Overview
Sedum 'Purple Emperor' is a clump-forming, spreading perennial succulent in the genus Sedum, part of the Crassulaceae family, with succulent foliage. Sedum 'Purple Emperor' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates well-drained and sandy or gravelly soils and neutral to alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include rock gardens, ground cover and container planting.
About
Sedum 'Purple Emperor' (Purple Emperor Stonecrop) is a perennial succulent cultivar within the Sedum genus, known for its drought tolerance and ease of cultivation. This stonecrop thrives in well-drained, sandy or gravelly soils with a neutral to alkaline pH, preferring full sun to partial shade and a south-facing aspect. Hardy to UK zone H5, it suits exposed or sheltered sites and is ideal for rock gardens, ground cover, or container planting. Regular trimming after flowering helps maintain its shape and encourages new growth, while propagation is straightforward through stem cuttings or division.
About the genus
Sedum is a large genus of flowering plants in the family Crassulaceae, members of which are commonly known as stonecrops. The genus has been described as containing up to 600 species, subsequently reduced to 400–500. They are leaf succulents found primarily in the Northern Hemisphere, but extending into the southern hemisphere in Africa and South America.
Wikipedia contributors, "Sedum", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Sedum
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Sedum
- Sunlight
- full sun, partial shade
- Soil type
- well-drained, sandy or gravelly
- Soil pH
- neutral to alkaline
- Soil moisture
- dry to medium
- Aspect
- south-facing
- Exposure
- exposed, sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Sedum 'Purple Emperor' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial succulent
- Habit
- Clump-forming, spreading
- Foliage
- Succulent
- Suggested uses
- rock gardens, ground cover, container planting
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Sedum 'Purple Emperor'
- Cultivation
- Easy to grow; prefers well-drained soil and sunny position; drought tolerant once established.
- Pruning
- Trim back after flowering to maintain shape and encourage new growth.
- Propagation
- stem cuttings, division
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Sedum 'Purple Emperor'?
Easy to grow; prefers well-drained soil and sunny position; drought tolerant once established.
Where is the best place to plant Sedum 'Purple Emperor'?
Sedum 'Purple Emperor' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Sedum 'Purple Emperor' need?
Sedum 'Purple Emperor' grows best in well-drained and sandy or gravelly soil. It prefers neutral to alkaline soil. Aim for soil that stays dry to medium.
How do I prune Sedum 'Purple Emperor'?
Trim back after flowering to maintain shape and encourage new growth.
Is Sedum 'Purple Emperor' hardy in the UK?
Sedum 'Purple Emperor' has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Sedum 'Purple Emperor'?
Stem cuttings, division.
More in the Sedum genus
- Sedum 'Autumn Joy'Autumn Joy Stonecrop
- Sedum ' Aquarel'Stonecrop
- Sedum alboroseumStonecrop
- Sedum alboroseum 'Variegatum'Stonecrop
- Sedum maximumStonecrop
- Sedum maximum atropurpureum of gardensStonecrop
- Sedum maximum haematodesStonecrop