cactus succulentN. America Native

Oregon Stonecrop

Sedum oreganum

The Story

Plant Bio

Sedum oreganum, commonly known as Oregon stonecrop, is a low-growing, mat-forming evergreen succulent native to the rocky cliffs and coastal bluffs of western North America. The species spreads via creeping stems that root easily upon contact with the soil, creating a dense ground cover.

The glossy, spoon-shaped leaves are arranged in tight rosettes that shift from bright green to deep shades of bronze and red when exposed to summer heat and intense sunlight. In midsummer, terminal clusters of star-shaped, bright yellow flowers rise above the foliage, attracting native bees and hummingbirds.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides year-round color interest with evergreen rosettes that shift from bright green to deep bronze-red under sun stress.

Acts as an effective, low-maintenance groundcover for stabilizing soil on dry, rocky slopes and gravelly bluffs.

Serves as a valuable nectar source for native bees, butterflies, and visiting hummingbirds.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Cactus Succulent

Height

Width

24"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Low to moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Western North America

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Early summer – Late summer

In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site with full sun to light partial shade and exceptional drainage, such as a rock garden, crevice, or gravel bed.
Clear the planting area of aggressive weeds and incorporate coarse sand or fine gravel to ensure a lean, gritty substrate.
Position the plant so the crown sits slightly above the soil line, preventing moisture from pooling around the base.
Water sparingly immediately after planting to settle the soil, then withhold regular irrigation once the root system establishes.

Pro Tip

Starve this plant of organic nutrients and water; planting it in rich loam or overwatering triggers rapid, leggy growth and fatal root rot.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Grow in lean, nutrient-poor mineral soils to maintain a compact, colorful habit.
Ensure the planting site has flawless drainage to prevent winter wet rot.
Expose the plant to full sun to bring out the vibrant red and bronze foliage colors.

Don't

Do not apply heavy fertilizers or organic mulches, which cause weak, leggy growth.
Do not prune back into old, leafless woody stems as they recover very slowly.
Do not plant in low-lying, boggy, or poorly drained garden areas.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Pest Check
Propagate
Prune
Winter Prep

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Rock gardens and alpine troughsGreen roofs and living wallsGroundcover for dry, sunny slopesCrevice garden and stone wall plantings

Companion Plants

Sempervivum Arctostaphylos Armeria Phlox

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Oregon Stonecrop questions

What zones can Oregon Stonecrop grow in?

Oregon Stonecrop is hardy in USDA Zones 4–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Oregon Stonecrop deer resistant?

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

When does Oregon Stonecrop bloom?

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

Does Oregon Stonecrop need full sun?

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

Is Oregon Stonecrop drought tolerant?

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