Sedum

( SEED - um )

At-A-Glance Information

This genus of succulent perennials includes species which need full sun or part shade and little to moderate water to perform well in the landscape. The flowers will attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds to the garden. Habit and hardiness vary by species, as does size, shape, and color. Generally, they are low-maintenance subshrubs, upright shrubs, or groundcovers with succulent foliage and are native to temperate, subtropical, and tropical mountainous regions across the Northern Hemisphere. Use sedums as specimens in pots or containers and border beds. When used as a groundcover, plant in an area that does not receive a lot of jostling or foot traffic, which can cause damage to foliage and flower spikes. Creeping varieties can be used as a lawn alternative.

Sedum Species and Varietals

The genus Sedum is a member of the plant family Crassuclaceae and includes between 420 and 470 species. The plants in this genus are closely related to those in Dudleya (Liveforever), Echeveria (Mexican Rosette), and Graptopetalum (Ghost Plant). Species once in this genus have been moved to genera Hylotelephium (Orpine) and Rhodiola (Golden Root). The ideal growing zones for Sedum vary by species; see the descriptions below for more information. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Sedum acre (Goldmoss Sedum, Goldmoss Stonecrop, Biting Stonecrop, Mossy Stonecrop, Wallpepper, Common Stonecrop, Everliving of the World, Hayy al-Alam, حي العالم, Biting Roof House Leek, Acı Damkoruğu, Sharp Wall Pepper, : Scharfer Mauerpfeffer, Orpin Brûlant, Orpin Acre, Muurpeper, Uña de Gato, Pan de Cuco)
This species of Sedum grows in USDA hardiness zones 3-9 or Sunset growing zones zones A2, A3 and 1-24 and is native to Europe, North Africa, and Turkey. It reaches 2 to 5 inches tall and has trailing stems. Leaves are light green and the plant produces clusters of yellow flowers that bloom in spring. This is an extremely hardy species and makes a handsome groundcover between stepping stones or wedged into crevices in walls. Cultivars include 'Aureum' (with butter yellow and chartreuse foliage) and 'Octoberfest' (with tight green rosettes accented with creamy white). This species is considered invasive in northern North America.

Sedum album (White Stonecrop, Small Houseleek, Orpin Blanc, Pourpier de Mer, Weißer Magerwurz, Uva de Gato, Pan Porquero, Pimpinela Blanca, Borracina Bianca, Erba Pignola Bianca, Wit Vetkruid, Jelly Bean Sedum, Hardy Baby Tears)
Native to Europe, Siberia, western Asia, and North Africa, these plants grow best in USDA hardiness zones 3-9 or Sunset growing zones 1-24. It has a creeping habit, growing to 2-6 inches tall at maturity. Leaves are a medium green color, sometimes tinted red. Summer flowers can be white or pink. If using this Sedum as a groundcover, plant 1-1.5 feet apart. These plants will spread in the garden, rooting where stems touch soil. Cultivars include 'Coral Carpet' (with salmon-pink tones in spring and bronze in winter), 'Murale' (to 3-4 in. tall with deep purple leaves and darker pink flower buds), 'Athoum' (neat green leaf clusters that flush red), 'Faro Form' (with deep green foliage that turns deep red to chocolate in cool weather), and 'Chloroticum' (with pale bright green foliage, less prone to blushing). This species is considered invasive in the Pacific Northwest, California, Northeast, and Midwest regions of the United States as well as Canada.

Sedum anglicum (English Stonecrop)
Native to Western Europe, this species grows best in USDA hardiness zones 5-9 or Sunset growing zones 1-24. Gets to 2-4 inches tall and has tiny, dark green leaves. Spring flowers are pink or white. If using as a groundcover, plant about 9-12 inches apart for best coverage and performance. Cultivars of this species include 'Suzie Q' (low=growing with pale-blushed blooms). 'Hartland' (with blue-green leaves and soft pink flowers), and 'Love's Triangle' (vivid green leaves on brownish stems and tiny white flowers).

