How to Plant Sedum / Stonecrop: Timing, Spacing, Care & Bloom
Quick answer
Divide upright stonecrop in early spring as growth starts (ISU/NC). — seasonal only.
Sedum at a glance
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Sourced from university extension guides. For dates where you live, use the ZIP planting planner.
Planting timing
Iowa State: early spring is best to divide upright ‘Autumn Joy’-type Hylotelephium as new growth appears. (ISU Autumn Joy sedum) NC Beaufort CES: divide upright sedums every 3 to 4 years in early spring.
Mat-forming sedums
Low carpeting Sedum species prefer the same full sun and sharp drainage. Use them as groundcovers or rock-garden mats; culture parallels upright types but scale is smaller (NC Sedum genus).
Depth and spacing
NC H. spectabile: space 12 inches–3 feet; clumps about 1–2 feet.
Sun, soil and water
Full sun and lean, well-drained soil. Rich/moist/shade causes flopping. Drought-tolerant once established; overwatering is worse than drought.
Care and bloom
Late summer into fall bloom; leave dried heads for winter interest/birds; cut in late winter/early spring when new buds show.
Pests and diseases
Slugs/snails on related pages; drainage against rot in clay.
Related: ZIP planner · planting calendars
Frequently asked questions
When do I divide upright sedum?
Early spring as growth starts (ISU/NC).
Fall plant OK?
MU notes fall planting is possible for herbaceous sedums — seasonal, no frost-week integer.
Why does it flop?
Too rich, too shady, or too wet.
Sources
- Iowa State University Extension: ISU Autumn Joy sedum