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

• Position: full sun or partial shade
• Soil: moderately fertile, well-drained, neutral to slightly alkaline soil
• Rate of growth: average to fast-growing
• Flowering period: August to November
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  When the succulent foliage first emerges, it is a bright mix of green and chartreuse, but as the season progresses, the outer edges of the leaves become creamy yellow. Then the buds start emerging from midsummer, and as the small pink-tinged star-like flowers open, the mound of foliage is virtually smothered by their prolific display. A great low-grower for the edges of a sunny border, where it will help attract bees and other pollinating insects, it will also add a bit of pizzazz to a patio pot.
  
  
• Garden care: The flowerheads look great left during the winter to add shape and texture to your border. In February and March cut back the old flowerheads and apply a generous 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted garden compost or manure around the base of the plant. Once established, sedums can have a tendency to flop leaving an open and unsightly centre, especially in fertile soil. One technique to help prevent this is the 'Chelsea chop'. During the last week of May (RHS Chelsea Flower Show week), cut one in every three stems back to the ground. This will produce plants that are less lush and flower slightly later.