Sedum spathulifolium

Common Names

Broad-Leaved Stonecrop, Pacific Stonecrop, Spathe Leaved Sedum, Spoon-Leaved Stonecrop, Yellow Stonecrop, Colorado Stonecrop

Summary

Sedum spathulifolium is a glabrous, mat-forming evergreen perennial native to western North America from British Columbia to southern California, where it grows on rocky ledges and slopes and often in shade. It forms tight rosettes of spoon-shaped leaves that are green and often glaucous or pruinose, developing purple highlights in sun, and spreads by stout branched rhizomes to form a low carpet. The plant produces yellow five-merous flowers arranged in cymes on short stems about 10 cm tall.

Cultivation is straightforward: a drought-tolerant succulent that prefers well-drained soils and full sun to light shade, tolerating dry rocky substrates and requiring water only after the soil dries to avoid rot; avoid waterlogged conditions. It is used as ground cover in rock gardens, on walls and containers, and for edging, with a compact, slow-growing habit suitable for small spaces. Propagation is easy by stem cuttings or division, and dead leaves or spent flowers can be removed to improve appearance.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

1-12 inches

Spread

12-14.5 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 3-10b

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun, tolerates partial shade, not full shade.

Soil Type

Well-drained soil, sandy, loamy, or rocky soils

Soil Drainage

Well-drained

Soil pH

5.0-8.0

Bloom Color

Yellow

Bloom Time

Summer

Foliage Color

Green, Grey, Silver, Blue-green, Purple, Red

Fall Foliage Color

Reddish to purplish

Leaf Lifecycle

Evergreen broadleaf

Growth Rate

Slow

Seasons of Interest

Spring and Summer

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings, Division

Attracts Wildlife

Bees, butterflies, other pollinators