SunSparkler Cherry Tart Stonecrop

SunSparkler Cherry Tart Stonecrop (Sedum x 'Cherry Tart')

SunSparkler Cherry Tart Stonecrop brings bold, season-long foliage color to sunny spaces and stays tidy without constant maintenance. The low, spreading habit fills gaps quickly, making beds and edges look finished and intentional. In late summer, bright pink flower clusters rise above the foliage and keep the display going into early fall while drawing pollinators. It is a reliable choice for well-drained landscapes where you want high contrast with low water needs.

Distinctive Features

This compact stonecrop forms a dense mat of small, rounded leaves in rich cherry-red to reddish-purple tones that hold well through summer. Large, flat-topped clusters of bright pink flowers appear in late summer to early fall, creating a strong color pairing against the dark foliage. The succulent leaves support good drought tolerance once established, and the plant can be semi-evergreen in milder winters. Its refined, groundcover habit makes it easy to use as a crisp filler without looking messy or aggressive.

Growing Conditions

• Sun: Full sun provides the best foliage color and the most compact growth.
• Soil: Plant in well-drained soil, including sandy or gravelly sites, and avoid consistently wet or heavy soils.
• Water: Water to establish, then keep to dry to medium moisture, allowing soil to dry between waterings.
• USDA Zones: Hardy in USDA Zones 4 to 9 in typical garden conditions.
• Mature Size: Typically grows 4 to 6 inches tall and spreads about 18 inches wide.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Use a concentrated patch as a low focal point where the cherry-red foliage can pop against stone, mulch, or brighter plants.
• Groundcover: Mass plant to create a dense, low mat that fills gaps and helps suppress weeds in sunny beds.
• Rock and Gravel Gardens: Tuck into fast-draining sites where strong foliage color and drought tolerance matter.
• Edging: Line paths and bed fronts for a clean, low border that stays neat with minimal trimming.
• Containers: Plant near the rim of pots to add rich foliage color and late-season bloom in sunny planters.

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 support tighter growth and better foliage color.
• Watering: Once established, water only during extended drought to maintain vigor and bloom quality.
• Mulching: Use a thin gravel top-dress if desired and keep crowns from staying wet to reduce rot risk.
• Propagation: Expand plantings easily by rooting small stem pieces in well-drained soil.

Why Choose SunSparkler Cherry Tart Stonecrop?

• Color-Retentive Foliage: Cherry-red to reddish-purple leaves hold strong contrast from spring through fall.
• Late-Season Bloom: Bright pink flower clusters bring color and pollinator value from late summer into early fall.
• Waterwise Performance: Succulent growth tolerates heat and dry spells once established in well-drained soil.
• Compact Coverage: Low, spreading habit fills space neatly without overwhelming neighboring plants.
• Lower Browsing Pressure: Foliage is often less appealing to rabbits and deer than many soft-leaved perennials.

SunSparkler Cherry Tart Stonecrop is an easy way to add bold foliage color, tidy coverage, and a strong late-season finish to sunny landscapes. Pair it with ornamental grasses, silver foliage plants, or golden groundcovers to push contrast even further. With sun and drainage, it stays compact, colorful, and dependable year after year.