Variegata Stonecrop

Variegata Stonecrop (Sedum makinoi 'Variegata') is a carpeting succulent about 10cm high that spreads to 60cm wide, with pale green leaves edged in cream-white and new shoots that can come through entirely cream. It grows as an evergreen groundcover in waterwise gardens and as a tidy houseplant in a bright room. Yellow starry flowers appear in summer and autumn on mature plants.

Why you'll love it

• Cream-edged leaves. Each pale green leaf is neatly edged in cream-white, and new shoots can come almost pure cream, which brightens a rockery or a lounge room.
• Evergreen groundcover. Leaf rosettes line the stems, so it carpets the ground and looks good through the year.
• Works indoors and out. A no-fuss houseplant, a stylish urban container plant and a neat dry-terrarium plant, as well as a garden groundcover.
• Pollinator friendly. Yellow starry flowers in summer and autumn attract beneficial pollinators once the plant matures.
• Squeezes in anywhere. It fits small spaces, edges and gaps between rocks.

Where it works best

Rockeries and waterwise beds. Plant 25cm apart and let the stems root as they spread. It softens the edges of rocks and fills the gaps between them.

Pots, bowls and terrariums. A bright windowsill or lounge room suits it. Use a shallow bowl of gritty mix for a neat display.

Roof gardens and coastal sites. Rocky, sandy soil and exposed locations suit it, so it copes with the tough conditions of a roof or a seaside garden.

Growing Variegata Stonecrop in Australia

Position and climate. Bright sunlight gives the strongest leaf colour, though it will grow in shade with less contrast. It is cold hardy, and suits subtropical, warm temperate, cool temperate, Mediterranean and dry inland gardens. Where summers are humid, give it sharp drainage.

Soil. Free-draining, gritty soil, or a cactus and succulent mix in pots.

Water and feed. Water new plants until they are established. After that, water if the plant softens, droops or wrinkles, particularly in extended heat. Otherwise leave it alone.

Pruning. No pruning is needed. Stems root along the ground as they spread, so lay stems on the soil for more plants. Pull them up, or mulch with stone chips beneath them, if you want to hold it back.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Variegata Stonecrop as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. It arrives as a small plant with a few creamy stems, and it carpets steadily once it is rooted into gritty soil in bright light. Plant it out or pot it up soon after delivery.

Tube stock is grown for us and is not always available. When the grower has none, the tube shows as sold out, and the notify button on the page emails you the day it is back.

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

• Groundcover plants
• Indoor plants
• Rockery plants
• A guide to ground cover planting

Common questions

Is it a good houseplant?

Yes. It is a no-fuss houseplant for a bright room, grown in a pot of gritty mix. Water when it starts to soften or wrinkle.

Will the variegation hold in shade?

It will grow in shade, but the leaf colour may not be as strong. Bright light keeps the cream edges crisp.

Does it spread quickly?

It spreads steadily, with stems that root along the ground. Pull stems up if you want to limit it, or mulch under them with stone chips.