Sedum Takesimense ‘Atlantis’ Stonecrop
As the Chelsea Show Plant of the Year in 2019, Sedum Atlantis is truly a plant to behold. For any plant to receive this accolade, it must be an outstanding performer. Once this charming perennial rises from its dormant state, the plant performs excellently on a multi-functional level.
Across the winter, the plant dies down to below ground level. When Atlantis emerges in the Spring, the new fresh foliage is a delicate cream shade. The variation then slowly starts to take hold as branches begin to mature into a blend of green and cream. By June and July every year, the flowers form from the end of beautiful, variegated rosettes into golden yellow blooms throughout July and into September.
As the flowers reach their natural end in autumn, the foliage alternates again and begins to shift their colours. From green and cream, the foliage shifts into an unexpected pink tinge in the autumn period. Such frequent transformations means that Atlantis provides six whole months of garden interest. This is guaranteed to occur every year due to the plant being incredibly winter hardy.
Another common name for Atlantis is Stonecrop, meaning it’ll grow in impoverished soil where other plants are unable to thrive. If you have an area that has plenty of stones lodged in the soil, Atlantis will thrive in this situation and create flourishing blooms in previously tricky areas.
An incredible hard worker and fully deserving of its Plant of the Year accolade, Atlantis is perfect for any garden in the UK and will bring much needed life to a variety of areas.
How to Plant Sedum Takesimense ‘Atlantis’ Stonecrop
Atlantis grows well in sandy, well-drained soil in a sunny position with some shade from hot midday sun which can scorch the variegated leaves.
Water your potted plant well once it arrives. Dig a hole a little deeper and 3 x wider than the nursery pot. Add a soil conditioner such as well-rotted manure or compost to the earth removed from the hole if necessary. Remove the plant from its pot and tease out a few of the roots. Place your plant in the hole at the same level at the pot. Refill the hole with the earth removed (backfilling). Firm in the soil with your heel, avoiding the root ball.
Water well and mulch around the base of the plant with a collar, compost, gravel, bark etc.
How to Care For Sedum Takesimense ‘Atlantis’ Stonecrop
Atlantis, being a low maintenance plant, can resist drought and cold. Although drought tolerant when established, regular watering promotes the best display of leaves and flowers.
Watering can be cut back over winter to the dry side to prevent rot.
Do not feed as this will produce floppy growth. Cut back the old stems and leaves after flowering to maintain their shape – although if you prefer, faded blooms can be left for winter interest.
