Product Description
Sedum 'Midnight Velvet' PPAF CPBRAF (25) Bare Root Plants
Proven Winners® ROCK 'N GROW® Collection
Common Name: Stonecrop
A tall Sedum in line with the rest of the ROCK 'N GROW® Collection, 'Midnight Velvet' adds a new foliage and flower color combination. Rich, dark purple leaves comprise the domed habit, adding garden interest from the moment they appear in spring. Beginning in late summer clusters of mauve buds cover the habit, before bursting open with rose red flowers. After bloom seedheads appear a dark red color. Leave seedheads standing for seasonal interest and as a food source for birds in winter. UV light is required to see true foliage color; leaves will be more green in too much shade.
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: 22.0-26.0 Inches
Spread: 30.0-32.0 Inches
Hardiness Zones: 3,4,5,6,7,8,9
Flower Color: Pink shades, Red shades
Foliage Color: Purple shades, Near-black shades
Sunlight: Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun)
Water Requirements: Low to Average Water Needs
Poor to Average Soil Quality
Bloomtime: Early Fall
Attracts Butterflies
Bee Friendly
Rabbit Resistant
Seasonal Interest: Dried Seed Heads
Growth Rate: Medium
Border Plant, Container, Cut Flower, Cut Foliage, Dried Flower, Drought Tolerant, Easy To Grow, Mass Planting, Salt Tolerant
Sedum 'Midnight Velvet' is a striking stonecrop that adds a touch of drama and rich color to the late summer and fall garden. Here is a breakdown of what makes it special:
What Makes Sedum 'Midnight Velvet' Special
- Dark Foliage: Its most distinctive feature is the rich, dark purple foliage that forms a dense, mounding habit. This foliage color adds depth and contrast to the garden, especially when planted among plants with lighter-colored foliage.
- Rose-Red Flowers: In late summer, clusters of mauve buds open to reveal vibrant rose-red flowers, creating a beautiful contrast with the dark foliage.
- Upright Habit: It has a tall, upright habit, making it a good alternative to shrubs in the landscape.
- 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 'Midnight Velvet' a low-maintenance choice for busy gardeners.
Description and Details
- Common Name: Midnight Velvet Stonecrop
- Botanical Name: Sedum 'Midnight Velvet'
- Mature Size: 22-26 inches tall, 30-32 inches wide
- Foliage: Dark purple, succulent leaves
- Flowers: Rose-red, blooming in late summer
- 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
- Back of the Border: Its height makes it suitable for the back of borders, where it can provide a backdrop for shorter plants.
- 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 24-30 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
- 'Midnight Velvet' is part of the Proven Winners® Rock 'N Grow® series, known for its reliable performance and vibrant colors.
- It 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.
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!
