2 named cultivars

cactus succulent

Japanese Stonecrop

Sedum makinoi

The Story

Plant Bio

Sedum makinoi is a low creeping succulent from China, Korea and Japan, forming a dense mat only two to four inches high and spreading four inches to a foot. Thick blunt conical leaves barely a quarter of an inch long overlap along low fleshy stems, and small star-shaped yellow flowers open in summer above the foliage.

The leaves are much smaller and finer than most stonecrops, which makes it one of the neatest fillers for the gaps between paving, for shallow troughs and for green roofs. It takes partial shade better than most sedums. Broken pieces root wherever they fall, so bare patches are filled simply by scattering stems on the soil.

Uses & Benefits:

A fine-textured evergreen carpet of tiny fleshy leaves, with golden and variegated forms available.

Thrives in almost no soil depth, making it ideal for troughs, paving gaps and green roofs.

Pollinators work the small summer flowers, and songbirds take the seed.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Cactus Succulent

Height

3 inches

Width

12 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Low

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

China, Korea and Japan

Toxicity

Non-toxic; young shoots edible

Planting

How to Grow

Plant in sun or partial shade in gritty, free-draining soil.
Use shallow containers or troughs; it needs little depth.
Water sparingly and let it dry out between waterings.
Avoid feeding, which makes growth soft and loose.
Scatter broken stems to fill any bare patches.
Clear fallen leaves off the mat in autumn.

Pro Tip

Fallen tree leaves left on the mat over winter rot it out in patches — a quick sweep in autumn prevents most losses.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Give it gritty, sharply drained soil 🌵
Let it dry between waterings ☀️
Scatter stems to fill gaps 🌱
Sweep fallen leaves off in autumn 🍂

Don't

Overwater or plant in heavy soil ❌
Feed it richly ❌
Leave wet leaf litter on the mat ❌

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Clear
Plant

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Gaps between paving and stepping stonesShallow troughs, containers and green roofsRock garden and wall-top planting

Companion Plants

Hens And Chicks Creeping Thyme PhedimusBlue Fescue Dianthus

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Japanese Stonecrop questions

What zones can Japanese Stonecrop grow in?

Japanese Stonecrop is hardy in USDA Zones 6–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Japanese Stonecrop deer resistant?

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

When does Japanese Stonecrop bloom?

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

Does Japanese Stonecrop need full sun?

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

Is Japanese Stonecrop drought tolerant?

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