Perennial Flower

When to Plant Sedum (Stonecrop)

Succulent perennial with thick, fleshy leaves and late-summer flower clusters. Thrives in poor, dry soil where other plants struggle.

Sun

Full sun (6+ hours)

Water

Minimal — very drought tolerant

Days to Harvest

90-120

Difficulty

beginner

Spacing

18"

Frost Tolerance

high

The Short Answer

Sedum (Stonecrop) are planted in fall, 6 weeks before your first frost date. They need winter cold to trigger their spring bloom. Enter your zip code on our homepage tool for exact dates.

How to Grow Sedum (Stonecrop)

Sedum (stonecrop) is the ultimate plant for difficult spots — hot, dry, poor soil, neglect. Where everything else fails, sedum thrives. Autumn Joy is the classic tall variety: blooms transition from pink to copper to rust through fall, looking good for three months. Low-growing sedums (Dragon's Blood, Angelina) make excellent ground covers for rock gardens, green roofs, and between stepping stones. Don't fertilize. Don't overwater. Don't fuss. Sedum genuinely grows better when ignored. Butterflies love the late-season flowers when few other nectar sources remain.

Transplanting

Move seedlings outside 0 weeks after your last frost date, once soil temperatures reach 50°F. Harden off seedlings for 7 days before transplanting by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions.

Fall Planting

Sedum (Stonecrop) are planted in fall, 6 weeks before your average first frost date. , 18" apart.

Growing Tips

Autumn Joy is the classic variety — blooms transition from pink to copper to rust through fall. Don't fertilize or overwater — sedums thrive on neglect. Excellent for hot, dry, poor-soil spots. Butterflies love the late-season blooms.

Companion Planting

Good companions:

Ornamental Grasses Thyme

Sedum (Stonecrop) Planting Dates by State

Click your state for sedum (stonecrop) planting dates specific to your location:

Note: Planting dates are based on average frost dates from NOAA Climate Normals (30-year averages). Actual conditions vary year to year. Always check your local forecast before planting frost-sensitive crops.

Last reviewed: March 29, 2026