Cape Blanco Stonecrop

Cape Blanco Stonecrop (Sedum spathulifolium 'Cape Blanco')

Cape Blanco Stonecrop is a low, spreading succulent groundcover that brings a cool, silvery look to sunny beds with very little upkeep. The tight rosettes help fill gaps, soften edges, and keep plantings looking finished even in lean, dry spots. In late spring to early summer, bright yellow flowers add a clean pop of color and draw pollinators into the garden. It is a strong option for well-drained sites where you want lasting texture, season-long interest, and dependable performance.

Distinctive Features

This stonecrop forms dense mats of small, spoon-shaped rosettes with very glaucous, bluish-gray to silvery foliage that stands out against darker plants and stonework. In cooler weather, the foliage can take on pink to purplish tones, adding extra seasonal interest without losing its tidy structure. Star-shaped yellow flowers rise just above the foliage in late spring to early summer, creating high contrast and a bright, fresh finish. The plant is often evergreen in milder climates and holds its form best in full sun with sharp drainage.

Growing Conditions

• Sun: Full sun for best color and tight growth, with partial shade tolerated.
• Soil: Well-drained soil is essential, and sandy, gravelly, or rocky soils are ideal.
• Water: Water to establish, then keep on the dry side, watering only during extended drought once established.
• USDA Zones: Hardy in USDA Zones 5 to 8.
• Mature Size: Typically grows 4 to 6 inches tall and spreads 12 to 18 inches wide.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Use a bright patch as a low focal point where the silvery foliage can pop against stone, mulch, or darker evergreens.
• 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 fast drainage and reflected heat are common.
• Edging: Line paths and bed fronts for a clean, low border with a crisp, silver texture.
• Walls and Slopes: Plant along stone walls or dry slopes where it can spread and lightly cascade over edges.

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 stronger color.
• Mulching: Use a thin gravel top-dress if desired and keep rosettes from staying wet.
• Winter Wet: Prioritize drainage and avoid soggy winter conditions to reduce rot risk.
• Propagation: Expand plantings easily by re-rooting small stem pieces in well-drained soil.

Why Choose Cape Blanco Stonecrop?

• Silvery Foliage: Glaucous rosettes add cool color and refined texture that elevates sunny plantings.
• Seasonal Interest: Foliage can blush pink to purple in cool weather for added off-season color.
• Summer Flowers: Yellow blooms provide bright contrast and support pollinators.
• Waterwise Performance: Succulent growth tolerates heat and dry spells once established in well-drained soil.
• Lower Browsing Pressure: Foliage is often less appealing to deer and rabbits than many soft-leaved perennials.

Cape Blanco Stonecrop is a dependable way to add durable coverage and standout color to sunny, fast-draining areas. Pair it with other drought-tolerant perennials, ornamental grasses, or darker foliage plants to make the silver tones read clearly. With sun and drainage, it stays tidy, resilient, and visually strong year after year.