While the two are definitely the same, it is important to keep in mind that many different kinds of stonecrops are going to be hardier than softer species. There are some species that do grow better on rocky areas, and there are also those that do best as borders or as hanging plants.
In this collection, there will be a mix of hardy and soft species, which will let you see the difference between the two. Let’s begin!
Jump to:
- 1. Sedum dasyphyllum
- 2. Sedum takesimense
- 3. Sedum lucidum, Obesum
- 4. Sedum morganianum
- 5. Sedum rubrotinctum
- 6. Sedum spurium
- 7. Sedum multiceps
- 8. Sedum lucidum
- 9. Sedum makinoi
- 10. Sedum rupestre
- 11. Sedum japonicum
- 12. Sedum pachyphyllum
- 13. Sedum angelicum
- 14. Sedum dendroideum
- 15. Sedum rubrotinctum, Mini Me
- 16. Sedum spurium, John Creech
- 17. Sedum lineare
- 18. Sedum hispanicum
- 19. Sedum spurium, Tricolor
- 20. Hylotelephium spectabile
- 21. Sedum adolphi, Firestorm
- 22. Sedum spathulifolium
1. Sedum dasyphyllum
Buy it from:
| Maximum Height | 2 inches |
| Maximum Width | 8 inches |
| Watering Needs | Tolerates drought and regular watering |
| Soil Needs | Well-drained |
| Light Needs | Can tolerate light shade |
| Hardiness Zone(s) | Zone 7 and up |
| Bloom Color | White Bloom w/pink/purple |
| Bloom Type | Star-shaped |
| Leaf Type | Round leaves with some cilia |
| Growth Type | Self-propagating groundcover |
Otherwise known as Corsican stonecrop, Leafy Stonecrop, and Round Leaved Stonecrop, this fluffy leaved sedum is one that is hard to avoid. The popularity of this stonecrop is contagious thanks to the multiple colors that it shows throughout the year. From blushing pinks to lavender blues, this species changes beautifully all year long. It can take a bit to cover space because of how this species propagates. Rather than rooting through stems, it roots through the leaves that fall off.
2. Sedum takesimense
Buy it from:
| Maximum Height | 6 inches |
| Maximum Width | 12 inches |
| Watering Needs | Tolerates drought and regular watering |
| Soil Needs | Well-drained |
| Light Needs | Can tolerate light shade |
| Hardiness Zone(s) | Zone 4 and up |
| Bloom Color | Yellow |
| Bloom Type | Star Shaped |
| Leaf Type | Crenate margins and ovate leaves |
| Growth Type | Groundcover |
As one of the more attractive species of sedum, Atlantis is a beautifully variegated and textured sedum. Its patent name, Nonsitnal, doesn’t relate directly to the deep green central line surrounded but buttery yellow margins. The margins are also crenate which means that they have a rounded pattern along the edges. As an easy-to-care-for and stunning groundcover species, it is hard for many shops and nurseries to keep it in stock!
3. Sedum lucidum, Obesum
Buy it from:
| Maximum Height | 18 inches |
| Maximum Width | Ground cover |
| Watering Needs | Tolerates drought and regular watering |
| Soil Needs | Well-drained |
| Light Needs | Can tolerate light shade |
| Hardiness Zone(s) | Zone 9 and up |
| Bloom Color | White with yellow center |
| Bloom Type | Star Shaped |
| Leaf Type | Very thick and rounded, shaped like spoons |
| Growth Type | Tall groundcover that will also crawl along the ground or hang |
Obesum is a tender sedum that doesn’t do well against drought or cold conditions, but when in the right conditions, it can easily take over an area with how quickly this species grows. It is shinier and has more pronounced maroon margins than the parent species, Sedum lucidum. Thick fleshy leaves grow in rosettes at the top and whorl around the stem.
