Conga Line Stonecrop

Conga Line Stonecrop (Sedum telephium 'Conga Line')

Conga Line Stonecrop is a compact, upright perennial that brings fresh color and strong structure to sunny beds late in the season. The foliage shifts through the year, adding a layered look even before flowers arrive. When it blooms, the flower heads brighten borders with warm, blended tones and draw pollinators for weeks. It is an easy fit for well-drained landscapes where you want reliable performance without extra maintenance.

Distinctive Features

This clump-forming stonecrop produces sturdy stems topped with broad flower clusters that open in late summer to early fall. The succulent foliage typically starts green and develops deeper purple to burgundy tones as the season progresses, creating a rich backdrop for the blooms. Flower heads show a mix of peach, coral, and creamy tones that read as soft, warm color from a distance while still looking detailed up close. Once established, it handles heat and short dry spells well in soils that drain quickly.

Growing Conditions

• Sun: Full sun is best for compact growth, strong color, and sturdy stems.
• Soil: Plant in very well-drained soil, especially sandy or gravelly sites, and avoid consistently wet conditions.
• Water: Water to establish, then provide low to moderate water, letting soil dry between waterings.
• USDA Zones: Hardy in USDA Zones 4 to 9.
• Mature Size: Typically grows 16 to 20 inches tall and spreads 14 to 16 inches wide.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Use a small grouping as a late-season focal point where the warm-toned flower heads can brighten a sunny bed.
• Borders: Plant in sunny borders to add upright structure and a long late-season bloom window.
• Mass Planting: Plant in drifts for a cohesive sweep of foliage color and late-season flowers.
• Rock and Gravel Gardens: A strong fit for fast-draining beds where drought-tolerant perennials perform best.
• Containers: Use in well-drained containers to add compact form and late-season color on patios and entries.

Low Maintenance Care

• Pruning: Leave flower heads for fall texture, then cut stems back in late winter to early spring before new growth starts.
• Fertilizing: Avoid heavy feeding, because rich soil can encourage softer growth and less sturdy stems.
• Staking: Staking is rarely needed when grown in full sun and well-drained soil.
• Mulching: Use a light mulch or gravel top-dress and keep the crown from staying wet.
• Dividing: Divide clumps every few years in spring if you want to refresh vigor and maintain a tight habit.

Why Choose Conga Line Stonecrop?

• Late-Season Color: Flower heads bloom from late summer into early fall when many gardens need a lift.
• Color-Shifting Foliage: Leaves can deepen from green to purple and burgundy tones through the season.
• Compact Upright Habit: Sturdy stems help the plant stay neat and hold blooms well.
• Waterwise Performance: Succulent growth tolerates heat and short dry spells once established in well-drained soil.
• Pollinator Value: Flower clusters attract bees and butterflies during an important late-season window.

Conga Line Stonecrop pairs well with ornamental grasses, asters, and other sun-loving perennials for a long, cohesive finish to the season. Give it sun and sharp drainage, and it will reward you with dependable structure, shifting foliage color, and a warm late bloom display year after year.