Sedum Little Miss Sunshine

‘Little Miss Sunshine’ is prized for its incredibly dark green, glossy foliage, compact size, and tidiness in the landscape. From early to midsummer, tiny clusters of yellow flowers cover the polished habit. This perennial is tough and drought tolerant once established, so it’s perfect for areas with hot, dry summers.

• Botanical Name: Sedum kamtschaticum
  
• Common Name: Stonecrop

Here are some key features and care tips for Sedum ‘Little Miss Sunshine’:

1. Appearance: Sedum ‘Little Miss Sunshine’ is a small, spreading succulent with bright green, needle-like leaves that turn golden yellow in full sun. The foliage forms dense mounds or mats, making it ideal for ground cover or container planting. In late summer to fall, it may produce clusters of tiny star-shaped yellow flowers.
2. Light Requirements: Sedum ‘Little Miss Sunshine’ thrives in full sun to partial shade. It prefers bright, indirect light but can also tolerate direct sunlight, especially in cooler climates. Ensure that it receives at least 4-6 hours of sunlight per day for optimal growth and vibrant foliage colors.
3. Watering: Like most succulents, Sedum ‘Little Miss Sunshine’ has low water needs. Allow the soil to dry out partially between waterings, then water thoroughly, ensuring that excess water drains away freely from the roots. During the winter months, reduce watering to prevent root rot.
4. Soil and Potting: Plant Sedum ‘Little Miss Sunshine’ in well-draining soil mix specifically formulated for succulents or cacti. A sandy or gritty soil mix helps prevent waterlogging and promotes healthy root growth. Ensure that the pot has drainage holes to prevent water from pooling at the bottom.
5. Temperature and Humidity: Sedum ‘Little Miss Sunshine’ is cold-hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. It prefers temperatures between 60°F to 75°F (15°C to 24°C) during the growing season but can withstand cooler temperatures down to USDA hardiness zones 3-9. Humidity levels are not a significant concern for this plant.
6. Maintenance: Sedum ‘Little Miss Sunshine’ is relatively low-maintenance and requires minimal care. Prune the plant as needed to remove any dead or leggy stems and encourage compact growth. Additionally, remove any spent flowers to promote continued blooming and maintain the plant’s appearance.
7. Propagation: Sedum ‘Little Miss Sunshine’ can be easily propagated from stem cuttings or by division. Stem cuttings can be taken from healthy, established plants and rooted in a well-draining potting mix. Division involves separating offsets or clusters from the main plant and replanting them in their own pots.

Overall, Sedum ‘Little Miss Sunshine’ is a charming and versatile succulent plant that adds color and texture to rock gardens, borders, containers, and other landscape settings. With proper care and growing conditions, it will thrive and provide year-round interest in your garden.