4. Sedum morganianum
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| Maximum length | 24 inches |
| Maximum Width | Continual growth |
| Watering Needs | Tolerates drought and regular watering |
| Soil Needs | Well-drained |
| Light Needs | Can tolerate light shade |
| Hardiness Zone(s) | Zone 9 and up |
| Bloom Color | Silvery, pink and red |
| Bloom Type | Star-shaped |
| Leaf Type | Can be triangular or more rounded and teardrop shaped; grows in a whorled pattern. |
| Growth Type | Pendulous ground cover or hanging plant |
This species has two separate appearances that can make it difficult to identify. There is one variant that has triangular-shaped leaves that grow downward on four-foot stems which makes it look like a tail. The rounder variant grows in the same pattern but tends to be more minty green as compared to a white green in the triangular variant.
5. Sedum rubrotinctum
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| Maximum Height | 12 inches |
| Maximum Width | Trailing growth |
| Watering Needs | Tolerates drought and regular watering |
| Soil Needs | Well-drained |
| Light Needs | Can tolerate light shade |
| Hardiness Zone(s) | Zone 9 and up |
| Bloom Color | Yellow |
| Bloom Type | Star Shaped |
| Leaf Type | Rounded linear leaves |
| Growth Type | Pendulous ground cover |
There are several names for this species, such as Redberry, Jelly Bean, and Pork and Beans. There are a few variants of this species, but to tell them apart, look for the stems packed full of shiny, glossy, and red-tipped leaves that mature into yellow linear leaves. This species tends to be evergreen, with gorgeous lime colors spread throughout the plant.
6. Sedum spurium
Buy it from:
| Maximum Height | 8 inches |
| Watering Needs | Tolerates drought and regular watering |
| Soil Needs | Well-drained |
| Light Needs | Can tolerate light shade |
| Hardiness Zone(s) | Zone 4 and up |
| Bloom Color | Red |
| Bloom Type | Star-shaped |
| Leaf Type | Crenate margins and circular leaves |
| Growth Type | Creeping ground cover |
Phedimus spurius, Schorbuser Blut, or better known as Dragon’s Blood, S. spurium is one of my favorite types of sedum. They can start off with green centers and reddish margins; however, they are frequently a gorgeous crimson red. The layering leaves look like blossoms when viewed from above. This species is a quick grower, so make sure you have plenty of space.
7. Sedum multiceps
Buy it from:
| Maximum Height | 6 inches |
| Watering Needs | Tolerates drought and regular watering |
| Soil Needs | Well-drained |
| Light Needs | Can tolerate light shade |
| Hardiness Zone(s) | Zone 8 and up |
| Bloom Color | Yellow |
| Bloom Type | Star-shaped |
| Leaf Type | Clustered terminal rosettes with linear leaves |
| Growth Type | Upward and quickly branches to form mats |
Also known as the Mini Joshua tree, this attractive and slow-growing sedum species is one of the more interesting types thanks to how it branches. As the sedum grows and continues to branch, the tiny rosettes expand into larger leaves which fall away to reveal thick stems. This is why it looks very similar to a Joshua Tree.
8. Sedum lucidum
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| Maximum Height | 18 inches |
| Watering Needs | Tolerates drought and regular watering |
| Soil Needs | Well-drained |
| Light Needs | Can tolerate light shade |
| Hardiness Zone(s) | Zone 9 and up |
| Bloom Color | White with yellow center |
| Bloom Type | Star-shaped |
| Leaf Type | Lance-shaped with slight keel |
| Growth Type | Pendulous ground cover |
Earlier in the collection, Sedum lucidum Obesum was reviewed. The parent species S. lucidum can come in crested variations and is often something to behold. As the species matures, the leaves can fall and reestablish to grow a large mat, but the species also grows tall and bends over to form rooted stems along the ground. With beautifully pointed lime-green leaves, this species is sure to impress.
9. Sedum makinoi
Buy it from:
| Maximum Height | 4 inches |
| Maximum Width | 12 inches |
| Watering Needs | Tolerates drought and regular watering |
| Soil Needs | Well-drained |
| Light Needs | Can tolerate light shade |
| Hardiness Zone(s) | Zone 6 and up |
| Bloom Color | Yellow-green |
| Bloom Type | Star Shaped |
| Leaf Type | Smooth margins with orb-like shape and overlapping growth |
| Growth Type | Low-growing ground cover |
Also known as Ogon, the bright yellow-green of this species is breathtaking as it takes over the designated space you have for it. The leaves grow in alternating pairs and don’t show any variegation. Some leaves may appear darker than others; however, with more sunlight, this bushy groundcover will provide a golden space in your yard.
