Hylotelephium 'Thunderhead'
stonecrop (syn. Sedum Thunderhead)
A strong, upright perennial that brings late-season colour and structure to sunny borders, Hylotelephium ‘Thunderhead’ produces sturdy stems clothed in fleshy, rounded leaves with attractive grey-green to bronze-green tones.
From August to September, broad, flat-topped clusters of deep rose-pink, star-shaped flowers create a striking display, drawing bees and butterflies when many summer flowers are fading. It works beautifully towards the middle of a sunny border, where its substantial form pairs well with ornamental grasses and other late-flowering perennials.
Leave the flowerheads standing over winter for extra structure and a little interest on frosty days, then cut them back in early spring.
From August to September, broad, flat-topped clusters of deep rose-pink, star-shaped flowers create a striking display, drawing bees and butterflies when many summer flowers are fading. It works beautifully towards the middle of a sunny border, where its substantial form pairs well with ornamental grasses and other late-flowering perennials.
Leave the flowerheads standing over winter for extra structure and a little interest on frosty days, then cut them back in early spring.
How to care for Hylotelephium Thunderhead:
Stonecrops grow best in full sun and well-drained soil, where their fleshy leaves won’t sit in excess moisture.
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 (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.
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 (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.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
0.75m
Eventual spread:
0.6m
Position:
Full sun
Rate of growth:
Fast-growing
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness:
Fully hardy
-
This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.
