hello and thank-you in advance! i was suprised to see “annual, protect from frost” on some groundcover sedum “sea urchin” “golden acres” and “lemon ball” . i can’t find anything definitive about them on-line – perhaps you can help?
Paula, Toronto
Thank you for contacting the Toronto Master Gardeners regarding your Sedum varieties.
Sedum lineare ‘Sea Urchin’ is a low-growing succulent mat forming groundcover, whose needle-like green leaves are trimmed in white. The hardiness zone for this particular Sedum is USDA 7a-11. Toronto’s hardiness is zone 6a, as a result this variety would be considered a tender perennial and would require protection from frost.
Sedum acre ‘Aureum’ is another low growing perennial evergreen succulent. This hardy perennial tolerates a varying temperatures and has a hardiness zone of USDA 3-8. This plant grows best in full sun (6+ hrs) to partial sun areas, is drought tolerant once established. It is important to note sedums grow best in well-drained, gravelly soil that is not wet in winter.
Sedum rupestre ‘Lemon Ball’ is another hardy perennial succulent sedum. There is often another sedum, Sedum mexicanum ‘Lemon Ball’ which is native to Mexico and central America. Unlike Sedum rupestre ‘Lemon Ball’, Sedum mexicanum ‘Lemon Ball’ is not hardy in our hardiness zone. The foliage of Lemon Ball stonecrop varies from a chartreuse hue to a blue-gray or blue-green color. Like all sedums ‘Lemon Ball’ prefers full sun and is hardy in USDA zones 4-9.
Hope this helps with identification.