Hello Steven,

The biggest challenge for sedum is wet feet. We have had a very wet late spring and early summer. From June 1 to now, average is about 5 inches of rainfall. This year we have had 11 inches (I used Pontiac as being central to Oakland County).

If the sedum losing its leaves is in a low-lying areas or the soil is highly compacted, their roots may stay wet with the excessive rain we have had this season. Once the roots become waterlogged, the foliage will drop as the plant dies.

You can try digging in the root zone of the plants and look for two things: The dampness of the soil and the condition of the roots. The roots should be white and fibrous. If the roots are dark and mushy, they are waterlogged and are rotting. This would explain the plant’s decline.

Thanks for your quick response.  The bed my sedum is in is raised about 24” above grade and the soil is not wet.  We have has a high frequency of rain this is true.  But my sedum of the same variety on the geound near our pond, which overflows, is happy healthy and blooming.  

So what could be my issue and a possible solution?

Hello Steven,

Even though your sedums are in a raised bed, the health of the roots ultimately depend on the drainage of the soil and the type of soil used in that raised bed.

If you do not want to loosen the soil and expose the roots for pictures, please take one of the stems and break it close to the plant crown. Does it snap (brittle) or is it soft and mushy?

You may also send a sample to the MSU Diagnostic Labs for assessment. The description of the Laboratory services and fee schedule may be found at: https://www.canr.msu.edu/pestid/

Tips for taking a good sample may be found at: https://www.canr.msu.edu/pestid/submit-samples/