Sedum brevifolium (Short-Leaved Stonecrop, Carpet Stonecrop, Crespinell Brevifoli, Rice of the Walls, Arroz dos Muros, Uga Gato, Orpin à Feuilles Courtes, Uvas de Gato)
This species grows best in USDA hardiness zones 3-9 or Sunset growing zones 8, 9 and 12-24 and is native to the Mediterranean. It reaches up to 2 to 3 inches tall and 1 foot wide. Leaves are greyish white and red-flushed and summer flowers are pinkish-white. This species needs acidic soil and good drainage, and is best in rock gardens, mini gardens, or in containers with other larger succulents. Will get sunburned in hot, dry areas.

Sedum cauticola (Cliff Stonecrop, Cliff-Dwelling Stonecrop, Misebaya of the Hidaka Mountains, Hidaka-misebaya, ヒダカミセバヤ, 日高見せばや)
This species grows best in USDA hardiness 3-9 or Sunset growing zones 1-11 and 14-24, and is native to Japan. It forms a mound of blue-grey leaves and produces rosey-red flowers in late summer and early fall. This species dies back to the ground in wintertime. Cultivars include 'Coca Cola' (with silver foliage and pink flowers), 'Lidakense' (pictured, with powder blue pink margined leaves and bright magenta blooms), and 'Rosea' (with deeper rose-pink flowers).

Sedum confusum (Lesser Mexican Stonecrop, Mexican Stonecrop, Siempreviva de Media Montaña)
This species of Sedum grows best in USDA hardiness zones 7a-10b or Sunset climate zones 8, 9 and 14-24, and is native to Mexico. It has a spreading habit, reaching up to 6-18 inches tall and just as wide at maturity. Leaves are dark green and shiny and tend to cluster towards the end of stems. Spring flowers bloom in clusters of yellow. Makes a good groundcover but struggles in wet soil and hot weather. It is most in its element during the cooler months of the year. This plant is great in borders and containers, as edging for beds or in miniature gardens.

Sedum dasyphyllum (Corsican Stonecrop, Thick-Leaved Stonecrop, Blue Tears Sedum, Arrocetas, Arròs de Paret, Princess Herb, Erba della Principessa, Orpin à Feuilles Glanduleuses, Orpin à Feuilles épaisses)
This species grows best in USDA hardiness zones 5-10 or Sunset climate zones 2-24, H1 and H2 and is native to the Mediterranean. This Sedum species forms a mat 1.5-4.5 inches tall that can reach about a foot wide at maturity. Summertime brings blooms in white streaked with pink. This species needs partial shade. Cultivars include 'Riffense' (with silver-grey leaves), 'Major' (with plump silver-blue leaves good for containers), 'Himalayan Skies' (with ice blue-green foliage and a fast-spreading habit), and 'Minor' (with microscopic foliage), and 'Glanduliferum' (a variety with sticky foliage).

Sedum dendroideum (Tree Stonecrop, False Hens-and-Chickens, Siempreviva Amarilla, Tetzmitl, Texiotl, Texiote, Lipa-cum-ma-uai, Jabnal, Siempreviva Gruesa, Bálsamo)
This plant is native to Mexico and Guatemala and grows best in USDA hardiness zones 9-11 or Sunset growing zones 8, 9, 12 and 14-24. It has a branching habit, and leaves are yellow-green (often tinted with bronze). Individual plants reach up to 1-3 feet tall when mature. Flowers bloom in spring and are deep yellow. The main cultivar of this species is, 'Colossus', which reaches up to 8-10 feet tall.

Sedum forsterianum (Rock Stonecrop, Welsh Stonecrop, Forster's Stonecrop)
This species of Sedum is from western Europe and the British Isles and grows best in USDA hardiness zones 4-9 or Sunset growing zones 2-12 and 14-24. It has blue-green needle-like leaves and reaches 8 inches tall and 10 inches wide at maturity. Flowers are yellow. Cultivars of this species include 'Oracle' (with ice-blue foliage), 'Silver Stone' (blue-green leaves form a dense, low carpet), and 'Antique Grill' (to 3 in. with tiny blue leaves).

