How to Grow Sunsparkler Childhood Memories Sedum

Sunsparkler Childhood Memories Sedum

Sedum 'Sunsparkler Childhood Memories'

flower

A compact, low-growing succulent cultivar that produces vibrant pink to red flowers in late summer and fall. This hardy perennial sedum is prized for its colorful foliage that deepens with cooler temperatures and its long-lasting blooms that attract pollinators. It's an excellent choice for rock gardens, borders, containers, and drought-tolerant landscapes.

When should you plant Sunsparkler Childhood Memories Sedum in your zone?

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Example Sunsparkler Childhood Memories Sedum timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant Sunsparkler Childhood Memories Sedum
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
First Sunsparkler Childhood Memories Sedum blooms
Around Jun 16

≈ 60 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Sunsparkler Childhood Memories Sedum dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily for best color development and flowering

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Water: Low water needs once established. Water deeply but infrequently, allowing soil to dry between waterings. In growing season, water every 2-3 weeks; reduce to once monthly or less in winter dormancy.

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Spacing: 12-18 inches

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Days to maturity: Blooms typically appear 60-90 days after planting, but plants establish fully in 1-2 growing seasons

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Planting depth: Plant at soil level; do not bury crown. Transplants and divisions should be set so the base leaves sit on or just above soil surface

Soil

Type: Well-draining gritty soil, sandy or gravelly loam

pH: 6.0-7.5

Amendments:

Perlite or coarse sand for drainage Gravel or small stones Compost (minimal, 10-20% by volume)

Growing Zones

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Thrives in zones 3-9, extremely cold hardy and well-suited to most North American climates

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

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Growth Stages

Establishment

4-6 weeks

Young plants develop a compact rosette of small, succulent leaves with initial green coloring

Water moderately during first 4-6 weeks to help roots establish. Avoid overwatering. Ensure excellent drainage.

Vegetative Growth

Spring through mid-summer (8-12 weeks)

Plants fill out and develop fuller foliage mounds. Leaves begin to show color variation, especially with temperature fluctuations

Minimal fertilizer needed; avoid nitrogen-heavy feeds. Pinch back leggy growth if desired. Monitor for excess moisture.

Pre-Flowering

Late summer (4-6 weeks)

Flower buds form at stem tips. Foliage takes on deeper pink and red tones as temperatures cool in late summer

Reduce watering slightly. Full sun exposure intensifies color. No deadheading necessary at this stage.

Flowering

Late summer through fall (8-12 weeks)

Bright pink to red star-shaped flowers bloom in clusters. Plants maintain attractive foliage throughout blooming period

Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms, or leave them for extended visual interest and pollinator appeal. Minimal watering.

Winter Dormancy

November-March (4-5 months)

Plants die back or reduce growth significantly in cold climates. Foliage may remain but becomes less vibrant

Stop watering almost entirely. No fertilizer. Mulch lightly in very cold areas (zones 3-4) if soil tends to stay wet. Remove any dead growth in spring.

Companion Planting

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Plant with:

Lavender Catmint (Nepeta) Russian Sage Coreopsis Black-eyed Susan Ornamental grasses Other sedum varieties Sempervivum Artemisia

Avoid planting near:

Plants requiring frequent watering (hostas, ferns, hydrangeas) Heavy clay-loving plants Aggressive spreading perennials in confined spaces

Common Pests

Improve drainage, avoid overwatering, use well-draining soil mix. Remove affected plants immediately. Ensure air circulation.
Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Remove heavily infested leaves. Increase air circulation.
Spray foliage with water to increase humidity. Use miticide if severe. Remove heavily infested growth.
and
Hand-pick in early morning or evening. Use copper tape barriers. Beer traps or diatomaceous earth for larger plantings.

Uses

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Edible Succulent

Culinary

While not commonly used, some sedum species are edible and used in salads or as garnishes. Sunsparkler sedums are edible but rarely consumed due to their ornamental focus and potential bitterness. [source]

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Floral Arrangements and Bouquets

Craft

The colorful flower clusters and attractive foliage make excellent additions to fresh or dried flower arrangements. Blooms last several weeks on the plant and retain beauty when dried. [source]

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Drought-Tolerant Landscaping

Household

A cornerstone plant for xeriscaping and low-water gardens, reducing irrigation needs and maintenance while providing season-long visual interest. Ideal for green roofs, rock gardens, and container gardens. [source]

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Pollinator Support

Wildlife

Pink and red flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators during late summer and fall when other flowers are scarce. The long bloom period extends the nectar source window. [source]

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Traditional Herbal Use

Medicinal

Some sedum species have been used in traditional folk medicine for skin conditions and minor wounds, though clinical evidence is limited. Modern use is primarily ornamental rather than medicinal. [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 typically harvested as this is an ornamental plant. For propagation, harvest individual rosette leaves in spring or summer and allow to callus for 2-3 days before placing on moist, well-draining soil. Stems can be cut for arrangements during peak bloom in fall.

Fun Facts

🌱 The 'Sunsparkler' series was developed by Proven Winners to create compact, repeat-blooming sedums perfect for smaller gardens and containers, with 'Childhood Memories' being one of the most popular cultivars.
🌱 Sedums are among the most drought-tolerant ornamental plants, able to survive weeks or months without water due to their specialized leaf tissue that stores moisture—a trait called succulence.
🌱 This sedum's color-changing foliage is a response to cool fall temperatures and increased light exposure, with anthocyanin pigments creating the striking pink and red hues as a natural winter protection mechanism.

Gardening Terms

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

Cultivar Deadhead Full Sun Mulch Perennial Pinch Back

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