Stonecrop, or Sedum, is a massive family with about 400 species found all over the globe. These hardy perennials are total rockstars in the garden—they’re easy to grow, thrive for years, and look just as great in a patio container as they do in the ground. Depending on which variety you pick, you can enjoy blooms from late spring all the way through the fall.
The Best and Most Popular Varieties
Known for their thick, succulent leaves, Sedums generally fall into two categories: upright types and low-growing groundcovers (often called “Stonecrop”). While the tall varieties make a statement in flower beds with their flat, plate-like flower heads, the low-growing types are perfect for edging garden paths or even greening up a roof.
Showy Stonecrop (Sedum spectabile)
This late-bloomer is a real head-turner in borders and flower beds, but it’s also perfectly happy in pots. It usually hits about 18 inches tall and craves a sunny spot with nutrient-rich, well-draining soil that stays slightly moist. Look for those iconic pink blooms from July through September.
Goldmoss Stonecrop (Sedum acre)
If you’re looking for a classic, this is it. This little guy only grows about 6 inches tall and absolutely loves the sun. It forms dense, carpet-like mats, making it a go-to choice for garden edging. Expect a sea of yellow flowers in June and July.
Caucasian Stonecrop (Sedum spurium)
This is another fantastic low-growing variety. It’s evergreen, sun-loving, and works wonders as a groundcover to fill in those tricky gaps in your landscape.
Purple Stonecrop (Sedum telephium)
With its stunning purple foliage and greenish-yellow or deep purple flower heads, this variety is a natural focal point for any perennial bed. Since it blooms later in the season, it’s a vital “last call” nectar source for bees and butterflies. It’s also the parent plant for some of the coolest hybrids out there, such as:
- Abbeydore: Reaches 18 inches; blue-green leaves that turn violet; pink flowers from August to September.
- Bertram Anderson: About 10 inches tall with a creeping habit; dark violet leaves and rosy-purple flowers from June to August.
- Joyce Henderson: A taller variety reaching up to 32 inches; violet leaves and pale pink flowers from August to September.
- Karfunkelstein: Grows to 20 inches; features deep purple foliage and brownish-pink blooms in late summer.
- Matrona: Hits 20 inches; famous for its dark red stems and foliage with soft pink flower heads.
- Angelina: A 8-inch evergreen favorite with orange-yellow needle-like foliage and yellow flowers in mid-summer.
- Purple Emperor: Reaches 16 inches; stunning, nearly black foliage with salmon-colored flowers from August to October.
