cactus succulent

Little Miss Sunshine Stonecrop

Sedum 'Little Miss Sunshine'

The Story

Plant Bio

Sedums, or stonecrops, are succulent perennials known for their fleshy leaves, tolerance of drought and poor soil, and late-season flowers that are a magnet for pollinators.

'Little Miss Sunshine' is a compact, mounding sedum with glossy, dark green leaves that form a tight clump. It is covered in bright yellow, star-shaped flowers in early summer, earlier than many other sedums.

Uses & Benefits:

This sedum forms a tight, weed-suppressing mat of attractive glossy green foliage, providing a great backdrop for the explosion of bright yellow flowers in summer. It's perfect for adding a splash of color to the front of a border or a rock wall.

Its extreme drought tolerance makes it a superb choice for water-wise landscapes, green roofs, and hot, dry areas where other plants fail. It provides excellent erosion control on sunny slopes.

The flowers are a feast for pollinators, especially bees and butterflies, providing an important nectar source during the summer months.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Cactus Succulent

Height

8 inches

Width

18 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low

Humidity

Low to moderate

Lifespan

Long-lived perennial

Native To

Hybrid

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Early summer – Mid-summer

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a location that receives at least 6 hours of sun.
Ensure the soil is gritty and drains very quickly.
Dig a shallow hole and place the plant.
Backfill, making sure the crown is not buried.
Water lightly to settle the soil.
Water only when the soil is dry to the touch.

Pro Tip

Excellent drainage is crucial. Amend heavy soils with grit or sand to prevent crown rot, especially in winter.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide full sun for the best habit and flowering.
Use very well-draining, gritty soil.
Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
Plant on slopes or in rock gardens where drainage is sharp.

Don't

Do not overwater, which is the most common cause of failure.
Do not plant in rich, heavy, or wet soil.
Do not fertilize; it promotes weak, floppy growth.
Avoid planting in shady locations.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Bright edging for sunny bordersDurable rock garden specimenColorful groundcover for dry slopes

Companion Plants

Sempervivum Delosperma cooperi Festuca glauca Lavandula angustifolia Echinacea purpurea

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Little Miss Sunshine Stonecrop questions

What zones can Little Miss Sunshine Stonecrop grow in?

Little Miss Sunshine 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 Little Miss Sunshine Stonecrop deer resistant?

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

When does Little Miss Sunshine Stonecrop bloom?

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

Does Little Miss Sunshine Stonecrop need full sun?

Little Miss Sunshine Stonecrop does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Little Miss Sunshine Stonecrop drought tolerant?

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