What hardiness zones is Sedum suitable for?

Sedum is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9.

How much water does Sedum need?

Sedum has Very Low water needs.

Sedum spp.

Stonecrop

Northern Hemisphere; centers of diversity in Europe, western Asia, and Central Asia; rocky outcrops, alpine screes, and dry woodland margins

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At a Glance

TypePerennial

HabitMounding

FoliageEvergreen

Height1-24 inches (2.5-60 cm) depending on species

Width6-24 inches (15-60 cm) depending on species

Maturity2 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

3 - 9

Zone 3 Zone 4 Zone 5 Zone 6 Zone 7 Zone 8 Zone 9

These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.

What's my zone? →

Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Butterflies Deer Resistant Drought Tolerant Container Friendly

Native to North America

Maintenancevery low

Overview

Sedum spp. is a large genus of succulent herbs and subshrubs in Crassulaceae spp., comprising approximately 400 species native primarily to the Northern Hemisphere. Garden stonecrops range from low mat-forming groundcovers 1-3 inches (2.5-7.5 cm) tall to upright border perennials 12-24 inches (30-60 cm) tall. The defining characteristic is thick fleshy water-storing leaves — typically small, rounded to cylindrical, glaucous to bright green, arranged spirally on the stem. Flowers are 5-petaled, star-shaped, produced in flat-topped or dome-shaped cymes in yellow, white, pink, or red depending on species. Low-growing species such as S. acre and S. spurium serve as groundcovers; taller species such as S. spectabile (now reclassified as Hylotelephium spectabile by some authorities) are herbaceous border plants. Hardiness, size, and cultural requirements vary by species and should be verified for individual selections. Sharp drainage is the primary cultural requirement — wet winter soils cause crown rot. Some species, including S. acre, spread and self-seed aggressively in garden conditions. This entry represents the genus.

Native Range

Sedum spp. species are native across the Northern Hemisphere, with centers of diversity in Europe, western Asia, and Central Asia. Individual species occupy habitats from coastal cliffs and rocky outcrops to alpine screes and dry woodland margins. Several species have naturalized widely outside their native ranges. Some species are native to North America.

Suggested Uses

Low-growing species are grown as groundcovers, rock garden subjects, green roof plantings, and container edges in full sun and sharply drained conditions, spaced 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) apart. Taller upright species are grown in mixed borders and pollinator gardens, spaced 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) apart. Drought tolerance and low maintenance needs suit dry full-sun Pacific Northwest sites with sharp drainage. Non-toxic. Deer-resistant. Hardy in zones 3-9. This entry represents the genus.

How to Identify

Sedum spp. is identified by thick fleshy water-storing leaves — typically small, glaucous to green, cylindrical to flattened — arranged spirally on stems, and 5-petaled star-shaped flowers in flat-topped or dome-shaped cymes. The 5-petaled flowers (not 6-20 petaled) separate Sedum spp. from Sempervivum spp.; cold hardiness and growth habit separate Sedum spp. from Echeveria spp..

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1" - 2'

Width/Spread6" - 2'

Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~8 weeks

Spring Summer Fall

Bloom period varies by species, ranging from May through October. Low-growing groundcover types (e.g., S. acre, S. spurium) typically flower May-July; upright border types (e.g., S. spectabile) flower August-October. Flowers are 5-petaled, star-shaped, in flat-topped or dome-shaped cymes in yellow, white, pink, or red.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

yellow, white, pink, or red depending on species; 5-petaled, star-shaped, in flat-topped or dome-shaped cymes

Foliage Description

glaucous green to gray-green; thick and fleshy, water-storing; small, rounded to cylindrical, arranged spirally on the stem

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun Partial Shade

Requires 4-12 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

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 8.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam sand rocky

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Very Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

1-2 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Site in full sun (4-12 hours direct sun) in well-drained to dry lean soil. Sharp drainage is the critical requirement — waterlogged or wet winter soils cause crown rot and plant death. Poor, rocky, and sandy soils are tolerated; lean soils promote compact healthy growth. Drought tolerance is high once established for most species. No fertilization is required in fertile soils; excess nitrogen promotes floppy growth. Non-toxic. Deer-resistant. Hardy in zones 3-9.

Pruning

Low-growing groundcover species require no pruning. Taller upright border species (e.g., S. spectabile types) can be cut back to the ground in late winter (February-March) before new growth emerges. Flower heads on upright types can be left standing through winter for structure and seasonal interest. Divide clumps of upright types every 3-4 years to maintain vigor.

Pruning Schedule

early spring