Lemon Ball
a beautiful carpet of evergreen gold
Plant Profile: Sedum reflexum ‘Lemon Ball’
Sedum reflexum is such a resilient little plant; drought tolerant, it will grown in the shallowest of soil, will propagate easily from the smallest piece of stem, tolerates shade and thrives in full sun. I love the cultivars S. reflexum ‘Lemon Ball’, for its bright golden leaves and dense mounds.
1. Common Name:
Sedum reflexum ‘Lemon Ball’
2. Scientific Name:
Sedum reflexum ‘Lemon Ball’
3. Family:
Crassulaceae
4. Plant Type:
Perennial Succulent
5. Native Range:
Europe, especially Northern, Central, and Eastern Europe
6. Zone Adaptability:
USDA Hardiness Zones: 6 to 9
Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) hardiness rating: H5 (hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters)
7. Ideal Conditions:
Full sun to partial shade. Well-drained soil is a must, with preference for sandy or gravelly substrates. Can tolerate both acidic and alkaline conditions and prefers a dry to medium moisture level.
8. Size:
Height: 10-20 cm (4-8 in)
Spread: up to 60 cm (24 in)
9. Growth Rate:
Fast
10. Bloom Time:
Late summer to early autumn
11. Bloom Description:
Bears clusters of small, star-shaped yellow flowers.
12. Leaf Description:
The leaves are needle-like, arranged spirally around the stem, and are a distinctive bright yellow coloration.
13. Uses in Landscaping:
Excellent for rock gardens, green roofs, beds and borders. Also effective in containers or spilling over walls.
14. Maintenance:
Low maintenance. No regular watering is necessary once established, and the plant requires minimal fertilization. Pruning is not typically necessary but can be performed to maintain shape.
15. Pests/Diseases:
Generally free from pest and diseases. However, it may be susceptible to slugs, vine weevils, aphids, and mealybugs. Over-watering or poor drainage can lead to root rot.
16. Other Features:
Drought tolerant, deer resistant, and great for attracting butterflies.
17. Propagating:
Generally easily propagated by stem or leaf cuttings in the spring or summer. Cut pieces can be laid on the soil surface where they will take root.
18. Availability:
It’s available at most nurseries, garden centers, or online plant retailers.
19. Pollinators:
Attracts bees and butterflies.
This plant is so versatile, I use it in planters and even in hanging baskets.
Adorned with star-shaped yellow flowers during the late spring and summer, this vivacious plant effortlessly attracts a host of beneficial insects. This not only aids in pollination but also promotes a balanced and thriving ecosystem within your garden.
Undeniably, Sedum Reflexum ‘Lemon Ball’ offers a beautiful blend of visual appeal, hardiness, and environmental friendliness. Its fuss-free growth nature, coupled with its ability to adapt to diverse soil types, cements the ‘Lemon Ball’ as a versatile and incredible addition to any gardener’s plant palette.
.
.
Ciaran The Gardener 