Sedum kamtschaticum (Phedimus lamtschatcus) (Orange Stonecrop, Kamchatka Stonecrop, Russian Stonecrop, Gold Sedum, Girincho, 기린초, 麒麟草, Ezo Kirinsou, Hokkaido Kirinsau, Ezo-No-Kirinsou, エゾノキリンソウ, 蝦夷黄輪草, 蝦夷麒麟草)
This species grows best in zones 1-11 and 14-21 and is native to Korea, Japan, China, and the Russian far east. Individual plants can reach 4-12 inches tall and 2 feet wide at maturity. Stems are trailing and set with toothed, thick green leaves. Flowers bloom in summer and are yellow, aging to red. This is a great species to grow in cooler climates. Cultivars are outlined below:

'Ellacombianum'
4-6 inches tall with bright green leaves.

'Little Miss Sunshine'
Compact groundcover with tight green foliage and yellow flowers.

'Weihenstephaner Gold'
Golden blossoms age to orange.

'Variegatum'
Leaves are edged in cream.

Sedum lineare (Needle Stonecrop, Carpet Sedum, Sea Urchin)
This species grows best in USDA hardiness zones 6-10 or Sunset growing zones 1-24 and is native to China and Japan. Gets 4 inches high and has a trailing habit. Stems will root where they touch soil. Leaves are light green and flowers are yellow and bloom in late spring and early summer. If using this plant as a groundcover, plant 1-1.5 feet apart. Cultivars include 'Sea Urchin' (with narrow light green leaves to 3 feet wide) and 'Variegatum' (pictured; with white-edged leaves, often grown in containers).

Sedum makinoi (Japanese Stonecrop, Golden Stonecrop, Japanese Golden Sedum, Round-Leaved Thousand-Years Weed, Maruba-man-nen-gusa, マルバマンネングサ, 丸葉万年草, Round-Leaved Stonecrop, Yuán Yè Jǐng Tiān, 圆叶景天, Mǎ Yá Bàn Zhī, 马牙半支, Dung-geun-ip-bi-reum, 둥근잎비름)
This species grows best in USDA hardiness zones 6-10 or Sunset growing zones 5-9 and 14-24, and is native to Japan, Korea, and China. It has a trailing habit, with plump leaves and yellow flowers. This species loves shady, rocky soil and regular water. Cultivars include 'Ogon' (with round, golden leaves), 'Limelight' (with lime green leaves), 'Variegatum' (with leaves edged with cream-chartreuse margins), and 'Salsa Verde' (with deep green leaves).

Sedum morganianum (Donkey Tail, Burro Tail, Donkey's Tail, Horse's Tail, Lamb's Tail, Stonecrop, Cola de Burro, Cola de Burrito, Cola de Borrego)
This species grows best in USDA hardiness zones 10 and 11 or Sunset growing zones 17, 22-24, H1 and H2. They are native to southern Mexico, and produce trailing stems that can reach 3-4 feet in length. Leaves are gray-green and overlapping. Flowers appear in spring and summer sporadically and are pink to deep red. Best when grown in hanging baskets or pots. This species needs rich, fast-draining soil, and protection from wind and sun. There is one main cultivar of the species, 'Burrito', also called the Baby Burro's Tail, which has smaller leaves than the species, blue-green foliage and a slightly more compact grown habit.

Sedum oxypetalum (Dwarf Tree Stonecrop)
Native to the central highlands and lava fields of Mexico, this Sedum species grows best in USDA hardiness zones 8b-12 or Sunset growing zones 16, 17 and 21-24. Individual plants reach up to 2-4 feet tall and 1.5 feet wide at maturity. They have the silhouette of a tiny, gnarled tree. Leaves are olive green, and fragrant flowers are a dull red.

Sedum praealtum (Shrubby Stonecrop, Green Cockscomb, Bush Sedum, Siempreviva Grande, Bálsamo)
Grows best in USDA hardiness zones 9-12 or Sunset growing zones 8, 9, 12 and 14-24 and is native to central and eastern Mexico. Leaves are green and flowers are light yellow. Blooms pop in spring and summertime. This species is considered invasive in New Zealand.

