Add Vibrant Color to Your Garden with Red Sedum Ground Cover Plants

//

Robby

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.

Red sedum ground cover plants are an excellent option for adding visual interest and pops of color to garden beds borders and containers. With their dense, carpet-like foliage in shades of red and pink and attractive blooms, these low-maintenance succulents are ideal for filling spaces with vibrant color.

Overview of Red Sedum Varieties

Sedums belong to the large Stonecrop genus, with around 600 different species. They are prized for their colorful foliage, drought tolerance, and spreading habit that works perfectly as a ground cover. Many types of sedums have leaves that range from deep red to bright pinkish-red.

Some popular red sedum varieties that make great ground covers include

  • Sedum spurium ‘Dragon’s Blood’ – Deep burgundy red foliage with pink flowers. Grows 2-4 inches tall.

  • Sedum spurium ‘Red Carpet’ – Cherry red leaves and pink blooms. Grows 1-2 inches tall.

  • Sedum ‘Desert Red’ – Blue-green leaves that turn deep red in sun and pink flowers. Grows 3-4 inches tall.

  • Sedum x ‘Red Cascade’ – Green leaves with red edges and yellow flowers. Grows 3-4 inches tall.

  • Sedum ‘Voodoo’ – Deep reddish-purple succulent foliage and pink star-shaped blooms. Grows 3-6 inches tall.

Growing Conditions for Red Sedums

One of the best qualities of sedums is how easy they are to grow. Here are the basic conditions red sedums need:

  • Full sun exposure to develop their bright foliage colors, although some tolerate partial shade.

  • Well-drained soil – sedums dislike wet soil that can lead to rot. Adding grit improves drainage.

  • Low moisture once established. They store water in their leaves so don’t need frequent watering.

  • Hardiness varies by variety, but most tolerate USDA zones 3-9.

  • Little fertilizer is required. Occasional compost or slow-release fertilizer is sufficient.

  • Avoid windy sites that can damage their shallow root systems and break stems.

How to Plant Red Sedum Ground Covers

When planting red sedum ground covers, follow these tips:

  • Spring is the ideal time to plant after the last frost so they establish before summer.

  • Space plants 12-18 inches apart in garden beds, borders or between stepping stones.

  • Dig holes the same depth as the root ball and water at planting time.

  • Add grit like pea gravel to improve drainage if you have heavy soil.

  • Water weekly until established, then water only during droughts. Mature plants are very drought tolerant.

  • Many varieties spread quickly. Cut back runners or separate overgrown clumps to contain spread.

Caring for Red Sedums

Once planted, red sedum ground covers require minimal care:

  • Water only during extended dry periods for established plants. Avoid overwatering.

  • Fertilize lightly in spring with compost or organic granular fertilizer if needed, but sedums don’t require much.

  • Prune back leggy growth in spring to compact the plant. Pinch off spent blooms to encourage reblooming.

  • Cut plants back to a few inches in late fall in cold climates. New growth appears in spring.

  • Divide overgrown clumps in spring every 2-3 years to rejuvenate. Replant divisions to expand beds.

  • Excellent pest and disease resistance, although aphids may sometimes appear. Hose off with water.

Uses of Red Sedum Ground Covers in the Landscape

Red sedum varieties add a pop of vivid color and texture when used as:

  • Low edging plants along paths, patios and walkways

  • Ground cover between stepping stones

  • Accents or fillers in rock gardens and xeriscapes

  • Erosion control on slopes and banks

  • Cascading out of containers and hanging baskets

  • Front of borders, accenting ornamental grasses or bright perennials

  • Part of a drought-tolerant lawn alternative

  • Rock garden filler around boulders and in stone walls

Top Red Sedum Varieties to Try

Some of the best red sedum ground cover varieties to try growing include:

  • Sedum ‘Dragon’s Blood’ – Stunning deep burgundy foliage

  • Sedum ‘Voodoo’- Unique dark purple succulent leaves

  • Sedum ‘Desert Red’ – Leaves turn intense red in sunlight

  • Sedum spurium ‘Red Carpet’ – Brilliant cherry red foliage

  • Sedum ‘Red Cascade’ – Green leaves with red edges

With minimal care, red sedum ground covers provide vivid color, curb appeal, and visual interest to gardens. Their dense, carpet-like habit effortlessly fills in spaces while their blooms add seasonal displays. Add a splash of red to your garden with these easy-care succulents!

red sedum ground cover plants

‘Murale’

red sedum ground cover plants

Murale is a creeping sedum cultivar with bronze foliage and pink flowers that bloom in early summer and attract butterflies. It has a similar growth habit as the rest of the species but is a slightly smaller plant overall.

  • Name: Murale (Sedum album Murale)
  • USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-9
  • Light: Full sun; tolerates light shade
  • Flower Color: Pink
  • Mature Size: 3–4 inches tall, 12-18 inches spread

‘Angelina’ Stonecrop

red sedum ground cover plants

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

Creeping Sedum – A low growing Sedum groundcover – Stonecrop Plant – Drought tolerant succulent

FAQ

Does red creeping sedum spread?

Does sedum spread? Groundcover or creeping sedums can spread up to 2-3′ wide, while tall sedums stay more compact.

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).

Do sedums like full sun or shade?

Light: Sedum (or ‘stone crop flower’) do best in full to part sun. While taller hybrids need full sun to flower their best, creeping types will grow fine in part shade. Soil: Sedums like a very well-drained soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH.

Is red sedum a perennial?

Sedum are grown for their distinctive fleshy foliage. They are available in a wide range of shapes and sizes – upright and groundcovers. A reliable, hardy and easy-to-grow perennial.

Leave a Comment