Tasteless Stonecrop

Tasteless Stonecrop (Sedum sexangulare)

Tasteless Stonecrop is a tough, low-growing groundcover that quickly knits into a tidy mat for sunny, well-drained spaces. Its bright green, bead-like foliage keeps beds looking finished while tolerating heat, shallow soils, and periods of drought once established. In summer, clusters of starry yellow flowers add a clean pop of color and bring in pollinators. As temperatures cool, the foliage often develops copper to bronze tones for extra seasonal interest.

Distinctive Features

This mat-forming stonecrop spreads on creeping, rooting stems and creates a dense, uniform carpet that is easy to place along edges and between larger plants. Tiny cylindrical leaves are packed tightly in distinct rows, giving the plant a textured, almost chain-like look that stands out against stone and gravel. Bright yellow, star-shaped flowers bloom in summer on short stems just above the foliage, adding weeks of color without demanding extra care. In cool weather, foliage color can shift toward bronze, extending interest beyond the bloom window.

Growing Conditions

• Sun: Full sun provides the best density, color, and flowering, with light shade tolerated.
• Soil: Plant in well-drained soil, especially sandy, gravelly, or rocky sites, and avoid consistently wet conditions.
• Water: Water to establish, then keep on the dry to medium side, letting soil dry between waterings.
• USDA Zones: Hardy in USDA Zones 3 to 8.
• Mature Size: Typically grows 3 to 6 inches tall and spreads 12 to 24 inches wide.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Use a broad patch as a low focal point where the summer yellow flowers and textured foliage can pop against stone or darker plants.
• Groundcover: Mass plant to form a dense mat that fills gaps and helps suppress weeds in sunny beds.
• Rock Gardens: Tuck into rock and gravel gardens where sharp drainage and reflected heat are common.
• Green Roofs: Use in roof garden plantings where drought tolerance and shallow soil performance are important.
• Walls and Edges: Plant along stone borders and wall crevices to soften hard lines with tidy coverage.

Low Maintenance Care

• Pruning: Shear lightly after flowering or in early spring to refresh growth and keep the mat dense.
• Fertilizing: Avoid heavy feeding, because lean soils help maintain compact growth and better color.
• Watering: Once established, water only during extended drought, because frequent irrigation can weaken performance.
• Drainage: Improve heavy soils with grit or plant in raised areas to keep crowns from staying wet.
• Propagation: Expand plantings easily by dividing sections or re-rooting small stem pieces in well-drained soil.

Why Choose Tasteless Stonecrop?

• Durable Coverage: Creeping, mat-forming growth fills gaps neatly and keeps beds looking finished.
• Summer Bloom: Yellow, star-shaped flowers add a bright seasonal accent and support pollinators.
• Seasonal Foliage Interest: Bright green foliage can shift to copper and bronze tones in cooler weather.
• Waterwise Performance: Succulent growth handles heat and short dry spells well once established in well-drained soil.
• Tough Site Fit: Performs well in shallow, rocky, and lean soils where many groundcovers struggle.

Tasteless Stonecrop is an easy way to add reliable coverage, clean texture, and summer color to sunny, fast-draining areas. Pair it with boulders, gravel, and other drought-tolerant plants to build a low-maintenance planting that stays cohesive through the season. With sun and drainage, it remains compact, resilient, and consistently attractive year after year.