Sedum x rubrotinctum (Pork and Beans, Jelly Bean Plant, Brownbean Sedum, Dedo de Niño, Frijolitos, Nariz de Borracho, Nariz de Payaso, Alegía de Pascua)
This hybrid Sedum grows best in USDA hardiness zones 9-11 or Sunset growing zones 8, 9, 12, 14-24, H1 and H2. Native to Mexico. Has sprawling stems, growing to 6-8 inches long that are set with green leaves with red-brown tips. Flowers bloom in spring and are yellow. Great for rock gardens, containers, or as a small-scale groundcover. the main cultivar of this species is 'Aurora' (also called 'Pink Jelly Bean', with bright pink leaves).

Sedum rupestre (Sedum reflexum) (Stonecrop, Rocky Stonecrop, Crooked Yellow Stonecrop, Reflection Stonecrop, Jenny's Stonecrop, Prick-Madam, Trip-Madam, Blue Stonecrop)
This species grows best in USDA hardiness zones 3-9 or Sunset growing zones 2-24 and is native to Europe. It has a spreading, creeping habit growing to 16 inches tall and a foot wide. Leaves are a light blue-grey and are closely set on stems. If using as a groundcover, plant 1.5 feet apart for best coverage. Varieties include 'Angelina' (with golden leaves), 'Silver' (with blue-silver needle foliage and yellow blooms), 'Plum Dazzled' (with rich purple foliage and pink flowers) and 'Blue Spruce' (with needle-like leaves that look like a Blue Spruce tree).

Sedum sediforme (Sedum altissimum) (Pale Stonecrop, Turquoise Stonecrop, Broadleaf Stonecrop)
This Mediterranean native grows best in USDA hardiness zones 5a-10 or Sunset growing zones 2-24 and has a spreading habit. It grows to 16 inches tall and a foot wide, and has narrow light blue-grey leaves. Summer flowers bloom in greenish-white to light yellow. Great for rock gardens or as a small-scale groundcover. Cultivars include 'Turquoise Tails' (with turquoise foliage to 4-8 in. tall and 12 in. wide), 'Variegata' (with cream accented foliage), and 'Spanish Selection' (with soft blue-grey foliage).

Sedum sieboldii (Hylotelephium sieboldii) (October Daphne, October Daphne Stonecrop, Siebold's Stonecrop, Siebold's Sedum, Japanese Stonecrop, October Plant, October Stonecrop, Round Fan Stonecrop, Yuán Shàn Bā Bǎo, 圆扇八宝, Misebaya, ミセバヤ, 見せばや)
Grows best in USDA hardiness zones 3-9 or Sunset growing zones 2-9, 12, and 13-24 and is native to Japan and southwest China. Individual plants reach up to 4 inches tall and 8-12 inches wide with a spreading, trailing habit. Leaves are blue-grey and have red edges, and are somewhat toothed. Entire plant will turn copper in cooler weather, and die to the ground in wintertime. In fall, each stem produces a cluster of dusty pink flowers. They are great for rock gardens and hanging baskets and need light shade for best performance. Variety 'Variegatum' (pictured), also called 'Medioveriegatum', has leaves with yellow-white markings.

Sedum spathulifolium (Pacific Stonecrop, Broadleaf Stonecrop, Broad-Leaved Stonecrop, Spoon-Leaved Stonecrop, Colorado Stonecrop, Purdy's Stonecrop, Yosemite Stonecrop)
This plant is native to the California coast mountain ranges as well as the Sierra Nevadas up to British Columbia. It grows best in USDA hardiness zones 5-9 or Sunset growing zones 2-9 and 14-24. Leaves are blue-green and tinged purple-red, held in rosettes on short, trailing stems. Flowers are light yellow and pop in spring and summer. It is great as a groundcover and when planted in rock gardens. It is a very drought-tolerant Sedum species. Cultivars include 'Cape Blanco' (pictured; powdery rosettes that turn raspberry in cool weather) and 'Carnea' (silver-grey rosettes that blush bronze-red).

