The Story
Plant Bio
Sedum hakonense 'Chocolate Ball' is a low-growing, mat-forming perennial cultivar known for its attractive chocolate-brown foliage and yellow flowers.
Notable for its unique dark foliage and compact habit, making it suitable for ground cover or container gardening.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
4 inches
Width
12 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Low
Humidity
Low
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Japan
Toxicity
Non-toxic to humans and pets
Bloom period
Late summer – Early fall
In flower about 2 months of the year
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds or cuttings into well-draining soil in early spring.
- Water sparingly until established, then allow soil to dry between watering.
- Place in full sun for optimal color and growth.
- Mulch lightly to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Fertilize with a cactus or succulent fertilizer monthly during growing season.
- Divide in spring or fall to propagate new plants.
Pro Tip
Use well-draining sandy or gritty soil to prevent root rot and ensure healthy growth.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water only when soil is completely dry 🌱
- Provide full sun for vibrant foliage
- Use cactus fertilizer monthly in spring and summer
- Ensure excellent drainage to prevent overwatering
Don't
- Avoid overwatering, as it causes root rot ❌
- Don’t plant in heavy clay soil without amendment
- Refrain from excessive fertilizing
- Do not shade the plant, it thrives in full sun
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Chocolate Ball Stonecrop questions
What zones can Chocolate Ball Stonecrop grow in?
Chocolate Ball Stonecrop is hardy in USDA Zones 5–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Chocolate Ball Stonecrop deer resistant?
Yes — Chocolate Ball Stonecrop is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Chocolate Ball Stonecrop bloom?
Chocolate Ball Stonecrop typically blooms in late summer through early fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Chocolate Ball Stonecrop need full sun?
Chocolate Ball Stonecrop does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Chocolate Ball Stonecrop drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Chocolate Ball Stonecrop handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Sedum to compare
Autumn Joy Stonecrop
Sedum telephium 'Autumn Joy'
Autumn Fire Stonecrop
Sedum spectabile 'Autumn Fire'
Angelina Stonecrop
Sedum rupestre 'Angelina'
Red Wiggle Stonecrop
Sedum ochroleucum 'Red Wiggle'
Dazzleberry Sedum
Sedum rubrotinctum 'Dazzleberry'
Autumn Joy Sedum
Sedum telephium 'Herbstfreude'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Chocolate Ball Stonecrop with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.