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Sedum 'Purple Emperor'
Purple Emperor Stonecrop
Garden hybrid; parent species native to Europe and temperate Asia
Overview
Sedum 'Purple Emperor' (reclassified by some authorities as Hylotelephium 'Purple Emperor') is a deciduous herbaceous succulent perennial in the stonecrop family (Crassulaceae) reaching 12–15 inches (30–38 cm) tall with a spread of 18–24 inches (45–60 cm). The habit is compact, upright to mounding, held on sturdy purple-tinged stems. A hybrid in the S. telephium group, it produces thick fleshy broadly ovate leaves 2–3 inches (5–8 cm) long in deep purple to dark burgundy, holding color from spring emergence through autumn. Large flat-topped flower clusters 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) across of dusky rose-pink to mauve flowers 0.3 inch (8 mm) across appear in August–September, then age to dark burgundy seed heads that remain standing through winter. Growth rate is moderate; plants reach full size in 1–2 growing seasons. Hardy to zone 3. The cultivar is more compact and darker-foliaged than S. 'Herbstfreude' (Autumn Joy), which reaches 18–24 inches (45–60 cm) with green foliage. Stems may flop in rich soils or under shade; lean conditions produce the tightest habit.
Native Range
Sedum 'Purple Emperor' is a garden hybrid in the Hylotelephium telephium complex, selected from crosses among parent species native to Europe and temperate Asia.Suggested Uses
Grown in mixed borders, mass plantings, and containers at 18–24 inch (45–60 cm) spacing. The deep purple foliage holds color from spring through autumn, giving 5–6 months of foliage contrast against green-leaved perennials and grasses. Flowers are heavily visited by bees and butterflies from August through September. Container culture requires 3 gallon (11 L) or larger pots. Shaded sites, rich moist soils, and situations where staking is not wanted cause floppy growth.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 1'3"
Width/Spread1'6" - 2'
Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years
Bloom Information
Large flat-topped flower clusters 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) across of dusky rose-pink to mauve flowers 0.3 inch (8 mm) across appear in August–September. Flowers age to dark burgundy seed heads that remain standing through winter, extending the visual display to 6–8 weeks when seed heads are included.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Dusky rose-pink to mauve in flat-topped clusters 4-6 inches across; aging to dark burgundy seed headsFoliage Description
Deep purple to dark burgundy; broadly ovate fleshy 2-3 inches; held on purple-tinged stemsGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grows in full sun in well-drained lean to average soil at pH 6.0–7.5. Hardy to zone 3. Lean soil supports the tightest habit; rich soil and shade cause stems to flop. Full sun deepens the purple foliage color; shaded plants shift toward green-purple. Drought-tolerant once established. Overwatering causes crown rot. Persistent stems are cut back in late winter before new growth emerges.Pruning
Leave flowering stems and seed heads standing through winter for texture. Cut to ground level in late winter (February–March) before new shoots emerge. For shorter, bushier plants, stems can be pinched back to 6 inches (15 cm) in early June; this delays bloom by 1–2 weeks.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
early spring
Maintenance Level
very lowContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons