hail damaged plantings - Ask Extension
I received a severe hailstorm last week. How do I take care of the sedum? The foliage that is left, not much, is very bruised. Thank you - Debbie
Knowledgebase
hail damaged plantings #871707
Asked June 05, 2024, 12:13 PM EDT
I received a severe hailstorm last week. How do I take care of the sedum? The foliage that is left, not much, is very bruised.
Thank you - Debbie
Denver County Colorado
Expert Response
Debbie,
Hail is heartbreaking but, amazingly, plants usually survive and recover with time. You don't say what type of sedum you have but if it is something like an Autumn Joy Sedum the bruised will reflect the damage all season but replaced with new next year. Take comfort that the damage will be screened by the growth of the new leaves and the flower heads as the season progresses. You can prune off dead tissue but keep in mind that the plant needs whatever living tissue remains in order to photosynthesize. Patience is key!
Hail is heartbreaking but, amazingly, plants usually survive and recover with time. You don't say what type of sedum you have but if it is something like an Autumn Joy Sedum the bruised will reflect the damage all season but replaced with new next year. Take comfort that the damage will be screened by the growth of the new leaves and the flower heads as the season progresses. You can prune off dead tissue but keep in mind that the plant needs whatever living tissue remains in order to photosynthesize. Patience is key!
