Thundercloud Sedum

Thundercloud Sedum (Sedum telephium 'Thundercloud') forms a perfectly round mound of large silver-green leaves about 30cm high and 30cm wide. In summer the globe is covered in clusters of pinkish-white starry flowers that attract bees, butterflies and other beneficial insects, and the grey-green foliage holds its interest the rest of the year. It was a 2020 Plant Trials winner at Sydney Botanic Gardens, and it asks for very little.

Why you'll love it

• A near perfect dome. Large silver-green leaves form a rounded mound that looks tidy long before and after flowering.
• Pinkish-white summer stars. Clusters of starry flowers cover the surface in summer.
• A wildlife plant. The flowers attract a wide range of beneficial insects, including bees and butterflies.
• Trial garden approved. In the 2020 Plant Trials at Sydney Botanic Gardens it formed a compact mound with pale flowers and attractive grey-green foliage for a year-round display.
• Cold hardy and low effort. It is totally cold hardy and needs almost no maintenance.

Where it works best

Dry rockeries. The trial gardeners found it best in a dry rockery in full sun, and that is where it shines. Plant 30cm apart for a row of domes.

Wildlife and cottage borders. Combine it with grasses and other waterwise perennials. The flowers feed a wide range of insects.

Pots and roof gardens. A 30cm mound sits well in a large pot of gritty mix, and it copes with the sun and wind of a roof garden.

Growing Thundercloud Sedum in Australia

Position and climate. Bright sunlight in an open spot. It is totally cold hardy and suits cool temperate, warm temperate, Mediterranean and dry inland gardens. In humid subtropical districts, grow it in a raised bed or a pot where it drains fast.

Soil. Free-draining soil. It loves rocky and sandy ground and exposed positions, but it does not like wet soil or clay.

Water and feed. Water new plants until they root in. Established plants are waterwise, because the succulent leaves hold onto even small amounts of moisture.

Pruning. Almost none is required. Snip off old flowerheads in winter to tidy the plant. In the coldest districts it may die back over winter and reshoot in spring.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Thundercloud Sedum as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly, and in 140mm pots in packs of 10, which give you a fuller mound from the day they arrive. It builds into its 30cm dome over a couple of seasons. Plant it out in full sun soon after delivery.

Tube stock is grown for us and is not always available. When the grower has none, the tube shows as sold out, and the notify button on the page emails you the day it is back.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Rockery plants
• Plants for bees and butterflies
• Drought tolerant plants
• Frost tolerant plants guide

Common questions

Is it Sedum or Hylotelephium?

Both names are in use. Botanists have moved many of the upright sedums into the genus Hylotelephium, but Thundercloud is still widely sold as a sedum, and the care is the same.

How big does it get?

About 30cm high and 30cm wide, a compact globe that suits small beds and pots.

Does it need pruning?

Not really. Snip the old flowerheads off in winter if you want it tidy.