Sedum forsterianum is a glabrous perennial succulent herb. It forms a low mound with blue-green leaves aggregated into a tight, cone-like, terminal rosette and persistent brown, shrunken, dead leaves towards the base.
Sedum forsterianum usually grows in rather mesic habitats, on cliffs, rocky outcrops, screes and sand, generally on poor soils, both in dry open places and in wet woodlands; also naturalised in churchyards, and on walls, hedgebanks, waste ground and railway land. The erect flowering stem about 20 cm long sustains a terminal corymb with 3-7 branches which is characteristically drooping in bud. The flowers are bright yellow, starry and appear in summer. It can he confused with Sedum rupestre but less robust, with stems erect in bud.
Sedums are succulents and very drought tolerant. Keep newly planted sedums well-watered the first year. Once established, they should grow fine without any additional watering. In fact, too much water can cause sedum stems and roots to rot and die. That's why well-drained soil is imperative to keeping sedums healthy.
Sedums will grow best in full sun. They are very drought tolerant, but stonecrops can get sunscald in extremely hot, dry conditions. Sedums can be grown successfully in partial shade, but the plants might not be as sturdy and upright as they would be in full sun.
Sedums like a very well-drained soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. Wet, heavy clay can lead to root and stem rot.
Sedums tolerate low-fertility soils. A soil too rich in nitrogen can cause clumping plants to flop and flower later. Adding a 1 inch thick layer of compost when planting and annually in spring should be enough to keep your sedums growing and flowering strong.
