Rock 'N Grow Back in Black Stonecrop

Rock 'N Grow Back in Black Stonecrop (Sedum hybrid 'Back in Black')

Rock 'N Grow Back in Black Stonecrop adds dramatic, near-black foliage to sunny beds and keeps that dark contrast looking sharp all season. When late summer arrives, it shifts into bloom with showy flower clusters that bring fresh color and pollinator activity into early fall. The upright, sturdy habit makes it easy to tuck into mixed plantings without flopping or disappearing. It is a reliable choice for well-drained landscapes where you want high impact without high maintenance.

Distinctive Features

This clump-forming sedum features thick, succulent leaves that deepen to a very dark, nearly black tone in full sun, creating strong contrast against brighter foliage and flowers nearby. In late summer to early fall, branching flower clusters open with creamy petals and contrasting deep red centers, adding a refined, two-tone look up close and a soft glow from a distance. Stems are typically stout and supportive, and the dried flower heads can hold texture well after bloom for extended seasonal interest.

Growing Conditions

• Sun: Full sun provides the darkest foliage color and the strongest, most upright stems.
• Soil: Plant in well-drained soil, including sandy or gravelly sites, and avoid consistently wet or heavy soils.
• Water: Water to establish, then water sparingly, as it prefers dry to medium moisture and handles drought once established.
• USDA Zones: Hardy in USDA Zones 3 to 9.
• Mature Size: Typically grows 20 to 24 inches tall and 26 to 30 inches wide.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Use in a small grouping as a foliage focal point that anchors a sunny bed with near-black contrast and late-season bloom.
• Borders: Plant in the middle of sunny borders to add structure, dark foliage, and dependable late-season color.
• Mass Planting: Plant in drifts for a bold, cohesive effect that reads from a distance through summer and fall.
• Containers: Grow in containers with sharp drainage to bring dramatic foliage color to patios and entryways.
• Pollinator Gardens: Include to support bees and butterflies during the valuable late-season flowering window.

Low Maintenance Care

• Pruning: Leave flower heads for fall and winter texture, then cut back stems in late winter to early spring before new growth starts.
• Fertilizing: Avoid heavy feeding, because rich soil can encourage softer growth and reduce stem strength.
• Staking: Staking is rarely needed when grown in full sun and well-drained, average to lean soil.
• Watering: Once established, water only during extended drought to maintain vigor and bloom quality.
• Mulching: Use a light mulch or gravel top-dress and keep crowns from staying wet to reduce rot risk.

Why Choose Rock 'N Grow Back in Black Stonecrop?

• Near-Black Foliage: Dark leaves create standout contrast that elevates nearby colors and textures.
• Late-Season Bloom: Creamy flowers with deep red centers add color from late summer into early fall.
• Heat and Drought Tolerance: Succulent growth performs well in sunny, lower-water landscapes once established.
• Strong Garden Structure: Upright stems and broad flower clusters add clean form in borders and mixed beds.
• Extended Interest: Spent flower heads can dry attractively and hold texture into the colder months.

Rock 'N Grow Back in Black Stonecrop pairs especially well with gold, chartreuse, and silver foliage plants for high-contrast combinations that stay sharp through the season. Give it sun and drainage, and it will reward you with dramatic foliage, late blooms, and lasting structure. For a bold, dependable perennial that carries a garden into fall, it is an easy plant to build around.