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How to Grow Jet Beads Sedum

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Jet Beads Sedum

Sedum 'Jet Beads'

succulent

Jet Beads is a compact succulent cultivar known for its striking dark purple to nearly black foliage that resembles polished jet stones. It produces delicate pink flowers in late summer and fall, and requires minimal water and maintenance. This low-growing sedum is perfect for rock gardens, containers, and drought-tolerant landscapes.

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Example Jet Beads Sedum timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Jet Beads Sedum

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. Harvest Jet Beads Sedum

    Late summer into fall

    Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Jet Beads Sedum dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️
Sun: Full sun, 6+ hours daily for best color development; tolerates partial shade but foliage darkening is reduced
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Water: Very drought-tolerant once established; water moderately during growing season, allow soil to dry completely between waterings; minimal water in winter dormancy
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Spacing: 8-12 inches
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Days to maturity: Reaches mature size in 1-2 years
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Planting depth: Plant at soil surface; do not bury rosettes

Soil

Type: Well-draining sandy or gritty loam, cactus/succulent mix preferred
pH: 6.0-7.5
Amendments:
Perlite coarse sand gravel pumice

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 3-9; extremely cold and heat hardy

3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b

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Growth Stages

1

Establishment

2-4 weeks

Small rosettes with emerging dark purple leaves; plant appears delicate and compact

Water lightly after planting to settle soil; avoid overwatering; ensure excellent drainage

2

Vegetative Growth

Spring through midsummer

Rosettes expand and densify; foliage deepens to jet black color in full sun; forms tight mounding mats

Maintain full sun exposure for dark coloration; reduce watering; pinch back growth if needed to encourage bushiness

3

Flowering

Late August through October

Delicate pink, light magenta, or white flowers emerge on short inflorescences above the foliage

No special care needed; flowers appear naturally in late season; deadheading is optional

4

Dormancy

November through February

Foliage remains dark and attractive but growth slows; plant enters winter rest period

Reduce watering significantly; no fertilizer needed; protect from excessive moisture and winter wet

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Sempervivum Echeveria Delosperma Crassula Phlox subulata Lavender Creeping thyme Armeria

Avoid planting near:

Water-loving perennials Plants requiring frequent watering Hostas

Common Pests

  • Ensure excellent drainage; never allow sitting water; use well-draining soil; avoid overwatering

  • Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; remove affected areas; improve air circulation

  • Spray with water to dislodge; use neem oil or insecticidal soap if severe; encourage beneficial insects

  • Increase humidity slightly; spray with water; use miticide if severe; improve air circulation

Uses

🌿

Drought-Tolerant Landscaping

Ornamental

Jet Beads is ideal for xeriscaping, rock gardens, and low-maintenance landscapes where its striking dark foliage provides year-round visual interest. It requires no supplemental watering once established and thrives in poor soils where other plants struggle. [source]

🏠

Container & Patio Gardens

Household

Its compact, mounding habit makes it perfect for pots, troughs, alpine troughs, and mixed succulent containers. The jet-black foliage contrasts beautifully with lighter-colored succulents and complements contemporary garden design. [source]

🦋

Late-Season Pollinator Support

Wildlife

The delicate pink and magenta flowers provide valuable late-season nectar and pollen for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators when few other food sources are available. [source]

🎨

Living Jewelry & Crafts

Craft

Individual rosettes can be used in living wreaths, succulent arrangements, terraria, and as living jewelry pieces due to their compact size and visual appeal. [source]

Harvest Tips

Jet Beads Sedum is ornamental; no traditional harvest. Collect flowers for arrangements in late summer/fall. Propagate by removing rosette offsets or individual leaves in spring-fall; allow to dry 2-3 days before planting in well-draining soil.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 The foliage color changes seasonally—appearing darker and more jet-black in cooler temperatures and intense sunlight, and lighter in hot summers or shade.
  • 🌱 Jet Beads can be propagated from a single leaf; if a leaf breaks off, it can be placed on moist soil and will develop roots and a new rosette within weeks.
  • 🌱 This cultivar is extremely cold-hardy (to zone 3) and can survive outdoor winters in areas that experience temperatures well below freezing, making it one of the hardiest dark-foliaged sedums available.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Cultivar Deadhead Full Sun Partial Shade Pinch Back
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