Sedums

Habit: Low mat-forming sedums work as groundcover, while upright types stand as fall-blooming border plants.

Foliage color: Blue-green, chartreuse, bronze and burgundy leaves carry interest long before flowering.

Drainage: Fast-draining soil is the single most important factor; wet winter ground is the usual cause of losses.

Bloom time: Flowers range from early summer through autumn, with seed heads that stand well into winter.