Red Ice Stonecrop

Red Ice Stonecrop (Sedum album 'Red Ice')

Red Ice Stonecrop is a low, spreading groundcover that keeps sunny beds looking finished with a dense mat of succulent texture. It stays attractive through heat and lean soils, making it a smart fit for waterwise plantings and tough, exposed spots. In summer, small white flowers add a clean bloom layer while the foliage continues to carry the display. As temperatures cool, the foliage often shifts from green to red tones for strong seasonal interest.

Distinctive Features

This stonecrop forms a tight, carpet-like mat of small, fleshy leaves that root along creeping stems to create dependable coverage. Foliage is typically green during the growing season and can develop deep red to burgundy tones in fall and winter, especially in full sun and drier conditions. Clusters of tiny, star-shaped white flowers appear in mid to late summer and attract pollinators. Its low profile and drought tolerance make it especially useful where sharp drainage and low maintenance are priorities.

Growing Conditions

• Sun: Full sun for best color and dense growth, with light 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 4 to 9.
• Mature Size: Typically grows 2 to 4 inches tall and spreads 10 to 18 inches wide.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Use a broad patch as a low focal point where the red-toned seasonal foliage can stand out against stone, gravel, 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.
• Between Stepping Stones: Plant where foot traffic is light and you want living color and texture between pavers.
• Slopes and Walls: Use on dry banks or along stone edges where it can spread and soften hard lines.

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.
• Watering: Reduce irrigation once established, as overwatering can lead to weaker growth and rot issues.
• Mulching: Use a thin gravel top-dress if desired and keep stems and crowns from staying wet.
• Propagation: Expand plantings easily by re-rooting small stem pieces in well-drained soil.

Why Choose Red Ice Stonecrop?

• Seasonal Foliage Color: Green summer growth can shift into red to burgundy tones as weather cools.
• Tough Site Fit: Performs well in rocky, shallow, and lean soils with excellent drainage.
• Summer Flowers: White blooms add a clean seasonal accent and support pollinators.
• Waterwise Performance: Succulent foliage handles heat and short dry spells well once established.
• Easy Coverage: Spreading habit forms a dense mat that helps unify plantings and fill gaps.

Red Ice Stonecrop is an easy way to add durable coverage, clean texture, and seasonal color to sunny, fast-draining areas. Pair it with blue foliage plants, ornamental grasses, or darker groundcovers to make the red tones read clearly as temperatures drop. With sun and drainage, it stays compact, resilient, and dependable year after year.