HybridContainer OK

Sedum 'Dragon's Blood'

Sedum spurium 'Dragon's Blood'

This stunning succulent ground cover lives up to its dramatic name with deep red foliage that intensifies in cool weather and bright star-shaped pink flowers in summer. Perfect for rock gardens, green roofs, and anywhere you need extremely low-maintenance coverage. This drought-tolerant spreader thrives in poor soils and challenging conditions where other plants fail, making it ideal for xeriscaping and sustainable landscapes.

Sun

Full sun to partial shade

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Zones

3–9

USDA hardiness

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Height

3-24 inches

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Planting Timeline

Zone:

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

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Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Transplant

Showing dates for Sedum 'Dragon's Blood' in USDA Zone 7

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Zone Map

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Sedum 'Dragon's Blood' · Zones 3–9

What grows well in Zone 7? →

Growing Details

Difficulty

Very easy

Spacing6-12 inches

SoilWell-drained, sandy or rocky soil, tolerates poor soil

pH6.0-7.5

WaterVery low, extremely drought tolerant

SeasonPerennial succulent

FlavorN/A - ornamental only

ColorDeep red to bronze foliage, bright pink flowers

Size0.25 inch star-shaped flowers in clusters, 0.5 inch succulent leaves

Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar

Zone	Indoor Start	Transplant	Direct Sow	Harvest
Zone 3	—	June – August	—	—
Zone 4	—	June – July	—	—
Zone 5	—	May – July	—	—
Zone 6	—	May – July	—	—
Zone 7	—	May – June	—	—
Zone 8	—	April – June	—	—
Zone 9	—	March – May	—	—

Complete Growing Guide

This cultivar's deep red coloration peaks during fall and winter cool spells, so plant in early spring to establish roots before seasonal color intensifies in autumn rather than waiting until summer. Unlike many sedums that prefer lean conditions, 'Dragon's Blood' actually performs best in well-draining, sandy or gravelly soil with minimal fertility—rich amendments encourage weak, leggy growth and dilute the vibrant foliage color. Position in full sun for at least six hours daily to maintain the dramatic red pigmentation; partial shade shifts leaves toward green. The main vulnerability is root rot in winter wetness, so ensure drainage is excellent and avoid overhead watering in cool months. A practical tip: pinch back stems in early summer to encourage branching and denser coverage rather than allowing the plant to stretch into sparse mats, especially in its first season.

Light: Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day), Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours). Soil: Clay, Loam (Silt), Sand, Shallow Rocky. Drainage: Good Drainage, Occasionally Dry, Very Dry. Height: 0 ft. 3 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 2 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.. Growth rate: Slow. Maintenance: Low, Medium. Propagation: Leaf Cutting, Seed, Stem Cutting. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.

Harvesting

Dragon's Blood sedum isn't typically harvested for consumption since it's purely ornamental, but if you're propagating cuttings for expansion, watch for plump, firm leaves with vibrant deep red coloring as your signal of peak readiness. Harvest individual rosettes or leaf segments once they've reached full size and feel succulent and turgid rather than thin or papery. You can take cuttings continuously throughout the growing season from spring through early fall, though summer offers the fastest propagation success when the plant is most vigorous. Timing your harvest just after a rainfall or watering ensures maximum turgor in the tissue, which significantly improves propagation rates and establishment of new plants.

Fruit follicular, membranous or leathery, often surrounded by a persistent membranous corolla, opening on the adaxial side, Seeds mostly minute, usually with fleshy endosperm.

Type: Capsule. Length: < 1 inch. Width: < 1 inch.

Edibility: The stems and leaves can be eaten raw when very young and tender. Later, until they flower, they may be eaten after briefly cooking. Not poisonous, but when eaten in quantity, can cause stomach upset.

Storage & Preservation

Sedum 'Dragon's Blood' is a living ground cover and doesn't require traditional storage or preservation. Keep plants in their growing containers or landscape setting in cool, bright conditions (60-75°F). Maintain moderate watering during active growth; reduce significantly in winter dormancy. Propagation: divide established clumps in spring or fall for landscape expansion. Cuttings root easily in well-draining soil within 2-3 weeks. Store dormant plants in a cool greenhouse or frost-protected location through winter to maintain growth for spring replanting if needed.

History & Origin

Sedum spurium 'Dragon's Blood' emerged as a cultivar selection from the species Sedum spurium, a hardy succulent native to the Caucasus region. The exact origin and breeder of this particular cultivar remain poorly documented in horticultural records, though it likely arose through selective breeding in European nurseries during the latter twentieth century, capitalizing on the species' natural tendency toward red pigmentation under stress. The cultivar's dramatic name reflects its deep crimson foliage rather than any specific historical event or origin story, and it has since become widely distributed through the ornamental plant trade, valued for its reliable performance in challenging growing conditions.

