cactus succulent

Tricolor Stonecrop

Phedimus spurius 'Tricolor'

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

Expertly Curated

Real-Time Pricing

Loved by Designers

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Cactus Succulent

Height

4 inches

Width

18 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low

Humidity

Low

Lifespan

Long-lived perennial

Native To

Caucasus

Toxicity

Mildly toxic if ingested

The Story

Plant Bio

Phedimus spurius, formerly Sedum spurius, is a low-growing, mat-forming succulent perennial that spreads via creeping stems that root at the nodes. It is extremely tolerant of poor, dry soils and heat. 'Tricolor' is grown primarily for its striking foliage, which features green leaves edged in white and tinged with pink. The colors intensify in full sun, lean soil, and cooler temperatures.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

The primary appeal of 'Tricolor' is its beautiful, multi-hued foliage that provides color and texture year-round. The green, white, and pink leaves create a tapestry effect, especially when planted in masses or cascading over walls and container edges.

This plant is a superb, low-maintenance groundcover for hot, dry, difficult areas where little else will grow. It's excellent for filling gaps in rock walls, between pavers, or on green roofs due to its shallow root system and drought tolerance.

When it blooms, the small pink flowers are a valuable nectar source for bees and other small pollinators. The dense mat of foliage can also provide habitat for beneficial insects and spiders.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

We couldn't find this plant listed online right now.

Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping

Planting

How to Grow

Choose a sunny spot with excellent drainage.
Loosen the soil and amend with sand or grit if it's heavy.
Gently remove the plant from its pot and tease out the roots.
Place the plant in the ground at the same depth as the pot.
Press soil firmly around the root ball.
Water lightly to settle the soil; then water only when dry.

Pro Tip

For the best and most intense foliage color, provide full sun and neglect it; rich soil and too much water will result in greener, weaker growth.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide full sun for best foliage color.
Plant in sandy or gravelly soil.
Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
Use as a living mulch around other drought-tolerant plants.
Shear back after flowering if desired to tidy the plant.

Don't

Do not plant in heavy, wet clay soil.
Avoid overwatering, as it will lead to root and crown rot.
Do not fertilize; it prefers lean soil.
Avoid planting in deep shade, where it will lose its color and form.
Don't use organic mulch, which can hold too much moisture.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Plant
Propagate

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Colorful groundcover for dry slopesSpiller plant in container arrangementsVibrant filler for rock walls and pathways

Companion Plants

Sempervivum tectorum Thymus serpyllum Delosperma cooperi Festuca glauca 'Elijah Blue' Orostachys iwarenge

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Tricolor Stonecrop questions

What zones can Tricolor Stonecrop grow in?

Tricolor Stonecrop is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Tricolor Stonecrop deer resistant?

Yes — Tricolor Stonecrop is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Tricolor Stonecrop bloom?

Tricolor Stonecrop typically blooms in mid-summer through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Tricolor Stonecrop need full sun?

Tricolor Stonecrop does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Tricolor Stonecrop drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Tricolor Stonecrop handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.