Overview
Sedum rosea is a perennial in the genus Sedum, part of the Crassulaceae family. Sedum rosea grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include groundcover and rock garden. It is native to Arctic regions of Europe, Asia and North America.
About
Sedum rosea is a perennial in the Crassulaceae that thrives on exposed, well-drained sandy or rocky ground. Native to Arctic regions of Europe, Asia and North America, it tolerates dry to medium soils and takes full sun or partial shade. Fully hardy in the UK (H7), it suits open sites where rainfall drains away. Flowering occurs from June to September.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Rhodiola rosea
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
In the garden
Sedum rosea is a cold‑adapted perennial from Arctic parts of Europe, Asia and North America that performs where soils are lean and exposure is high. It belongs to the stonecrop group and is valued for establishing on dry, free‑draining patches where many other perennials struggle. Plant into well‑drained, sandy or rocky soil in a spot that receives full sun or some afternoon shade; it tolerates dry to medium soil moisture and favours open, exposed aspects. In the UK it is fully hardy (H7), so no winter protection is required on free‑draining sites, though avoid heavy, waterlogged ground. Use grit or sharp sand to improve drainage when planting into heavier soils. Roseroot makes a practical surface cover in rock gardens and alpine beds and is suited to sunny banks and gravel planting where ground cover is needed. Space plants to allow a low spreading habit to develop and keep taller competitors trimmed back so the roseroot gets enough light and air. Expect flowering from June to September, making its summer display the key reason to site it where the blooms will be seen.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Sedum
- Sunlight
- full sun, partial shade
- Soil type
- well-drained, sandy, rocky
- Soil moisture
- dry to medium
- Exposure
- exposed, open
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Sedum rosea size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial
- Suggested uses
- groundcover, rock garden
- Native to
- Arctic regions of Europe, Asia, North America
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Sedum rosea
- Cultivation
- Prefers well-drained soil; drought tolerant once established.
- Pruning
- Remove dead flower stalks after blooming.
- Propagation
- division, seed, cuttings
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Sedum rosea?
Prefers well-drained soil; drought tolerant once established.
Where is the best place to plant Sedum rosea?
Sedum rosea prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and open positions.
What soil does Sedum rosea need?
Sedum rosea is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including well-drained, sandy and rocky. Aim for soil that stays dry to medium.
How do I prune Sedum rosea?
Remove dead flower stalks after blooming.
Is Sedum rosea hardy in the UK?
Sedum rosea has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Sedum rosea?
Division, seed, cuttings.
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