Plant library · Groundcovers
Sedum spp.
Stonecrop sedum is a low, succulent perennial groundcover that brings a broad, spreading layer to hot, dry parts of the plan. At about 6 inches tall, it stays below most border plants while its starry flowers add late-summer-to-fall interest. Use it where a durable-looking planted surface is more useful than vertical structure, especially in rock gardens, roof plantings, and dry exposed beds.
Set stonecrop along the front of sunny borders, across rocky banks, or in pockets between larger drought-tolerant plantings. Its 18-inch mature spread can soften the edge of a wall, boulder, or raised bed without blocking views into the planting. Reserve a clear edge beside paths rather than placing it in the walking line; low-growing sedums suit groundcover, slopes, rock gardens, and green roofs, but tolerate only light foot traffic.[1]
Plant on 12-inch centers for a connected groundcover pattern. Each plant can ultimately occupy about 18 inches across, so the foliage may knit together beyond the original grid; allow that overlap within the bed rather than crowding it against upright plants of similar height. In narrow strips, keep the planting one plant deep and leave a reachable edge for occasional cleanup.
Give stonecrop full sun and a low-water zone, keeping it separate from regularly irrigated planting pockets. It is well suited to coarse, well-drained soil and handles rocky, lower-fertility ground. Avoid wet or poorly drained positions, where a shallow groundcover planting can become harder to maintain.[1][2]
The low foliage occupies its space through the growing season, with flowers arriving from late summer into fall. Leave enough open sky around the planting so taller neighbors do not turn this sun-facing ground layer into a shaded underplanting. The flowers also add pollinator value at the end of the main summer display.
Treat this as a planted surface, not a paving substitute. Place it outside regular routes for carts, stepping stones, and repeated pedestrian traffic, and use a defined border where its low spread meets a path or a more formal bed edge. A massed patch is easier to read and manage than scattered single plants among equally low neighbors.[1]
Editorial content updated 2026-07-20.