Sedum spurium
| Light | Full sun to part shade; more sun deepens leaf colour |
|---|---|
| Water | Drought-tolerant once established; water occasionally, less in winter |
| Soil | Ordinary well-draining soil or gritty mix (see Soil and potting mix) |
| Temperature | Very cold-hardy; roughly USDA zones 3–9 |
| Propagation | Division, stem cuttings and leaf/stem fragments; also seed |
| Toxicity | Generally considered non-toxic and low-risk to cats and dogs |
Sedum spurium is a low, mat-forming succulent groundcover native to the Caucasus, prized as one of the toughest and most cold-hardy stonecrops in cultivation. It spreads by creeping, rooting stems clothed in rounded, scalloped leaves and topped in summer by clusters of small star-shaped pink to red flowers; it is best known through the deep-red cultivar 'Dragon's Blood', which lends it the common name Dragon's blood stonecrop. In much modern botanical classification the species has been moved to the genus Phedimus as Phedimus spurius, though the older name remains in wide use among growers.
Description
Sedum spurium is a spreading, evergreen to semi-evergreen perennial that rarely exceeds 10–15 cm in height but creeps outward indefinitely, forming a dense living carpet. The stems trail along the ground, rooting where they touch the soil, and carry pairs of flattened, spoon-shaped leaves with toothed or scalloped margins toward the tip. Leaf colour ranges from fresh green to bronze, burgundy and near-black depending on cultivar and sun exposure, often deepening in cool weather and bright light.
In summer the plant sends up short flowering stems bearing flat-topped clusters of small, five-petalled star-shaped flowers in shades of pink, rose and crimson (or white in some forms). The blooms are attractive to bees and other pollinators. After a hard winter the mat can die back somewhat at the edges before flushing out again from surviving stems in spring.
Distribution and habitat
The species is native to the Caucasus region — including parts of the mountains of Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan and adjacent northeastern Turkey and Iran — where it grows on rocky slopes, stony ground and open, well-drained sites. Its origin in a climate of cold winters and gritty soils explains its exceptional hardiness and its tolerance of poor, lean ground. It has been widely planted elsewhere as an ornamental groundcover and has naturalised in parts of Europe and North America.
Cultivation
Sedum spurium is about as forgiving as succulents come and is an excellent beginner and low-maintenance plant. It thrives in full sun to light shade, in almost any soil so long as it drains freely; heavy, wet ground in winter is the main thing to avoid. Given enough light the coloured cultivars show their richest tones, while too much shade can leave them greener and looser.
Once established it is markedly drought-tolerant and needs only occasional watering, tapering off in winter when the plant is dormant. It is hardy to well below freezing and is commonly used in rock gardens, between paving, on green roofs and as a spreading groundcover or edging. Being a vigorous spreader it can outgrow its space, so trim or divide it to keep it in bounds; see Repotting for container plants.
Propagation
Few plants are easier to propagate. The creeping stems root as they go, so lifting and replanting rooted sections by division is the simplest method. Stem cuttings and even detached leaves or stem fragments will readily root on a gritty, barely moist surface. Seed is also possible, though named cultivars are propagated vegetatively to keep their colour and form true; see Propagation — seed for seed technique.
Cultivars
Several selections are grown mainly for foliage colour:
- 'Dragon's Blood' (often sold as 'Schorbuser Blut') — the classic form, with bronze-red to deep burgundy leaves and rich red flowers; the most widely grown selection.
- 'Voodoo' — very dark maroon-red foliage.
- 'Tricolor' — green leaves edged in cream and pink; less vigorous than the plain forms.
- 'Fuldaglut' — reddish foliage and bright flowers, noted for good colour.
- 'John Creech' — a tight, low green mat, especially useful between pavers.
Common problems
- Rot — the main risk is waterlogged soil, especially over winter; wet feet cause stems to blacken and collapse. Ensure sharp drainage.
- Thin or leggy growth — too little light loosens the mat and dulls the coloured cultivars; move to brighter conditions.
- Dieback in the centre — older mats can go bare in the middle; lift, divide and replant vigorous sections to rejuvenate.
- Pests — generally trouble-free, though aphids, mealybugs and slugs may occasionally appear.
See also
- Sedum — the genus overview
- Soil and potting mix · Watering · Propagation — offsets · Propagation — cuttings