Sedum Spurium
Sedum spurium
Known as 'Dragon's Blood' or 'Two-Row Stonecrop,' this vigorous groundcover succulent forms dense mats of small rounded leaves that turn brilliant red in cool weather and stress conditions. Its clusters of bright pink to red star-shaped flowers create a stunning carpet of color in summer, while the plant's ability to spread and fill in spaces makes it perfect for rock gardens and green roofs. This hardy sedum thrives on neglect and provides year-round interest with its changing colors.
Harvest
N/Ad
Days to harvest
Sun
SEE-dum
Zones
3–9
USDA hardiness
Height
3-24 inches
Complete Growing Guide
Light: SEE-dum. Soil: Clay, Loam (Silt), Sand, Shallow Rocky. Drainage: Good Drainage, Occasionally Dry, Very Dry. Water: 'African Sunset', 'Birthday Party', 'Blue Spruce', 'Chocolate Drop', 'Cutting Edge', 'Garnet Brocade', 'Hopewell', 'October Sunset', 'Peace and Joy', 'Pillow Talk', 'Plum Perfection', 'Rock Star', 'Rosy Glow', 'Soft Cloud', SunSparkler® Series, 'Thundercloud', 'Touchdown Teak', 'Twinkling Star'. Height: 0 ft. 3 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 2 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.. Growth rate: Slow. Maintenance: 'African Sunset', 'Birthday Party', 'Blue Spruce', 'Chocolate Drop', 'Cutting Edge', 'Garnet Brocade', 'Hopewell', 'October Sunset', 'Peace and Joy', 'Pillow Talk', 'Plum Perfection', 'Rock Star', 'Rosy Glow', 'Soft Cloud', SunSparkler® Series, 'Thundercloud', 'Touchdown Teak', 'Twinkling Star'. Propagation: Leaf Cutting, Seed, Stem Cutting. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.
Harvesting
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.
Bloom time: Fall, Spring, Summer
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.
History & Origin
Origin: East Asia
Advantages
- +Disease resistance: Drought, Dry Soil, Foot Traffic, Heat, Poor Soil
- +Attracts: 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.
- +Wildlife value: Bees enjoy the nectar. Birds enjoy the seeds.
- +Low maintenance
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Lavender
Similar drought tolerance and well-draining soil requirements, repels pests
Hens and Chicks (Sempervivum)
Complementary growth habits and identical water/soil needs
Creeping Thyme
Ground cover companion with similar sun and drainage requirements
Stonecrop Sedum varieties
Same genus with identical cultural needs and complementary textures
Oregano
Drought-tolerant herb that thrives in poor, well-draining soil
Catmint
Low water needs, attracts beneficial pollinators, deters harmful insects
Allium
Bulbs don't compete for surface space, repel aphids and other soft-bodied pests
Black-eyed Susan
Drought-tolerant perennial that attracts beneficial insects
Keep Apart
Hostas
Requires consistent moisture and shade, opposite growing conditions
Impatiens
High water and shade requirements conflict with sedum's drought tolerance
Mint
Aggressive spreader requiring moist soil, will overwhelm and outcompete sedum
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Excellent disease resistance, very hardy
Common Pests
Slugs and snails, occasional aphids on flowers
Diseases
Crown rot in poorly draining wet soil