Double Martini Stonecrop

Double Martini Stonecrop (Sedum telephium 'Double Martini')

Double Martini Stonecrop adds late-season color and strong structure to sunny beds when many perennials start to fade. Its upright, mounding habit stays tidy, and the contrasting stems and foliage keep borders looking intentional long before bloom. As flowers open, the plant becomes a reliable pollinator stop that carries color into early fall. It is an easy, drought-tolerant choice for well-drained landscapes where you want impact without extra maintenance.

Distinctive Features

This stonecrop is known for dark red to maroon stems that stand out against olive-green, lightly serrated succulent foliage. Rounded, flat-topped flower clusters appear in late summer to early fall in clear pink tones, adding a strong finish to the season. The stems are typically sturdy in full sun, and the dried seed heads can hold texture after bloom for extended interest. Its compact, clumping form makes it simple to use in borders without crowding neighbors.

Growing Conditions

• Sun: Full sun is best for strong color, sturdy stems, and the most abundant flowering.
• Soil: Plant in well-drained soil, including sandy or gravelly sites, and avoid consistently wet conditions.
• Water: Water to establish, then provide 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 15 to 18 inches tall and 15 to 18 inches wide.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Plant a small group as a late-season focal point where the pink flower heads can anchor a sunny bed.
• Borders: Use in sunny borders to add upright structure and a reliable bloom window from late summer into fall.
• Mass Planting: Plant in drifts for a bold sweep of stems, foliage, and late-season flowers.
• Rock and Gravel Gardens: Fit it into fast-draining beds where drought-tolerant perennials perform best.
• Containers: Grow in well-drained containers to bring late-season color and structure to patios and entries.

Low Maintenance Care

• Pruning: Leave seed heads for fall and winter texture, then cut 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.
• Watering: Once established, water only during extended drought to maintain vigor and bloom quality.
• Dividing: Divide clumps every few years in spring if you want to refresh vigor and manage size.

Why Choose Double Martini Stonecrop?

• Stem and Foliage Contrast: Dark red stems and olive-green leaves add color and definition from spring through fall.
• Late-Season Bloom: Pink flower clusters carry the garden from late summer into early fall.
• Sturdy Habit: Upright, mounding growth holds its shape well in sunny, well-drained beds.
• Waterwise Performance: Succulent growth handles heat and dry spells once established.
• Pollinator Value: Flower heads attract bees and butterflies during a valuable end-of-season window.

Double Martini 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 color, clean structure, and minimal upkeep year after year.