The large Sedum genus of 400 to 500 species commonly known as stonecrops includes many with a low-growing growth habit. Creeping sedum ground covers typically grow two to six inches tall and two feet wide, and they grow quite fast. These sedums make excellent ground covers in hot, arid areas where other plants struggle to survive, but also do well in most USDA zones 3-9. However, there are varieties that can handle full sun, partial sun, and even full shade.
Although all sedums flower, they are usually grown for their foliage, which comes in interesting shades of green not found in most other plants. They are not invasive and their shallow root systems make them easy to remove if needed. A bonus is that sedums are generally deer-resistant.
Plant taxonomists sometimes remove plants from one genus and reassign them to a new one. Several common sedum species have been reassigned to new genera. However, they are often still referred to as sedums in the horticultural trade. For example, the popular Autumn Joy sedum is now formally known as Hylotelephium Autumn Joy.
Sedums are popular succulent perennials prized for their colorful foliage and drought tolerance Many spreading sedum varieties also produce cheerful yellow flowers in summer These hardy, low-maintenance stonecrops make excellent groundcovers or trailing accents in containers.
If you want to add splashes of yellow to your garden here are 7 of the best creeping sedums with yellow blooms
1. Golden Creeping Sedum
Golden creeping sedum (Sedum kamtschaticum) is a fast-spreading stonecrop with bright yellow star-shaped flowers in summer. Its small rounded leaves emerge lime green in spring then mature to green. The foliage takes on orange and red hues in fall.
This hardy sedum grows just 4-6 inches tall but spreads up to 24 inches wide. It thrives in full sun and dry poor soil. Use it as a walkable groundcover or trailing accent. Golden creeping sedum is not invasive and its shallow roots make it easy to contain.
2. Yellow Stonecrop
Yellow stonecrop (Sedum kamtchaticum) offers clusters of bright yellow blooms atop waxy green leaves in summer. The foliage turns attractive shades of orange, red, and purple in fall.
This hardy, low-maintenance sedum reaches just 6-8 inches tall but spreads 12-24 inches wide. It tolerates heat, drought, and poor soils. Use it as a groundcover or in rock gardens. Yellow stonecrop is easy to propagate from cuttings.
3. Showy Stonecrop
Showy stonecrop (Sedum cauticola) is a spreading sedum native to Japan. It displays dense clusters of pinkish-purple flowers in late summer. The blue-green leaves have red edges.
This hardy stonecrop grows just 4 inches tall and spreads rapidly. Give it full sun and well-drained soil. Use it as a drought-tolerant groundcover or lawn substitute. Showy stonecrop is not invasive but does spread readily.
4. October Daphne Stonecrop
October daphne stonecrop (Sedum sieboldii) offers airy clusters of yellow flowers loved by bees and butterflies. Its blue-green leaves are edged in deep pink. This spreading sedum grows up to 12 inches tall.
Plant it in full sun areas with well-drained soil. October daphne stonecrop spreads readily and tolerates some foot traffic, making it a good groundcover option. It is easy to control and not considered an invasive plant.
5. Angelina Stonecrop
Angelina stonecrop (Sedum rupestre ‘Angelina’) offers vivid golden foliage that turns orange in fall. Bright yellow starry flowers appear in summer. This low spreader reaches just 4 inches tall but trails up to 24 inches wide.
Give Angelina stonecrop full sun and well-drained soil. Use it as a colorful groundcover or let it spill over edges of containers and walls. It spreads but is easy to contain and enjoys being propagated by cuttings.
6. Sedum Acre
Also called moss stonecrop, Sedum acre is an evergreen carpeting sedum with yellow flowers in summer. Its fine foliage forms a dense mat just 3 inches tall.
This tough and cold hardy sedum thrives in full sun and poor soils. Use it as a walkable groundcover between stones or along paths and walls. Sedum acre spreads rapidly but is shallow rooted and easy to control.
