Sedum (Stonecrop) – Drought-Tolerant Perennials
A customer from South Barrington came in last spring with a problem spot – a hot, dry hillside where nothing seemed to survive. “I’m tired of replacing dead plants every year,” she said. I walked her over to our sedum section and explained how these succulents could handle heat, drought, and poor soil without complaining. She was skeptical at first – they seemed too good to be true. But she planted Frosted Fire sedum along that hillside, and by late summer, she had this gorgeous display of variegated foliage and pink flower heads that butterflies couldn’t resist.
That’s what makes sedum plants (also called stonecrop) so valuable – they’re tough as nails. At Goebbert’s Farm & Garden Center in Barrington, we stock both upright sedum varieties like Frosted Fire and low-growing ground cover types. Whether you need something for a rock garden, a challenging slope, or just want a low-maintenance perennial that actually works, sedum delivers.
What is Sedum? Understanding Stonecrop
Sedum is a genus of succulent plants, which means they store water in their thick, fleshy leaves. This is why they’re so drought-tolerant – they’ve got built-in water reserves. The common name “stonecrop” comes from their ability to grow in rocky, poor soil where other plants struggle.
There are two main types of sedum you’ll see: upright varieties that grow 12-24 inches tall (like Frosted Fire or Autumn Fire), and low creeping varieties that work as ground cover (like Dragon’s Blood or Angelina). Both types are easy to grow, but they serve different purposes in the garden.
The upright sedum varieties bloom in late summer and fall – exactly when most perennials are done blooming. We’ve got customers in Schaumburg and Arlington Heights who rely on sedum to keep color going through September and October. Plus, the dried flower heads look great through winter and birds love the seeds. More on extending your garden’s bloom season in our blog.
Sedum Varieties for Different Uses
Upright Sedum Varieties
Frosted Fire – A striking variegated sport of Autumn Fire, featuring green leaves edged in creamy white and rosy-pink blooms that deepen as the season progresses.
Autumn Fire – A classic favorite with sturdy stems and rich, deep red flower heads that hold their color beautifully into fall
Midnight Velvet – Deep burgundy foliage paired with vibrant pink blooms, offering bold contrast and a more dramatic garden presence
Dream Dazzler – Compact and eye-catching, with blue-green leaves edged in purple and bright pink flowers that truly pop
Ground Cover Varieties
Boogie Woogie – Low-growing with green foliage outlined in creamy white, forming a dense, spreading mat with subtle white blooms
Popstar – A compact spreader with tidy green foliage and clusters of soft pink star-shaped flowers, ideal for edging and containers
Wineberry Delight – Rich wine-colored foliage with rosy-pink blooms, creating a colorful ground-hugging accent with excellent texture
Frosted Fire Sedum – A Classic Variety
If you only plant one sedum, make it Frosted Fire. This variegated variety is a stunning twist on the classic. Here’s why it’s so popular: Frosted Fire starts with creamy yellow and green variegated leaves in spring, develops pale pink flower buds in summer, blooms with bright pink flowers in late summer, then deepens to a rich rosy-red in fall. That’s four seasons of interest from one plant.
Sedum Frosted Fire grows about 12-15 inches tall and wide, with sturdy stems that don’t need staking. The flower clusters attract butterflies like crazy. In September, it’s not uncommon to see a dozen butterflies on one plant. Leave the dried heads standing through winter – they look architectural covered in snow and finches eat the seeds.
A customer from Hoffman Estates planted a whole border of Frosted Fire sedum three years ago, and it’s become the backbone of her fall garden. The plants get bigger and better every year with zero pampering.
The ground cover types work great between stepping stones, spilling over walls, or filling in tough spots. We help customers in Algonquin design rock gardens and xeriscapes using these low-growing sedums all the time.
How to Grow Sedum Plants
Sedum care is ridiculously easy. These plants want full sun – at least 6 hours, more is better. They’ll tolerate a little shade but won’t bloom as well and might get floppy. Hot, sunny spots that stress out other plants? Sedum loves them.
Soil doesn’t need to be rich. In fact, sedum prefers lean, well-drained soil over rich, moist conditions. Sandy soil, rocky soil, clay soil (as long as it drains) – they adapt to all of it. The one thing sedum can’t handle is soggy, waterlogged soil in winter. That’ll rot the crowns.
Water sedum plants when you first plant them, then basically forget about them. Once established, they’re extremely drought-tolerant. In our Illinois climate, they typically get enough water from rain alone. Don’t fertilize sedum – it makes them grow too fast and flop over. They’re better off lean and tough. Check out our low-water perennial guide for more drought-tolerant options.
Quick planting steps:
- Choose a full sun location with decent drainage
- Dig hole same depth as pot
- Don’t amend soil – sedum prefers it lean
- Water at planting, then let nature take over
- No fertilizer needed
Sedum Growing Guide PDF
Sedum Ground Cover Ideas
Low-growing sedum varieties make excellent ground cover for problem areas. They’re perfect for hot slopes, rock gardens, between pavers, along driveways, under trees (if sunny enough), and anywhere you need something that won’t need watering or fussing.
Sedum ground cover spreads slowly and stays low (usually 3-6 inches tall depending on variety). It’s not aggressive or invasive – just steadily fills in over a few years. The foliage is evergreen in mild winters, semi-evergreen in our climate. Even if it looks rough after a hard winter, it bounces back fast in spring.
A couple in Barrington planted Angelina sedum on a steep bank where grass wouldn’t grow. Three years later, it’s completely filled in, looks great year-round, and they haven’t watered it once after the first summer.
Sedum Care Through the Seasons
Divide sedum every 5-6 years if clumps get too big or the center dies out. Just dig, chop into sections with a sharp spade, and replant. They’re almost impossible to kill.
Spring: New growth emerges. For upright varieties, you can cut back old stems now if you didn’t in fall. Some people pinch back tall sedum in late May to make them bushier and shorter (they won’t flop as much). Ground cover types just start growing – no care needed.
Summer: Upright varieties develop flower buds. Let them be. Ground cover types bloom with small flowers – pretty but not showy. No watering unless we’re in extreme drought.
Fall: This is sedum’s moment! Autumn Fire and similar varieties bloom spectacularly. Butterflies visit constantly. Enjoy it.
Winter: Leave dried flower heads standing for birds and winter interest. Cut back in spring, or leave them if you like the look. Sedum needs zero winter protection.
Shop Sedum at Goebbert’s
We carry a great selection of sedum plants at Goebbert’s Farm & Garden Center in South Barrington. Both upright varieties and ground cover types are available from spring through fall. These are some of the toughest, most reliable perennials we sell – perfect for busy gardeners or challenging spots.
Our staff can help you figure out which sedum varieties work best for your specific needs – whether that’s a fall-blooming border, a drought-tolerant hillside, or ground cover for a rock garden. Whether you’re in Barrington, South Barrington, Schaumburg, Arlington Heights, Hoffman Estates, or Algonquin, stop by and let’s get you set up with these amazing low-maintenance perennials!
