6 named cultivars

cactus succulent

Stonecrop

Sedum spurium

The Story

Plant Bio

Sedum spurium, or Caucasian stonecrop, is a low evergreen mat-former from the Caucasus, Iran and Turkey, spreading to two feet across while standing only three to six inches high. Trailing stems carry flat, scalloped, fleshy leaves that often take on red tones in cold weather. Flat heads of pink-red flowers open in June and July.

It roots wherever a stem touches soil, which makes it excellent cover on a dry bank and a nuisance in a small rock garden, where it will creep over choicer neighbours. Give it an edge it cannot cross, or pull back the advancing stems each spring; both are a minute's work if done annually.

Uses & Benefits:

Dense scalloped foliage that reddens in cold weather, topped by flat pink-red flower heads in midsummer.

Holds dry banks and stone-wall pockets with almost no water, soil or attention.

Midsummer flowers draw butterflies and small bees to sites too dry for most nectar plants.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Cactus Succulent

Height

4 inches

Width

21 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low

Humidity

Low

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Caucasus, Iran and Turkey

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Planting

How to Grow

Plant in spring in full sun and sharply drained soil.
Choose sandy or gravelly ground; poor soil suits it.
Space plants about a foot apart for ground cover.
Water lightly until established, then leave it alone.
Pull back stems that creep where they are not wanted.
Shear off spent flower heads after bloom to tidy the mat.

Pro Tip

Overwatering does more damage than drought; if the mat goes soft and black at the centre, the soil is holding water.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in full sun for the best leaf colour ☀️
Use gritty, sharply drained soil 🪨
Let it dry out between waterings 🌵
Edge it where it borders smaller plants ✂️

Don't

Overwater it or plant in heavy wet ground ❌
Let it creep unchecked over alpines ❌
Feed it richly; poor soil gives tighter growth ❌

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Shear
Tidy

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Ground cover on dry sunny banksRock garden and stone wall pocketsBorder edging and container spiller

Companion Plants

Hens And Chicks Creeping Thyme Blue Fescue Ice Plant Dianthus

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Stonecrop questions

What zones can Stonecrop grow in?

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 Stonecrop deer resistant?

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

When does Stonecrop bloom?

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

Does Stonecrop need full sun?

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

Is Stonecrop drought tolerant?

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