10 Sedum Stonecrop Varieties To Plant As Ground Cover

Part of the Crassulaceae family, known for plants with fleshy, succulent leaves, the Sedum genus comprises 400–500 species known as sedums, or stonecrops, many of which have been widely adopted as garden plants. The name stonecrop derives from the fact that these plants not only tolerate dry, rocky soil but positively thrive in it. Sedums range in height from about 2 inches to 3 feet. Some species are hardy up to USDA hardiness zone 3, while others are best limited to warmer climates. There are both annual and perennial sedums, but all are fleshy succulents. Sedums store moisture in their leaves, which is the reason they work so well in arid locations. Although all sedums flower, they’re usually grown for their foliage, which comes in interesting shades of green not found in most other plants. All sedums are remarkably easy to grow and propagate, and you can only harm them by overwatering or planting them in overly moist soil. With upright varieties, a single branch or even a leaf stuck into the ground will quickly root and become a new plant. Low-growing sedums spread themselves over the ground readily, but they’re not invasive, and their shallow root systems make them easy to remove—making them ideal ground cover plants. Here are 10 sedum, or stonecrop, varieties to consider for your ground cover needs.

Native Area: Europe, Siberia, western Asia, North AfricaUSDA Growing Zones: 3–9Height: 3–5 inchesSun Exposure: Full; tolerates light shade

Native Area: Europe, Siberia, western Asia, North AfricaUSDA Growing Zones: 3–9Height: 2–3 inchesSun Exposure: Full; will tolerate light shade

Native Area: Western United StatesUSDA Growing Zones: 4–9Height: 3–4 inchesSun Exposure: Full; tolerates light shade

Native Area: HimalayasUSDA Growing Zones: 2–9Height: 4–6 inchesSun Exposure: Full, Partial

Native Area: EuropeUSDA Growing Zones: 4–9Height: 4–8 inchesSun Exposure: Full

Native Area: JapanUSDA Growing Zones: 3–9Height: 3–4 inchesSun Exposure: Full; tolerates light shade, especially in hot climates

Native Area: EurasiaUSDA Growing Zones: 4–9Height: 12–15 inchesSun Exposure: Full; enjoys some shade, especially in very hot climates

Native Area: Europe, AsiaUSDA Growing Zones: 3–9Height: 4–6 inchesSun Exposure: Full, Partial

Native Area: Alpine regions of ChinaUSDA Growing Zones: 5–8Height: 2–3 inchesSun Exposure: Full

Native Area: SiberiaUSDA Growing Zones: 3–8Height: 3–6 inchesSun Exposure: Full