How to Grow Cloudy Day Sedum
Cloudy Day Sedum
Sedum 'Cloudy Day'
succulentCloudy Day Sedum is a compact, low-growing succulent with distinctive gray-blue foliage that deepens to purple-burgundy tones during cooler months or stress conditions. This hybrid sedum forms dense mounds and produces delicate pink or white flowers in late summer to fall. It's an excellent choice for rock gardens, containers, and xeriscape landscaping due to its extreme drought tolerance and minimal care requirements.
When should you plant Cloudy Day Sedum in your zone?
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Example Cloudy Day Sedum timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Cloudy Day Sedum
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Cloudy Day Sedum
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Cloudy Day Sedum dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-9; exceptionally hardy for a sedum
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Get my Cloudy Day Sedum timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
2-4 weeksYoung rosettes are establishing roots and beginning to form the characteristic compact mound
Water lightly every 7-10 days for first 2-3 weeks to encourage root development; then taper off. Ensure excellent drainage.
Vegetative Growth
Spring through mid-summer (12+ weeks)Plant expands horizontally, forming dense cushions of gray-blue foliage; new leaves continuously emerge from rosette centers
Minimal watering; only during extended drought or if in containers. Remove any dead or diseased leaves. No fertilizer needed.
Flowering
Late August through October (4-8 weeks)Flower buds appear at stem tips; delicate pink or white star-shaped flowers bloom in clusters above the foliage
No special care needed; do not deadhead unless you want to redirect energy to foliage. Flowers attract pollinators.
Winter Dormancy
November through February (12-14 weeks)Foliage deepens to burgundy or purple tones; growth slows dramatically; leaves may appear slightly stressed or withered
Reduce or eliminate watering; excellent drainage prevents rot. No fertilizer. Plant is hardy and requires no protection in zones 3+.
Spring Renewal
March through April (4-6 weeks)New growth emerges from the center; foliage gradually returns to gray-blue tones as temperatures warm
Begin light watering only if conditions are exceptionally dry. Gradually increase watering as growth accelerates.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Prevent through excellent drainage and reduced watering; repot in fresh dry soil if affected; improve air circulation
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Isolate affected plants; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; wipe leaves with rubbing alcohol on cotton swab
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Spray with strong water stream; apply insecticidal soap or horticultural oil; rarely a serious problem on sedums
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Increase humidity slightly; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; remove heavily infested leaves
Uses
Drought-Tolerant Landscaping
HouseholdCloudy Day Sedum is ideal for xeriscaping, rock gardens, alpine troughs, and container arrangements where water conservation is prioritized. Its minimal maintenance needs and extreme hardiness make it perfect for busy gardeners or water-restricted regions. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeThe late-season pink and white flowers provide valuable nectar and pollen for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators when other food sources are scarce in fall. [source]
Living Walls & Vertical Gardens
CraftThe shallow root system and low sprawling form make Cloudy Day Sedum excellent for living walls, green roofs, and vertical succulent arrangements. [source]
Container & Indoor Gardening
HouseholdThrives in shallow pots and troughs indoors or outdoors; provides colorful foliage year-round with minimal care and no special equipment needed. [source]
Mild Skin-Soothing Properties
MedicinalLike many sedums, Cloudy Day contains compounds with potential skin-soothing benefits when used in traditional preparations, though it is primarily grown as ornamental. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Not harvested for crop; flowers are ornamental and best left on plant. For propagation, gently detach individual leaves in spring/summer and lay on dry soil; new rosettes form in 2-4 weeks. Stems can be cut and propagated similarly.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Cloudy Day Sedum's color-changing foliage is a stress response triggered by cold temperatures and reduced water—the purple pigmentation (anthocyanins) actually protects leaves from UV damage and cold injury, making the color shift a sign of hardiness.
- 🌱 Sedums can propagate from a single fallen leaf; a tiny rosette will form at the leaf base within weeks, making this an incredibly efficient and nearly cost-free way to multiply your collection.
- 🌱 This sedum is hardy to USDA zone 3, making it one of the toughest sedums available and suitable for gardeners in cold climates where many succulents fail—it can survive temperatures below -40°F.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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