Species

Sedum rupestreStonecrop

2 other cultivars

perennial

Lemon Ball Stonecrop

Sedum rupestre 'Lemon Ball'

The Story

Plant Bio

Sedum rupestre, or stonecrop, is a low-growing, mat-forming succulent perennial known for its needle-like foliage and tolerance of dry, poor soils. It is native to the mountains of central and western Europe.

'Lemon Ball' is a popular cultivar prized for its brilliant chartreuse to golden-yellow foliage that forms a dense, spreading mat. The foliage may take on orange or reddish tints in cool weather.

Uses & Benefits:

Its electric chartreuse foliage provides a stunning, fine-textured groundcover that brightens any sunny spot in the garden year-round. It's particularly effective cascading over walls or in containers.

Excellent for erosion control on sunny slopes and thrives in difficult, dry locations where other plants struggle. Its dense mat helps suppress weeds.

The small, star-shaped yellow flowers attract a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, during their summer bloom period.

SpeciesSedum rupestreStonecrop

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

6 inches

Width

24 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low

Humidity

Low to moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Europe

Toxicity

Non-toxic to humans, mild GI upset in pets if ingested

Bloom period

Early summer – Mid-summer

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Choose a location with full sun and excellent drainage
Amend heavy clay soils with grit or sand to improve drainage
Dig a hole just as deep as the root ball
Place the plant in the hole and backfill with soil
Water lightly to settle the soil around the roots
Water sparingly once established; this plant thrives on neglect

Pro Tip

For the most intense yellow color, provide at least six hours of direct sun daily.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide excellent drainage
Plant in full sun for best color
Allow soil to dry out completely between waterings
Trim back leggy stems in spring to encourage dense growth

Don't

Do not overwater, as this causes root rot
Avoid planting in heavy, waterlogged clay soil
Do not fertilize heavily; it prefers lean soil

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Bright groundcover for sunny bordersSpiller plant in container arrangementsVibrant accent in rock gardens

Companion Plants

Sempervivum Delosperma cooperi Festuca glauca Lavandula Echinacea purpurea

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Lemon Ball Stonecrop questions

What zones can Lemon Ball Stonecrop grow in?

Lemon Ball 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 Lemon Ball Stonecrop deer resistant?

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

When does Lemon Ball Stonecrop bloom?

Lemon Ball 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 Lemon Ball Stonecrop need full sun?

Lemon Ball Stonecrop does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Lemon Ball Stonecrop drought tolerant?

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