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Sedum spectabile

B3B3 Posts: 27,505
My sedum spectabile are looking unattractive. One might say manky.
Are the dead flowers any use to anything? I would dearly love to compost them if not.
In London. Keen but lazy.

Posts

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I remove the spent stems. They look hideous by mid autumn.
    Despite folk banging on about how lovely they are in frosts, they look rubbish here by the time there's frost, which is October usually.
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • B3B3 Posts: 27,505
    Great! Thanks @Fairygirl.
    It's always good to get just the answer you wanted😉
    In London. Keen but lazy.
  • floraliesfloralies Posts: 2,718
    Mine are looking dreadful as well, it's been so wet I haven't been able to tidy them up yet. They always look bad by this time of the year.
  • wild edgeswild edges Posts: 10,497
    I have to cut mine back to get the tunnel cloches over the tender plants next to them. I'm trying to dry some out in the greenhouse to see if they're any use as decoration but it's not looking promising. Succulent plants don't tend to dry easily. I don't think they're of use to seed eating birds but they do give a bit of frost and rain protection to the resting buds. 
    If you can keep your head, while those around you are losing theirs, you may not have grasped the seriousness of the situation.
  • PosyPosy Posts: 3,601
    If you have a dry, bright season they can remain attractive for some time but when they no longer do so, the compost bin is the best place for them.
  • FireFire Posts: 19,096
    Mine are still budding, but I've been deadheading through out.
  • fidgetbonesfidgetbones Posts: 17,618
    The deer has eaten all the heads off mine. She had a few gladioli seed heads as well.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I rarely get a chance to collect viable seed from plants, because by the time they're seeding, the weather annihilates them. Most just rot on the plants so cuttings and division are always easier. The birds don't even get much benefit. This year has been an exception as it stayed dry for long periods and allowed seed to develop well. I now have loads of stuff for sowing next year which is great. 
    I've never worried about protecting the base of those sedums either. They don't seem to be affected by winter weather.  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • LoxleyLoxley Posts: 5,698
    Stick them in the compost. Mine still look quite nice, they've gone a dark russet colour which looks nice next to the yellowy Sesleria autumnalis.
    "What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbour". 
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