'T-Rex' Sedum (photo credit-www.PerennialResource.com)

For nearly half a century, ‘Autumn Joy’ has been the leading “stonecrop” or “live forever” sedum cultivar planted. More than once I’ve heard this saying: “if Autumn Joy won’t grow in your garden, you should try another hobby.  ‘T-Rex’ is a terrific new hybrid and ‘Autumn Joy’ is one of its parents. ‘T Rex’ has better resistance to stem rot than many veteran sedum cultivars, including ‘Autumn Joy’.

Compact growing T-Rex barely reaches over two feet in height and its stout sturdy stems support the massive flower heads. The serrated blue-green foliage of T-Rex is another plus.

By mid-July across the Southern Appalachian region (USDA zones 6 and 7), cream colored floral buds have formed, open to light rose pink flowers in late summer, and finish reddish pink in mid-autumn. If left standing, the seed heads provide winter interest and food for birds. Sedums flowers attract copious numbers of bees and butterflies.

T-Rex thrives in any average well-drained garden soil in full to partial (minimum 6 hours) sunlight. It requires no trimming, no deadheading, and no pinching. Very little, if any, watering is required once plants become established. Stonecrop sedums behave very shrub-like and are one of the easiest low maintenance choices.