3 named cultivars

perennial

Stonecrop

Sedum rupestre

The Story

Plant Bio

Sedum rupestre, or reflexed stonecrop, is a low evergreen succulent from central and western Europe, forming spreading mats three to six inches high and one to two feet across. Trailing stems are packed with narrow blue-green needle-like leaves arranged like miniature spruce shoots. Flat heads of bright yellow flowers open from June to August.

It naturalises readily and will move beyond where it was planted, rooting from any stem that touches soil. That makes it superb on a dry bank or wall and a poor neighbour for small alpines, so give it a hard edge or lift the wandering stems each spring, which takes minutes and keeps the mat dense.

Uses & Benefits:

Blue-green needle-like foliage that reads almost like a miniature conifer, with bright yellow summer flowers.

Covers dry banks, wall tops and green roofs on almost no soil and no irrigation.

Summer flowers carry bees and butterflies on hot, dry sites with little else in bloom.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

6 inches

Width

24 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low

Humidity

Low

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Central and western Europe

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Planting

How to Grow

Plant in spring in full sun.
Use sandy or gravelly soil of low to moderate fertility.
Space plants a foot apart to knit into cover.
Water lightly until rooted, then leave it dry.
Lift stems that stray beyond the intended area.
Shear off spent flower heads in late summer.

Pro Tip

Poor soil gives tighter, bluer growth; feeding it produces soft green stems that flop and open at the centre.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant it in full sun for the bluest foliage ☀️
Use lean, gritty, sharply drained soil 🪨
Let it dry out between waterings 🌵
Contain it where it borders alpines ✂️

Don't

Plant it in heavy, wet or shaded ground ❌
Feed it and expect it to stay compact ❌
Let it run unchecked through a rock garden ❌

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 banks and slopesGreen roof and wall-top plantingRock garden and container spiller

Companion Plants

Hens And Chicks Creeping Thyme Ice Plant Blue Fescue Pasque Flower

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 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 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.