Feb. 17, 2021 A bit more information:  Early season pruning is a useful technique for encouraging more compact sturdier growth on many late season perennials. Russian sage, coneflower, asters and mums are just a few. Some sedums, including the "Autumn Joy" sedum (Sedum x "Autumn Joy" or Hylotelephium "Autumn Joy") thriving in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 5 to 9, are known as showy sedums and produce late-summer flowers that appear atop stems that can grow more than 2 feet tall. ), sometimes also called stonecrop, are drought-tolerant succulents prized for their few maintenance requirements, unique appearance, attractive foliage and flowers, and a variety of different available forms and colors. Place one or more stakes or other supports in the ground near, but several inches back from the plant's base if the sedum starts to look very top-heavy when flowers start to develop. Use a low nitrogen slow release fertilizer, like Milorganite, if your plants need a nutrient boost. Angela Ryczkowski is a professional writer who has served as a greenhouse manager and certified wildland firefighter. Webinar Site Map, Trees, Shrubs, Roses, Vines & Groundcovers, Three-cut method for Pruning Large Tree Branches, Maintain Pruning Tools Throughout the Season, Select the Best Pruning Tool for the Task, Root Prune Instead of Moving Indoor Houseplants to a Larger Pot, Hiring an Arborist, Tree Care Professional Arborist, Easy Care Burro's Tail (Sedum morganianum), Dividing Spring and Summer Blooming Perennials, Houseplants, Holiday Plants, and Cut Flowers, Preventing Floppy Growth on Sedum Autumn Joy. They tend to flop when grown in the shade and overly moist soil. Fertilize the sedum only once per year, if at all, by sprinkling no more than about one handful of a slow-release, balanced fertilizer evenly over the ground around the sedum and water it in lightly. Fertilize the sedum only once per year, if at all, by sprinkling no more than about one handful of a slow-release,... 2. Cut back or thin out any plants with branches hanging over or adjacent to the sedum if they are shading the sedum to make sure the plant receives full sunlight. How to Stop Sedum From Flopping Over? If the plants still flop, it’s time to get out the pruners. A little grooming and the right location can improve their appearance and decrease your workload. Without the proper care or site conditions, these relatively tall and top-heavy sedums have a tendency to flop over, exposing the bare plant center and making the planting look messy. Add organic matter to heavy clay soil to improve drainage and increase your growing success. These plants … Plus, watch past webinars on demand Excessive fertilizer applications or soil that is too rich will encourage vigorous but thin and weak growth. or Hylotelephium spp. Some of the creeping or trailing smaller varieties may get rangy. If your "Autumn Joy" or other tall sedum receives full sun and continues to flop over, it may be time to divide the crop. Move your plant to a sunny location with good drainage if needed. Add organic matter to heavy clay soil to improve drainage and increase your growing success. Prune plants back halfway when they are 8 inches tall. Dig, divide and transplant in the spring, though, not now. Sedums, including the ever popular Autumn Joy, prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Perennial salvia such as Salvia nemerosa put on a brilliant show June through August. Register today Or pinch out the growing tips. How to Prune & Care for Lantana Montevidensis, University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Perennial Plants for Nebraska- Showy Sedum, University of California Sonoma County Master Gardeners: Sedum Telephium ‘Autumn Joy’, Michigan State University Extension: Summer Flower Care Keeps Your Plants Blooming Strong, Michigan State University Extension: For Best Appearances, Stake Large, Heavy Flowers, University of Florida IFAS Extension: Sedums.