Stonecrop Matrona

Still better known as Sedum Matrona, Hylotelephium Matrona is a clump-forming, herbaceous perennial with an upright habit and succulent, ovate, grey-green leaves, tinged with purple, a good foil for the flowers. In August and September, big, dense heads of tiny, starry, pale pink flowers with a deeper pink centre are a magnet for bees and butterflies. A drought-tolerant plant which should not be over-fed, its probably a better cultivar than the popular Herbstfreude/Autumn Joy because its less likely to sprawl. Leave the seedheads over winter, and prune back in early spring. Stonecrop Matrona holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit.

Site: Tolerates exposure
Soil: Any light, well-drained soil, preferably neutral to alkaline
Position: Full sun
Season of interest: Late summer to early autumn
Hardiness: Very hardy
Height: 28 (70cm) Spread: 20 (50cm)