7. Russian Stonecrop
Russian stonecrop (Sedum kamtschaticum) has deep green leaves and golden yellow flowers that appear in late summer. It’s a reliable, fast-growing plant that can be used for filling in spaces in rock gardens or chinks in stone walls as well as blanketing sunny areas. The foliage turns into an attractive bronze in the fall.
Give this hardy, drought-tolerant sedum full sun and well-drained soil. Russian stonecrop spreads readily but is not invasive. It’s easy to pull up and relocate if needed.
How to Grow and Contain Creeping Sedums
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Plant sedum in spring in well-drained soil. Give them full sun to partial shade depending on the variety.
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Water weekly until established, then water only during droughts. Too much moisture can lead to rot.
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Shear back upright sedum varieties in late fall after flowering. Creeping types can be left for winter interest.
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Propagate by taking stem cuttings in spring or summer. Even dropped leaves may root.
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Control spread by planting in containers or areas surrounded by hardscape. Use metal flashing buried at edges.
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Pull out unwanted growth. Shallow roots make sedums easy to remove. Just be thorough and get all the pieces.
Add Splashes of Yellow With Hardy Sedums
Creeping sedums thrive in challenging growing conditions where many other plants fail. Their colorful foliage and summer blooms add long-lasting curb appeal. Use spreading sedum varieties as carefree groundcovers, rock garden accents, stone pathway borders or trailing over walls and containers.
With their bright yellow blooms and easygoing nature, creeping sedums are a great way to add pops of sunshine to your landscape. Just beware of potential spreaders like Sedum acre and keep an eye on aggressive growers, promptly removing any rogue growth. With a little care, sedums and your garden will live happily ever after!
‘Angelina’ Stonecrop
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Angelina stonecrop is a gold-leaved sedum that turns bronze when the weather gets cold. Tiny yellow flowers appear throughout the summer. This mat-forming plant works well in dry areas, rock gardens, containers, and hanging baskets, and its color contrasts nicely with plants that have dark foliage.
- Name: Angelina stonecrop (Sedum rupestre Angelina)
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 3–9
- Light: Full sun, partial shade
- Flower Color: Yellow
- Mature Size: 4-6 inches tall, 1-3 feet spread
Cascade Stonecrop
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Cascade stonecrop often known as spreading stonecrop, is a perennial creeping sedum species that blooms with yellow flowers in midsummer. The leaves are green but show a reddish tinge in full sun. Individual plants can spread up to several feet in irregular directions from the crown.
- Name: Cascade stonecrop (Sedum divergens)
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-9
- Light: Full sun; tolerates light shade
- Flower Color: Yellow
- Mature Size: 3–4 inches tall, 12-24 inches spread
Creeping Sedum – A low growing Sedum groundcover – Stonecrop Plant – Drought tolerant succulent
FAQ
What is the yellow flower in creeping sedum?
Fast-growing, and colorful, ‘Angelina’ Creeping Sedum (Sedum rupestre) adds a dazzling highlight with colors from chartreuse to golden yellow. Easy to grow, it will spread quickly as a drought-tolerant groundcover. Bright yellow star-like flowers bloom in summer and foliage turns golden-orange in autumn.
Does creeping sedum spread?
Creeping Sedum: Groundcover that can spread up to 3 feet. This low growing sedum usually spreads quite wide like a carpet. Many of them have little rosettes for foliage which look like flowers but are actually foliage.
How do you care for golden creeping sedum?
Sedum Golden Moss Succulent
Particularly, avoid letting the soil around your Sedum get too dry. Water this plant once a week using a succulent watering bottle, and avoid getting any water on the leaves. A good way to check and see if your Sedum needs water is to check the soil: if it’s completely dry, give it a drink.
What are the pros and cons of sedum ground cover?
Pros of sedum include the fact that it is low maintenance, very heat and drought tolerant, relatively inexpensive, and is resistant to pests and disease. Cons include the inability to handle heavy foot traffic (the small stems are fragile and the shallow root systems can easily be broken by birds and rodents).