Sedum telephium Thunderhead - Autumn Stonecrop

Sedum 'Thunderhead' is an impressive variety of autumn stonecrop with large intense purple inflorescences resembling storm clouds. They bloom abundantly, carried majestically by multiple upright purple stems adorned with decorative glossy grey-green foliage. The long-lasting flowering is popular with butterflies. It is followed by the formation of decorative seeds that persist in winter. It is a hardy and carefree plant, suited to dry and shallow soils, requiring very little maintenance and adding much charm to the late season.

Sedum 'Thunderhead' belongs to the Crassulaceae family. It is one of the cultivars derived from S. telephium, now renamed Hylotelephium telephium, originating from the Caucasus and China. It forms bushy, upright clumps with a slightly spreading habit, reaching 68 to 70cm (27 to 28in) in height and spreading over 60cm (24in). The flowering takes place in September-October. The inflorescences, in bulging and dense terminal cymes, exceed 15cm (6in) in diameter. The tiny star-shaped flowers emerge as red buds, then open into deep purple-pink and fade to smoky pink. They form the intensely nectar-rich false umbels. The thick and fleshy deciduous foliage is glossy and grey-green with purple edges, creating a beautiful harmony with the flowering. The leaves are flat and ovate, with large rounded teeth on the upper half. The decorative brown-violet seeds serve as food for birds in winter.

A boon for gardens where the soil is thin, Sedum 'Thunderhead' is primarily a drought-tolerant plant. Combine it with grasses and grey-foliaged plants that accept the same difficult living conditions (Stipa tenuifolia, Tanacetum densum subsp. amanii). You can create a unique scene by planting it with Aster 'Little Carlow' or colourful foliage heucheras. Magnificent in a pot, it is also an excellent flower for drying or for bouquets.