Origin: East Asia

Advantages

+Dramatic deep red foliage intensifies beautifully during cool autumn and winter months
+Produces charming star-shaped pink flowers that attract pollinators throughout summer
+Thrives in poor soils and extreme drought conditions where other plants fail
+Extremely low-maintenance ground cover requiring minimal watering, fertilizing, or pest management
+Ideal for challenging spaces like rock gardens, green roofs, and xeriscaping projects

Considerations

-Root rot becomes serious problem in poorly drained or waterlogged soil conditions
-Occasional aphid and mealybug infestations require monitoring and potential treatment
-Can become invasive in ideal conditions, spreading aggressively beyond intended boundaries
-Foliage loses dramatic red coloring in deep shade, appearing dull green instead

Companion Plants

Lavender, Thyme, and Catmint are the best neighbors here because they share the same basic needs — lean soil, sharp drainage, and full sun — without competing for resources. In our zone 7 Georgia garden, that matters a lot come August, when anything demanding regular irrigation becomes a problem planted next to a drought-tolerant sedum. Hens and Chicks (Sempervivum) fit naturally too, since their shallow root system occupies the same top 2–3 inches of soil without crowding out the sedum's spread. Skip Hosta, Impatiens, and Astilbe — all three need consistent moisture and part shade, and you'll end up overwatering the sedum trying to keep them from wilting.

Plant Together

Lavender

Shares similar drought tolerance and well-draining soil needs, repels pests

Thyme

Compatible growing conditions, both prefer dry soil and full sun

Ornamental Grasses

Provides textural contrast while sharing drought tolerance and minimal water needs

Hens and Chicks (Sempervivum)

Similar succulent care requirements and creates attractive succulent garden combinations

Black-Eyed Susan

Drought tolerant perennial that complements the red foliage with bright yellow blooms

Stonecrop Varieties

Other sedums create cohesive plantings with identical care requirements

Catmint

Drought tolerant with similar soil preferences, attracts beneficial pollinators

Russian Sage

Shares preference for dry, well-draining soil and full sun exposure

Keep Apart

Hosta

Requires consistently moist soil and shade, opposite of sedum's dry, sunny needs

Impatiens

Needs regular watering and partial shade, incompatible with sedum's drought conditions

Astilbe

Requires moist, rich soil and partial shade, conflicting with sedum's preferences

Pests & Disease Resistance

Resistance

Excellent disease resistance, may develop rot in overly wet conditions

Common Pests

Aphids, mealybugs occasionally

Diseases

Root rot in poorly drained soil, otherwise very disease resistant

Troubleshooting Sedum 'Dragon's Blood'

What you'll see, why it happens, and what to do about it.

Stems turning black or brown at the base, plant lifting out of the ground easily with no healthy roots attached

Likely Causes

Root rot (Pythium or Phytophthora spp.) caused by waterlogged or poorly drained soil
Planting in a low spot that holds water after rain

What to Do

1.Pull the affected plant, cut away all blackened stem tissue back to firm greenish growth, and let the cutting dry on a bench for 24–48 hours before replanting
2.Amend the bed with coarse sand or fine gravel to open up drainage — aim for a mix that drains within an hour of a heavy rain
3.Don't replant Dragon's Blood in the same soggy spot; move it somewhere with a slight slope or raise the bed by at least 4 inches

Sticky residue on leaves, small clusters of soft-bodied insects at stem tips or in leaf axils

Likely Causes

Aphids (various Aphididae species) congregating on new growth
Mealybugs (Planococcus citri or Pseudococcus spp.) settling into the dense mat of foliage

What to Do

1.Blast aphids off with a firm stream of water from a hose — Dragon's Blood is tough enough to handle it
2.For mealybugs, dab individual colonies with a cotton swab soaked in 70% isopropyl alcohol, then check again in 7 days
3.Back off any fertilizer you've been applying; high nitrogen pushes the soft new growth that aphids zero in on

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Sedum 'Dragon's Blood' good for beginners?▼

Yes, absolutely. This is one of the easiest ground covers to grow. It tolerates poor soil, drought, neglect, and challenging growing conditions. Requires minimal water once established and needs no fertilizer. Perfect for beginner gardeners, low-maintenance landscapes, and anyone looking for reliable, colorful coverage with virtually zero maintenance demands.

Can you grow Dragon's Blood Sedum in containers?▼

Yes, it grows well in containers. Use well-draining potting mix or cactus soil, and ensure pots have drainage holes. Containers dry faster, so water when soil is completely dry. This makes it ideal for patios, balconies, and Alpine troughs. Container-grown plants may need light frost protection in very cold climates.

When should I plant Sedum 'Dragon's Blood'?▼

Plant in spring or early fall for best establishment. Spring planting allows summer growth and root development before winter dormancy. Fall planting works in mild climates. Space plants 6-12 inches apart as they spread 12-18 inches wide. Water after planting, then reduce frequency as they're extremely drought-tolerant once established.

Why does Dragon's Blood turn red?▼

The dramatic deep red foliage intensifies in cool weather and strong sunlight. This color change is a natural stress response triggered by temperature drops and UV exposure, particularly noticeable in fall and winter. Full sun exposure (4-6+ hours daily) enhances red coloration. In partial shade, foliage remains greener but still vibrant.

How long does Sedum 'Dragon's Blood' bloom?▼

Flowers typically appear in mid to late summer, with pink star-shaped blooms lasting 4-6 weeks. The flowers attract bees and butterflies. Even after flowering ends, the evergreen foliage remains attractive year-round, especially the intensely colored winter foliage that gives the variety its dramatic common name.

What's the difference between Dragon's Blood and other red sedums?▼

Sedum 'Dragon's Blood' spreads more densely and aggressively than most other red varieties, making it superior for ground cover. It's lower-growing, more vibrant red, and exceptionally cold-hardy. It also tolerates poorer soil conditions better than many alternatives, with more reliable year-round color in most climates.