Q: My sedum plants are about 12 or 13 inches tall. When they bloom, they get leggy. When can I cut them back, and how far?
— Patty Prince, Akron
A: Upright sedums such as Autumn Joy can be pinched or cut back in late spring or early summer to encourage bushier plants. It’s best to start when the plants are about 8 inches tall, but it’s not too late to give yours a haircut.
You can either pinch off the tips of each stalk or just cut the plants to about half their height. If you start early enough, you can repeat the process once or twice until about mid-July, but then leave the plants alone to continue growing.
Have a question about home maintenance, decorating or gardening? Akron Beacon Journal home writer Mary Beth Breckenridge will find answers for the queries that are chosen to appear in the paper. To submit a question, call her at 330-996-3756, or send email to mbrecken@thebeaconjournal.com. Be sure to include your full name, your town and your phone number or email address.