perennial

Cherry Tart Stonecrop

Sedum 'Cherry Tart'

The Story

Plant Bio

Groundcover Sedums, or stonecrops, are tough, succulent perennials that thrive in sun and poor, dry soils, forming dense mats of colorful foliage.

'Cherry Tart' is a low-growing, spreading sedum from the SunSparkler series, featuring striking cherry-red foliage all season and topped with large clusters of vibrant pink flowers in late summer.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides a durable, weed-suppressing mat of vibrant cherry-red foliage from spring through fall. In late summer, it is covered in bright pink flower clusters that contrast beautifully with the leaves.

An exceptional plant for rock gardens, green roofs, rock walls, and as an edging for hot, sunny paths. Its drought tolerance makes it a key component of water-wise landscapes.

The late-season flowers are a vital food source for bees and butterflies preparing for winter or migration, providing nectar when many other plants have finished blooming.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

6 inches

Width

18 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low

Humidity

Low

Lifespan

Long-lived perennial

Native To

Hybrid

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Late summer – Early fall

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a location in full, hot sun with excellent drainage
If soil is heavy, amend with gravel or coarse sand
Dig a shallow hole just large enough for the root ball
Place the plant in the hole, ensuring the crown is at soil level
Backfill with soil and water sparingly to settle
Do not mulch; a gravel top-dressing is beneficial

Pro Tip

Avoid rich soils and excessive water, which can lead to floppy growth and crown rot. This plant thrives on neglect.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide at least 6-8 hours of direct sun for best color
Ensure sharp drainage; this is the most critical requirement
Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings
Plant in average to poor soil for the most compact growth

Don't

Do not overwater or plant in a wet location
Avoid fertilizing, as it promotes weak, leggy growth
Do not plant in rich, heavily amended soil
Avoid planting in shade, where it will lose its color and form

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

Colorful groundcover for hot, dry areasSpilling over rock walls and container edgesFire-resistant landscaping choice

Companion Plants

Sempervivum (Hens and Chicks)Delosperma (Ice Plant)Festuca glauca (Blue Fescue)Thymus serpyllum (Creeping Thyme)Echinacea (dwarf varieties)

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Cherry Tart Stonecrop questions

What zones can Cherry Tart Stonecrop grow in?

Cherry Tart 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 Cherry Tart Stonecrop deer resistant?

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

When does Cherry Tart Stonecrop bloom?

Cherry Tart 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 Cherry Tart Stonecrop need full sun?

Cherry Tart Stonecrop does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Cherry Tart Stonecrop drought tolerant?

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