Angelina sedum
Sedum 'Angelina'
Angelina sedum (Sedum 'Angelina') is a groundcover suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 3–6 in tall and 12–24 in wide, needs low water, and prefers full sun to partial shade. Chartreuse needle-like succulent foliage; spreads quickly. Coral-orange winter color is the bonus.
On the CSU listlow water3–6 in tall and 12–24 in wideXeric / water-wiseZones 1–3 (can be planted near the house)Deer-resistant
Photos
- Photo 1: (c) Andrew Sebastian, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Andrew Sebastian
- Photo 2: (c) Jason Grant, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Jason Grant
- Photo 3: (c) Sandy Wolkenberg, some rights reserved (CC BY)
At a glance
Will it survive here?
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3–9
- Water needs
- low water
- Sun
- Best in full sun; tolerates partial shade.
- Soil
- sandy, loam, well drained only
- Soil pH
- 6.0–8.0
- Hail tolerance
- high
- Wind tolerance
- moderate
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Firewise (defensible space)
- Zones 1–3 (can be planted near the house)
- Site uses
- Hellstrips / parking strips, Between pavers & flagstones
How big, what shape?
- Mature size
- 3–6 in tall and 12–24 in wide
- Growth habit
- Mat-forming
- Planting spacing
- ~17–24 in apart
What it looks like, and when
- Bloom time
- early summer
- Bloom color
- yellow
- Fall color
- Orange, red
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Winter cover
- Strong winter cover
What it will do to your yard
- Foot traffic
- Light foot traffic
- Lawn alternative
- No-mow lawn alternative
Who else benefits
- Pollinator value
- moderate
- Deer
- Generally deer-resistant
- Colorado native
- No
Things to know before you plant
- Spreads aggressivelySpreads via rooting stems, usually desirable, but easy to pull where unwanted
Using Angelina sedum as a groundcover
Angelina sedum forms a low mat. It fills in densely, crowding out most weeds. It takes light foot traffic, fine to step across occasionally, but not a play-lawn. It holds strong cover through Front Range winters, so the ground doesn't go bare.
Planting & establishment
Water weekly first summer; bombproof after. Foliage turns coral-orange in winter.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Angelina sedum good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Angelina sedum is a well-suited groundcover for Colorado's Front Range.
- What should I know before planting Angelina sedum?
- The main things to know: Spreads via rooting stems, usually desirable, but easy to pull where unwanted
- How big does Angelina sedum get?
- It matures to about 3–6 in tall and 12–24 in wide.
- How far apart do I plant Angelina sedum?
- Space Angelina sedum about 17 in apart for a faster, fuller cover, or up to 24 in apart for a looser planting.
- Is Angelina sedum hardy on the Front Range?
- Angelina sedum is hardy in USDA 3–9. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range.
- How much water does Angelina sedum need?
- It needs low water once established.
- What color does Angelina sedum turn in fall?
- Angelina sedum turns orange and red in autumn. Fall color intensity varies with the season and site on the Front Range.
- Is Angelina sedum native to Colorado?
- No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
- Is Angelina sedum deer-resistant?
- Angelina sedum is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
- Is Angelina sedum a good firewise plant near the house?
- Angelina sedum is a lower-fuel choice suitable in defensible-space zones 1–3, it can be planted near the house when kept well irrigated and maintained. This is general suitability guidance based on CSU Extension firewise plant lists, not a guarantee that any plant won't burn, a well-irrigated, well-maintained plant is the goal. Follow CSU Extension defensible-space guidance and check with your local fire district before planting in the wildland-urban interface.
- Can you walk on Angelina sedum?
- Angelina sedum takes light foot traffic. You can step across it occasionally, but it won't hold up as a play-lawn.
- Can Angelina sedum replace a lawn?
- Yes, Angelina sedum works as a no-mow lawn alternative on the Front Range. Expect a season or two of weeding and watering while it fills in before it reads as a lawn replacement.
- Will Angelina sedum spread or stay put?
- Angelina sedum is mat-forming. Spreads via rooting stems, usually desirable, but easy to pull where unwanted Give it room to fill in and edit the edges to keep it where you want it.
- Does Angelina sedum stay green in winter?
- Angelina sedum holds strong cover through Front Range winters, so the ground stays protected rather than going bare.
- Can Angelina sedum grow between pavers?
- Yes. Angelina sedum is steppable enough to fill the gaps between flagstones and pavers.
