cactus succulentN. America Native

Broadleaf Stonecrop

Sedum spathulifolium

The Story

Plant Bio

Sedum spathulifolium, the broadleaf stonecrop, is a mat-forming evergreen succulent native to western North American cliffs and coastal bluffs, spreading up to two feet wide via creeping stems. The fleshy, spoon-shaped leaves form tight rosettes with a powdery, waxy coating that shifts from chalky white to deep burgundy under environmental stress.

This species produces upright flowering stems topped with flat, three-branched clusters of star-shaped yellow flowers from late spring through summer. The glaucous foliage provides year-round ground cover and erosion control on steep, rocky slopes where few other plants can anchor.

Uses & Benefits:

Forms a dense, colorful evergreen carpet of chalky-blue and burgundy rosettes topped with bright yellow summer flowers.

Suppresses weeds and stabilizes soil on steep, dry slopes or rocky retaining walls.

Provides nectar for native bees and butterflies, and serves as a food source for beneficial insects.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Cactus Succulent

Height

Width

24"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low

Humidity

Low to Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

North America

Toxicity

Mildly toxic if ingested

Bloom period

Late spring – Late summer

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site with sharp drainage, such as a rock garden, gravel scree, or retaining wall crevice.
Amend the soil with coarse sand or fine gravel to ensure water drains away from the crown instantly.
Space plants twelve inches apart, settling the basal rosettes flush with the soil surface.
Water lightly to settle the roots, then withhold water until the top two inches of soil dry out completely.

Pro Tip

Plant this succulent on sloped ground, rock walls, or in gritty gravel mixes rather than rich garden loam; crown moisture must shed immediately to prevent root rot.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant on a slope or in raised beds to facilitate rapid drainage.
Provide full sun to maintain the compact rosette form and intense foliage color.
Clear fallen autumn leaves from the mats to prevent damp rot.

Don't

Do not plant in heavy clay or moisture-retentive organic loam.
Do not overwater, especially during cold winter months when the plant is semi-dormant.
Do not apply heavy fertilizers, which cause weak, leggy, and unstable growth.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Rock GardenGroundcoverCoastal GardenGreen RoofContainer Planting

Companion Plants

Sempervivum tectorum Festuca glauca Armeria maritima Achillea millefolium

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Broadleaf Stonecrop questions

What zones can Broadleaf Stonecrop grow in?

Broadleaf Stonecrop is hardy in USDA Zones 5–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Broadleaf Stonecrop deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Broadleaf Stonecrop, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Broadleaf Stonecrop bloom?

Broadleaf Stonecrop typically blooms in late spring through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Broadleaf Stonecrop need full sun?

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

Is Broadleaf Stonecrop drought tolerant?

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