Stonecrop

Stonecrop (Sedum makinoi) is a low carpeting succulent that grows only about 10cm high and spreads to around 60cm wide. Deep green leaves form small rosettes along trailing stems, and mature plants carry yellow starry flowers in summer and autumn. It is the sedum for gardeners who want an evergreen, ankle high groundcover for tough, dry positions.

Why you'll love it

• An evergreen carpet. Deep green leaves, paler when new, stay on the plant all year and spread into a neat mat.
• Squeezes into small spaces. It tucks between stones, into cracks and around the base of larger plants.
• Roots as it goes. Stems root where they touch the soil, so the carpet extends itself.
• Waterwise and exposure proof. It thrives in rocky, sandy soil and exposed positions on little water.
• Summer flowers. Yellow starry flowers on mature plants attract beneficial pollinators.

Where it works best

Rockeries and waterwise beds. Plant 30cm apart for a low evergreen carpet. It fills the gaps between stones and covers dry ground where grass will not grow.

Roof gardens and coastal gardens. Bright light and wind do not trouble it, so it suits exposed rooftops and seaside plantings.

Pots, terrariums and indoors. Neat and contained, it works as a no fuss houseplant, a container plant or in a dry terrarium. Keep it in bright light.

Growing Stonecrop in Australia

Position and climate. Bright sunlight gives the strongest leaf colour, though it will grow in shade with paler, weaker colour. It suits exposed, windy positions and is adaptable across most Australian climates, as long as the soil drains well.

Soil. Free draining, gritty soil. Rocky and sandy ground suits it well.

Water and feed. Water if the plant softens, droops or wrinkles, especially in extended periods of heat. Otherwise leave it on the dry side, and it needs no regular feeding.

Pruning. Spread is easy to manage. If you want more plant, encourage the stems to lie on the soil and root. If you want less, pull stray stems up or mulch underneath with stone chips.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Stonecrop as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. It arrives small, so plant it out in gritty soil soon after delivery, water it in and then let the soil dry between waterings while it spreads.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse succulents
• More groundcover plants
• Indoor plants
• Succulents in Australia: a complete care guide

Common questions

Will it take over the garden?

It spreads by rooting along its stems, but it stays low and is easy to pull up. Mulching with stone chips stops stems rooting where you do not want them.

Can it grow indoors?

Yes. It makes a no fuss houseplant in a bright position and suits a dry terrarium or a stylish container.

Will it grow in shade?

It will grow in shade, but the leaf colour is not as strong as in bright sunlight.