Sedum spurium 'Red Rock'

– Bees and small pollinators visit blooms in summer

– Dense foliage mats can also provide shelter for beneficial insects

– Spring: foliage mat forms and intensifies in color

– Summer: vivid floral display begins midseason

– Fall: foliage turns deeper red and may bronze in cooler temps

– Winter: evergreen to semi-evergreen; holds color in mild climates

– Groundcover

– Edging and borders

– Rock gardens

– Slopes and erosion control

– Container combinations

– Small, fleshy, scalloped leaves

– Reddish-bronze to deep burgundy in full sun

– Leaves form tight, low mats and retain color well through fall

– Semi-evergreen to evergreen in mild climates

– Clusters of small pink to deep rose-red, star-shaped flowers

– Bloom period: mid to late summer (July–August)

– Flowers rise slightly above the foliage and add soft contrast to dark leaves

– Plant in early spring or fall for strong root development

– Space 10–15 inches apart to allow quick, ground-hugging spread

– Requires well-drained soil—best in sandy, rocky, or gritty soils

– Avoid water-retentive or clay-heavy soils; amend with gravel if needed

– Set crown level with soil surface and water lightly after planting

– Shear lightly after flowering to keep growth dense and neat

– Remove winter-damaged stems in early spring

– Tolerates cutting back to rejuvenate matted growth

– Very drought tolerant once established

– Moderate watering during establishment period

– After establishment, water only during extended dry spells

– Avoid overwatering—root and crown rot may occur in saturated soils

– Full sun (6+ hours/day) is best for deep foliage and flower color

– Tolerates partial sun, but foliage may be greener and growth less compact

– Not typically harvested for arrangements

– Can be snipped for use in succulent crafts or small decorative containers

– Easy to propagate by cuttings or division

– Fertilization usually unnecessary

– Light compost in spring may be applied in very poor soils

– Avoid nitrogen-rich feeds that reduce compactness

– Pollinated by bees, hoverflies, and butterflies

– Flowers are small but valuable for pollinator gardens

– Thymus praecox – mat-forming and drought-tolerant

– Delosperma cooperi – bright bloom and similar water needs

– Sempervivum (Hens & Chicks) – rosette contrast for rock gardens

– Festuca glauca – cool-toned grass adds soft contrast

– Echinacea or Allium 'Millenium' – upright accent plants for layered texture