Sedum spectabile (Hylotelephium spectabile) (Showy Stonecrop, Ice Plant, Butterfly Stonecrop, Cháng Yào Bā Bǎo, 长药八宝, Stone Vegetable, Shítou Cài, 石头菜, Scrpion Palm, Xiēzǐ Zhǎng, 蝎子掌, Large Stonecrop, Geun-kkwoeng-ui-bi-reum, 큰꿩의비름)
This native of China and Korea grows to 1.5 feet tall and wide, and grows best in USDA hardiness zones 3-9 or Sunset growing zones 1-24. Leaves are blue-green and flower clusters in late summer and fall are pink and mature to a dark brown seed head. Dies back to the ground in wintertime. Cultivars include 'Brilliant' (with deep rose flowers), 'Neon' (with bright pink flowers), 'Merchant's Best Red' (with cerise flowers on burgundy stems and dark green foliage), 'Septemberglut' (with vivid rose flowers), 'Stardust' (with silver-white flowers), and those in the Herbstfreude Group, such as 'Autumn Joy', 'Autumn Fire', and 'Autumn Charm'. This species is considered invasive in regions of the eastern and central United States.

Sedum spurium (Phedimus spurius) (Caucasian Stonecrop, Two-Row Stonecrop, Creeping Stonecrop, Stonecrop)
This species grows best in USDA hardiness zones 3-9 or Sunset growing zones 1-10 and 14-24 and is native to the Caucasus. It is a low-growing species with a trailing habit, and dark green to bronze-tinted leaves. Summer flowers are pink, purple or white. Great for rock gardens and groundcover purposes. Cultivars are outlined below:

'Dragon's Blood'
Purple-bronze leaves and dark red flowers.

'Red Carpet'
Red leaves and blooms.

'Fuldaglut'
Rosy-pink flower clusters and red leaves.

'John Creech'
Scalloped green leaves and pink flowers.

'Tricolor'
Leaves are variegated with green, white, and pink. Flowers are pink.

'VooDoo'
Reddish leaves and red flowers.

Sedum telephium (Hylotelephium telephium) (Oripine, Liveforever, Stonecrop, Livelong, Midsummer-Men, Frog's Stomach, Harping Johnny, Witch's Moneybags)
Grows best in USDA hardiness zones 3-9 or Sunset growing zones 1-24 and reaches up to 2 feet high and 1-2 feet wide at maturity. It is native from Europe to Japan, and has gray-green, narrow leaves. Flowers bloom over a long season from late summer to autumn in purple-pink, aging to brown-maroon. These plants die to the ground in winter. They need full sun and regular to moderate water.

'Picolette'
15 inches tall and a little wider, with bronze-red leaves and pink flowers.

'Postman's Pride'
2 feet tall and wide, with pink-red flowers that mature to burgundy and leaves that are deep purple.

'Purple Emperor'
Gets 18 inches tall and wide, with small purple leaves and dusty pink flowers.

'Red Cauli'
15 inches tall and wide, grey-green leaves with a purple tint and flowers in red.

'Xenox'
This plant gets 14 inches tall and 18 inches wide, with mauve-green foliage that turns burgundy-purple when mature. Flowers are pink.

'Yellow Xenox'
16 inches tall and 20 inches wide; Flowers are yellow and foliage is dark.

Sedum tetractinum (Chinese Stonecrop, Chinese Sedum, Coral Reef Stonecrop, Four-Rayed Stonecrop, Si Mang Jing Tian, 四芒景天)
This species of Sedum grows best in USDA hardiness zones 4-9 or Sunset growing zones 2-9 and 14-24. It is native to China, and forms a three inch tall mat of green rosettes that spread to over a foot. Flowers are yellow and pop in late spring and early summer. These plants need moderate water at first, and little water when established. Cultivars include 'Coral Reef' (pictured; round rich green leaves that flush red) and 'Little China' (dwarf, with green foliage that blushes red in cold).

