This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.

• Position: full sun
• Soil: moderately fertile, well-drained, neutral to slightly alkaline
• Rate of growth: average to fast
• Flowering period: July to September
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  This sedum has recently been introduced by its American breeder Chris Hansen, and it is already causing a bit of a stir. It has a spreading habit so makes great groundcover, and its smoky grey-blue foliage will make a wonderful contrast to other sun-loving plants with silvery foliage. It's at its best from midsummer, however, when the clusters of raspberry red flowers appear - virtually smothering the plant. This is an early flowering sedum, so if you love the colour these plants offer, then this will help extend the season even further.
  
  
• Garden care: Apply a generous 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted garden compost or manure around the base of the plant.