My sedum - what’s gone wrong this year?

jasminewhite

As in the photo. Is it a fungus? Some stems have turned black and broken off. Is there anything I can do?

Dovefromabove

I’ve only ever seen sedums (they’re called something else now beginning with ‘h’ but I can’t remember what it is so let’s stick with what we know for now 😉)
…. as I said, I’ve only ever seen sedums do that when they’re in a damp shady spot,  or when other plants are flopping over them (as in my garden when I don’t keep up with things 🙄 ) … could that apply here? 

jasminewhite

Yes they are in part shade which they don’t usually mind but maybe the bed’s damper or the other plants are encroaching this year. Thanks for your help

Dovefromabove

It’s been a very damp year … the air had been damp even tho there’s not been a lot of rain … the farmers around here have found it almost impossible to harvest some crops as the air was so damp the grain wouldn't dry out enough to go through the harvesters. 

I think I’d blame the weather if I were you … hopefully next year will be different … 🤞  

jasminewhite

That’s really good to know, thanks. Is there any advantage in cutting them to the ground now? I usually leave them until I see new growth in spring

Dovefromabove

I’ve always left them and cut back in the spring … in this garden they’re in the front which is a bit of a frost pocket so I won’t risk cutting them back early here. 

Maybe someone else has a suggestion … ?

Fairygirl

Hylotelephium  @Dovefromabove
Terrible name isn't it? 
I don't think that's anything too dreadful. Probably just damp, and a bit of rot. It's usually brown though. They look ok apart from that. 
I do the same as @Dovefromabove - the stems stay on, and I just remove them when they're ready to come away themselves. 

B3

That happened to mine last year but they were alright this year. I didn't do anything.

jasminewhite

Thanks all. I wont cut them back yet and will keep calling it “sedum” for as long as someone know’s what I’m talking about! 😜

Fairygirl

I think that's the best solution @jasminewhite - especially with the name