Sedum sexangulare
tasteless stonecrop
Overview
Sedum sexangulare is a low, mat-forming evergreen succulent perennial in the stonecrop family, growing 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) tall and spreading by creeping, rooting stems. The small, cylindrical bright green leaves are about 0.2 inch (5 mm) long and arranged in six spiraling rows along the stems, turning bronze-green in full sun and cold. In June and July, branched stems rise 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) above the mat carrying star-shaped yellow flowers about 0.3 inch (8 mm) across. The plant forms a dense, weed-suppressing carpet and roots wherever stems touch soil. It tolerates drought, heat, and poor, shallow soils but can spread beyond its intended area and root into gaps between paving. Foliage stays evergreen through mild winters.
Native Range
Native to central and southern Europe and parts of western Asia. Grows on rocky outcrops, walls, dry banks, and sandy or gravelly soils in full sun. Naturalized in parts of North America.Suggested Uses
Planted as groundcover in rock gardens, green roofs, wall crevices, and between paving at 6-10 inch (15-25 cm) spacing. Used for dry, sunny sites and shallow soils where little else grows. Its spreading habit can move into adjacent plantings and paving joints.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2" - 4"
Width/Spread1' - 2'
Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years
Bloom Information
Flowers in June and July, with bloom lasting about 3-4 weeks. Yellow star-shaped flowers cover the mat above the foliage. The dried flower stems can be sheared off after bloom.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Bright green, bronzing in sunGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 5-12 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 to light shade in poor, dry, sharply drained soil, including shallow, rocky, and sandy ground. Performs poorly in rich, moist soils, where growth becomes soft and prone to rot. Water sparingly, as established plants need little supplemental water. Spreads by rooting stems to form a dense mat and can root into gaps between paving and into neighboring beds. Rot develops in wet, poorly drained sites. Foliage is evergreen in mild climates and bronzes in cold, sunny weather.Pruning
Shear off spent flower stems after bloom to tidy the mat. Lift and pull back spreading stems to control the edges of the planting. No other pruning is needed.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
summer
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 1 gallons