Caucasian stonecrop is a low-growing, mat-forming evergreen perennial native to the Caucasus Mountains that spreads across the ground with remarkable vigor, reaching just 3 to 6 inches tall but sprawling 12 to 18 inches wide. Its thick, succulent leaves grow opposite one another with distinctive wedge-shaped bases and toothed edges, creating a dense, textured carpet of foliage. This variety produces showy flowers from May through July (though some sources report blooming extending into August and September) that attract butterflies, and it thrives in hardiness zones 4 through 9. It's a true no-fuss plant, thriving in poor, sandy soils where other ground covers struggle and requiring minimal maintenance once established.
Full Sun
Moderate
3-9
6in H x 18in W
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Moderate
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Creeping stems root at the nodes wherever they touch the soil, allowing this sedum to spread effortlessly and colonize challenging spots without intervention. The thick, obovate leaves, each reaching about an inch long, create a visually substantial ground cover that looks attractive even when not in bloom. It shrugs off drought, poor soil, and deer browsing with equal indifference, making it one of the most forgiving ground covers available for tough garden conditions.
Caucasian stonecrop excels as a ground cover, particularly in areas where soil is poor, shallow, or rocky, and in spaces that receive full sun. It naturalizes readily, spreading across banks and hillsides where erosion control matters. Its ability to thrive in sandy or gravelly soils and its tolerance for urban conditions make it a go-to choice for xeriscaping and low-maintenance landscape design.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Transplant rooted cuttings or divisions into prepared ground after the last frost, spacing them 12 inches apart for ground cover coverage. Ensure the soil is well-draining and doesn't stay wet.
Pruning is minimal for Caucasian stonecrop. Deadhead spent flowers if you wish to maintain a neater appearance, though this is optional since the plant flowers over several months. If the mat becomes unruly or overgrows its space, cut back stems in early spring to control spread.
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“Sedum spurium, called Caucasian stonecrop or two row stonecrop, hails from the Caucasus Mountains region, where it evolved to thrive in rocky, shallow soils and harsh conditions. This plant represents the hardy alpine sedums that have been cultivated for centuries in regions where ordinary ground covers fail. Its journey from mountain slopes to modern gardens reflects the broader appreciation for low-maintenance, drought-tolerant plants that require minimal intervention.”