The Compact Sedum Variety Pollinators Can't Resist That Makes A Stunning Ground Cover

Are you looking for a ground cover species that's relatively compact but doesn't need a lot of maintenance? While there are quite a few beautiful ground cover plants that are also drought-resistant or otherwise hardy, there's a particular sedum cultivar you may want to consider first. It draws in pollinators with a profusion of pretty pink fall flowers that are absolutely brimming with nectar. Even when this sedum isn't in bloom, it's still attractive. The plant boasts silvery leaves that sparkle in the sunlight. The must-have ground cover plant in question is the aptly named Sedum cauticola 'Steel the Show.'

If you're familiar with sedums, you'll know that they're succulents. They are, therefore, drought- and heat-tolerant. This particular cultivar will thrive in USDA Hardiness Zones 3 through 9, where it forms a relatively compact mound that is up to 16 inches wide and 8 inches tall. For good coverage over a garden bed, space your plants 14 inches apart. With the right care, they should grow together nicely, protecting the soil below and smothering weeds. 'Steel the Show,' like many other sedums, thrives when planted on slopes to help prevent erosion. You can also grow it in rock gardens or low containers as a spreading specimen plant. It's arguably one of the best low-maintenance, hardy ground covers to keep your garden vibrant.

Ideally, you want to choose a sunny spot to grow this spectacular ground cover. It doesn't matter if you have poor to average quality soil because the 'Steel the Show' sedum doesn't need abundant nutrients to grow well. Remember that it is a succulent, so it needs a well-draining site. It is, of course, also drought tolerant, meaning you can generally rely on rainfall to meet its watering needs in most areas — especially if it's planted in the ground rather than in a container. 'Steel the Show' is a herbaceous perennial, so it may die back to the crown in winter, depending on where your garden is located. Don't worry — it will sprout again once the temperature rises in spring.

If you have plenty of wildlife around your garden, you'll be pleased to know that bees, butterflies (including the threatened Monarch), flies, and other beneficial insects flock to this plant in fall — a time of the year when most other flowering plants are wrapping up their blooming season. To boost pollinator potential, choose other flowers to grow near this sedum ground cover in your yard and garden that thrive in similar conditions — English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) and Russian sage (Salvia yangii) spring to mind. Bonus: this ground cover is rabbit- and deer-resistant. Plant it in borders plagued by these hungry herbivores. It's also salt-tolerant, making it the perfect choice for coastal gardens.