine it with other drought-tolerant succulents and rocks to create a low-maintenance and visually appealing landscape.
- Mixed Border: Plant it alongside other perennials with contrasting foliage and flower colors to add texture and interest.
- Container Garden: Use it as a "thriller" plant in a container, surrounded by "spillers" and "fillers" to create a dynamic and eye-catching display.
- Cut Flower Garden: Include it in your cutting garden to enjoy its beautiful blooms in bouquets and arrangements.
Sedum 'Frosted Fire' is a truly remarkable plant that deserves a place in every garden. Its stunning variegated foliage, vibrant pink flowers, and adaptability make it a standout performer. With its low-maintenance nature and versatility, it is a perfect choice for gardeners of all levels. Whether you are looking to add color to a sunny border, create a striking groundcover, or simply enjoy its beauty in a container, Sedum 'Frosted Fire' is sure to bring joy and life to your outdoor space. Its ability to attract pollinators and its resistance to deer further enhance its value in the landscape.
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!
