Sedum spect. 'Brilliant'

Description and Characteristics

Sedum spectabile 'Brilliant', now often referred to as Hylotelephium spectabile 'Brilliant', is a popular, clump-forming herbaceous perennial known for its fleshy blue-green leaves and large, flat-topped heads of soft pink flowers. A member of the stonecrop family, it is prized for its late-summer colour, drought resistance, and exceptional pollinator value.

From August to October, ‘Brilliant’ produces domed clusters of tiny star-shaped flowers in a clear pink hue that deepen as they age. These blooms emerge above thick, upright stems, reaching a mature height of 40–60 cm, making it ideal for middle to front of border plantings, gravel gardens, and low-maintenance beds.

The foliage is succulent, paddle-shaped, and forms neat rosettes in spring. Even before blooming, its architectural form provides valuable interest, especially in modern, dry, or coastal garden schemes.

• Domed, soft pink flower heads in late summer and autumn

• Height: 40–60 cm; Spread: 30–50 cm

• Succulent, blue-green foliage forms tidy mounds

• Long-lasting blooms ideal for fresh and dried arrangements

• A favourite for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators

Growing Conditions and Maintenance

Sedum 'Brilliant' is incredibly easy to grow, thriving in sunny, free-draining soil with very little maintenance. It’s especially useful for hot, dry sites and urban gardens, where it performs reliably with minimal watering.

• Light Requirements:

  • Requires full sun for best growth, strong stems, and flowering

  • Will tolerate very light shade, but stems may flop without enough light

• Soil Preferences:

  • Prefers well-drained, moderately fertile soil

  • Tolerates poor, sandy, or gravelly soils

  • Avoid heavy, wet soils—add grit if drainage is poor

• Watering Needs:

  • Water occasionally during dry spells in the first growing season

  • Once established, it is highly drought-tolerant

  • Overwatering may cause root rot or leggy growth

• Feeding:

  • Does not require frequent feeding

  • Overfeeding can result in floppy stems and excess foliage

  • A light mulch of compost in spring is sufficient

• Deadheading and Pruning:

  • Deadhead spent blooms or leave them for winter interest

  • Cut back to the base in late winter or early spring

  • Divide every 3–4 years to maintain vigour and shape

• Winter Care:

  • Hardy in Zones 3–9 (RHS H7)

  • Foliage dies back in winter, but seedheads offer winter structure

  • No special protection needed

Garden Uses, Companion Plants, and Pollinator Benefits

Sedum 'Brilliant' is a garden classic thanks to its late-season colour, neat habit, and value to wildlife. It fits well into a range of design styles, including prairie gardens, rockeries, and drought-tolerant schemes.

• Design Applications:

  • Excellent for gravel gardens, sunny borders, green roofs, and modern dry landscapes

  • Great as edging, mass planting, or low structural filler

  • Attractive in seasonal containers and mixed perennial beds

• Companion Plants:

  • Pairs well with Echinacea, Rudbeckia, Salvia, Nepeta, and Perovskia

  • Looks great with ornamental grasses such as Pennisetum or Stipa

  • Contrasts nicely with silver-leaved plants like Artemisia or Lavandula

• Pollinator Value:

  • Highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and hoverflies

  • Nectar-rich flowers provide important late-season forage

  • An essential plant for wildlife and pollinator-friendly gardens

• Container Use:

  • Perfect for terracotta pots or shallow planters

  • Use a gritty, free-draining compost blend

  • Position in full sun and water sparingly

• Pest and Disease Resistance:

  • Generally pest- and disease-free

  • May be affected by slugs on young growth in spring

  • Keep well-spaced to avoid fungal issues from poor airflow

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

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If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.