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Position full sun or partial shade Soil moderately fertile, well drained, neutral to slightly alkaline soil Rate of growth average to fast growing Flowering period July to September Flower colour ruby red Other features attractive to butterflies and bees the dried flower heads provide colour and structure in the winter garden Hardiness fully hardy Succulent, greenish purple leaves, topped with large, flat heads of ruby red, star shaped flowers from mid summer to early autumn. This low growing form of sedum is perfect for softening the front of a sunny, well drained border. Best planted in generous drifts, the flowers are a valuable nectar source for butterflies and bees. Garden care The flowerheads look great left during the winter to add shape and texture to your border. In February and March cut back the old flowerheads and apply a generous 5 7cm 2 3in mulch of well rotted garden compost or manure around the base of the plant. Once established, sedums can have a tendency to flop leaving an open and unsightly centre, especially in fertile soil. One technique to help prevent this is the aposChelsea chopapos. During the last week of May Chelsea Flower Show week, cut one in every three stems back to the ground. This will produce plants that are less lush and flower slightly later.
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