Caring for sedum

Plant these succulents in a space in the landscape that receives full sun; ideally, they appreciate between 6 and 8 hours of sun each day for the best blooms. When these plants are grown in less light, they will not flower as profusely. Ensure that soil is well-draining, rich in nutrients, and has a pH of between 6.0 and 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral). If local soils are particularly poor in nutrients or do not drain well, make sure to amend the planting area with plenty of organic compost before installing. Apply a layer of rock mulch around the planting area to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and to increase soil moisture retention.

Water new plantings regularly as they establish a strong root system in their new home. At maturity, these plants are considered drought-tolerant, able to get by on rainwater alone for much of the year with supplemental waterings during extended periods of dry, warm weather. Allow soil to dry out completely between waterings. Sedum do not need to be fertilized. Pruning is simple; remove any damaged, diseased, or dead foliage at any time during the growing season, and remove spent flower spikes to neaten up the appearance of plants and encourage reblooms. If plant parts die back over winter, simply prune them off in springtime as new growth emerges; removing them too early can cause the newly exposed stems and leaves to die back. For bushier plants like those now in the Hylotelephium genus, prune plants back to the ground in early springtime, and pinch back new growth every so often to encourage a bushier form and more flowers. This can also help to prevent flopping, especially in warm weather. Succulent species can survive for decades in the landscape before needing to be replaced, and many will form colonies or spread, providing new plants for the garden indefinitely.

Caring for Sedum in Containers
Sedum plants do well in the ground but can also be grown in containers. Choose a container that is at least a few inches wider and deeper than the nursery pot or root ball. Ensure that the pot has adequate drainage holes on the bottom to allow for excess water to flow away. These plants prefer a rocky or sandy substrate that is well-draining. Top with a layer of rock mulch to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and to increase soil moisture retention. Water regularly as the plant establishes itself in its new home. Once established, waterings can be lessened. Sedum plants grown in containers will need more frequent irrigation than those grown in the ground, but are still considered very drought-tolerant. As a general rule of thumb, water whenever the top few inches of soil feels dry to the touch and allow soil to completely dry out between irrigations. Prune to remove dead, damaged, or diseased foliage at any time during the growing season. Every few years, check the bottom of the pot to ensure that the plant is not outgrowing its root space. If roots are growing through the drainage holes in the bottom of the container, it is a good indication that it needs to be potted up; choose a slightly larger container and repot.

Harvesting Sedum
The flower spikes produced by Sedum plants are commonly used in cut flower arrangements and bouquets to add umbelliform layers of geometric flower clusters. The most commonly cultivated species are those that are now classified under Hylotelephium. The stems are harvested in spring and summer, when plants are in bloom. Individual stems can be cut when they are in tight green bud, soft blush pink, full flower, or when they have attained their autumn color. The best time of day to harvest cut flowers is in the morning, after dew has dried but before the heat of the day sets in. Using sharp, clean shears or snips, cut the stem just above a node and carefully remove all leaves that will be below the water line. Drop the stem in a bucket of cool water. These stems can last for between 1 and 4 weeks depending on the harvest stage and care.

Propagation

The best way to propagate Sedum succulents is by cutting in springtime. To propagate your succulent, you will need a clean, sharp knife or garden shears and a pot filled with a well-draining potting mix (if you will not be replanting in the ground). When you have gathered your materials, follow the directions below to propagate your plant:

Use your clean, sharp garden shears or knife to cut off a piece of stem with leaves. Place this cutting on its side and leave it in a dry, warm, shaded spot for at least three days. Succulent species can also be propagated through leaf cuttings, which are harvested and then left out in the same manner. This will cause the root end to heal and form a hard callous. Doing this helps the plant avoid root rot when it gets planted.
Fill your pot with the potting mix described above, and then place the calloused end of your cutting into the soil. Push down until the cutting can stay upright without assistance. Place the pot in a spot that receives bright, indirect light and water lightly once a week. Do not allow the soil to become too moist or dry out completely.
Your cutting should grow roots in about two weeks, whether or not it is placed in potting medium. To check for roots, lightly tug on the plant. If it resists, you have roots.

Problems and Pests

Certain Sedum species are considered invasive in some regions; see the species descriptions above for more information. Check with local authorities before planting. Sedum can be susceptible to developing issues with the following pests and diseases in the landscape: