Sedum spectabile 'Munstead Dark Red' is a striking upright sedum valued for its dark rose red blooms and bold succulent foliage. It forms dense clumps of fleshy blue green leaves topped with flat clusters of deep colored flowers that deepen in tone as the season progresses. This cultivar extends visual interest well into fall as the flower heads dry to a rich copper hue and its sturdy stems resist flopping even in adverse weather.
Height & Spread: 18 - 24 in x 18 - 24 in
Bloom Time: Late summer to fall
Light Requirements: Full sun
Soil Preference: Well drained, moderately fertile to poor soils including sandy or gravelly types
Watering Needs: Low once established; highly drought tolerant
Deer Resistance: Not favored by deer or rabbits due to bitter sap and thick foliage
Native Status
This cultivar is derived from Sedum spectabile, a species native to parts of Asia. It is not native to North America but thrives in similar growing conditions and supports pollinators.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Bees
- Highly attractive to honeybees and native bees such as leafcutter and sweat bees during late summer when other nectar sources are scarce.
Butterflies
- Flat flower clusters serve as a favored landing site for Painted Ladies, Red Admirals, and Skippers seeking late season nectar.
Beneficial Insects
- Draws hoverflies, parasitic wasps, and lacewings which contribute to natural pest control in garden beds.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations:
- Space plants 18 - 24 in apart to allow for full clump formation and air circulation.
Landscape Placement:
- Ideal for sunny borders, rock gardens, and pollinator friendly meadow plantings; also suitable for containers and mass plantings.
Companion Plants
- Stipa tenuissima (Mexican Feather Grass) - Soft grasses move in contrast to the sturdy sedum stems and fill gaps in dry sunny borders.
- Perovskia atriplicifolia (Russian Sage) - Wispy aromatic foliage and violet blue flower spikes contrast beautifully with the bold texture of sedum.
- Coreopsis verticillata 'Zagreb' - Mounding golden blooms mirror the sedum’s warm tones and extend the summer floral display.
- Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna' - Deep purple spikes draw pollinators while providing vertical interest beside sedum’s rounded heads.
- Echinacea purpurea 'Magnus' - Large daisy flowers in rose pink harmonize with the dark red blooms and share similar bloom timing.