Spoon-leaved Stonecrop is a creeping evergreen succulent native to the rocky Pacific coast, from California north to British Columbia. This hardy perennial forms dense mats just 3 to 6 inches tall but spreads generously across 9 to 12 inches, making it a natural choice for ground cover in tough spots where other plants struggle. The plant's spoon-shaped leaves take on striking reddish tones when grown in full sun, and showy flowers bloom from May through July. Hardy in Zones 5 through 9, it thrives in dry, sandy soil and tolerates drought with ease.
Partial Sun
Moderate
5-9
6in H x 12in W
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Low
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The pale, waxy rosettes of spoon-shaped leaves transform into burnished copper and red when kissed by strong sunlight, creating a living tapestry that shifts with the seasons. Its creeping habit and evergreen foliage mean year-round structure in the garden, while the showy summer flowers attract pollinators without demanding rich soil or constant attention. This plant essentially laughs at neglect, thriving on rocky slopes and gravelly banks where conventional ground covers would surrender.
Spoon-leaved Stonecrop excels as a ground cover, especially in challenging spots where traditional plants falter. Its low, spreading habit and drought tolerance make it ideal for rock gardens, alpine troughs, green roofs, and the edges of borders where you want color and texture without fuss. The evergreen foliage provides winter interest, while the summer blooms add a delicate layer of seasonal beauty.
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Transplant Spoon-leaved Stonecrop into the garden in spring or early fall, when soil is workable. Space plants 9 to 12 inches apart to allow room for their spreading habit. Ensure the planting site has sandy, very well-draining soil amended with gravel or coarse sand if needed. No hardening off is required for nursery-grown plants.
Pruning is rarely needed for this low, spreading succulent. Remove any dead or damaged rosettes in spring to maintain the mat's appearance and vigor. If the plant outgrows its space, you can trim back the creeping stems, and it will regenerate readily from remaining foliage.
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“Sedum spathulifolium is native to the Pacific coast of North America, found on rocky and gravelly slopes, cliffs, and ledges from central California north to southern British Columbia. The species has adapted over generations to harsh, moisture-limited environments where well-draining soil and exposed rock are the norm rather than the exception. The 'Cape Blanco' cultivar carries forward this wild heritage into gardens, bringing the resilience and low-maintenance character of coastal stone gardens into yards across temperate North America.”