10. Sedum rupestre
Buy it from:
| Maximum Height | 6 inches |
| Maximum Width | 2 feet |
| Watering Needs | Tolerates drought and regular watering |
| Soil Needs | Well-drained |
| Light Needs | Can tolerate light shade |
| Hardiness Zone(s) | Zone 5 and up |
| Bloom Color | Yellow |
| Bloom Type | Star-shaped clusters |
| Leaf Type | Fleshy, cylindrical, narrow, and linear leaves that grow in opposite directions along the stem |
| Growth Type | Easily spreading ground cover |
There are many different names for this species, from Angelina’s Teacup to Crooked Yellow Stonecrop. As a species, it forms a round ball that begins to grow outward and take over more and more space. This makes it the perfect groundcover with a splash of gorgeous lime green brightness.
11. Sedum japonicum
Buy it from:
| Maximum Height | 2 inches |
| Maximum Width | 8 inches |
| Watering Needs | Tolerates drought and regular watering |
| Soil Needs | Well-drained |
| Light Needs | Can tolerate light shade |
| Hardiness Zone(s) | Zone 8 and up |
| Bloom Color | Yellow |
| Bloom Type | Star-shaped |
| Leaf Type | Thick flattened linear leaves |
| Growth Type | Mounding and clumping ground cover |
Tokyo Sun is another species that brings brightness to any space. Rather than the lime yellow or yellow-green of S. makinoi and S. rupestre, Tokyo Sun is a bright yellow that is difficult to ignore. It forms a thick carpet that constantly takes over more space, but it can also be trimmed back to maintain whatever shape you wish.
12. Sedum pachyphyllum
Buy it from:
| Maximum Height | 12 inches |
| Maximum Width | 36 inches |
| Watering Needs | Tolerates drought and regular watering |
| Soil Needs | Well-drained |
| Light Needs | Can tolerate light shade |
| Hardiness Zone(s) | Zone 9 and up |
| Bloom Color | Yellow |
| Bloom Type | Star-shaped |
| Leaf Type | Thick elongated cylindrical leaves |
| Growth Type | Trailing ground cover |
Another Jelly Bean variety, Salsa is an exceptionally fun species to own and watch grow. They start off looking like they are rosettes, but as they grow, they can change color from lime green at the base with a bright red tip. The species can also start to turn a beautiful blue; however, that is not always the case with the Salsa variety.
13. Sedum angelicum
Buy it from:
| Maximum Height | 3 inches |
| Maximum Width | 12 inches |
| Watering Needs | Tolerates drought and regular watering |
| Soil Needs | Well-drained |
| Light Needs | Can tolerate light shade |
| Hardiness Zone(s) | Zone 4 and up |
| Bloom Color | Pink |
| Bloom Type | Star-shaped |
| Leaf Type | Small and fleshy linear leaves |
| Growth Type | Thick groundcover |
Suzie Q or Love’s Triangle is an adorable stonecrop that has leaves that stay rather small, like Baby Buttons. As it grows and establishes itself along the ground, the slight variegation in the leaves brings a splash of brightness, but not all leaves are going to have the splash of random pinks and yellows.
14. Sedum dendroideum
Buy it from:
| Maximum Height | 3 feet |
| Maximum Width | 4 feet |
| Watering Needs | Tolerates drought and regular watering |
| Soil Needs | Well-drained |
| Light Needs | Can tolerate light shade |
| Hardiness Zone(s) | Zone 9 and up |
| Bloom Color | Yellow |
| Bloom Type | Star-shaped |
| Leaf Type | Sharp upward curve with oval-shaped leaves |
| Growth Type | Groundcover shrub |
Tree Stonecrop is a fascinating type of sedum because of the wildly curving leaves that bend forwards and backward. They have subepidermal glands that turn a bright reddish purple along the margins. The primary color is a bright yellow with green undertones. As it grows, the leaves will always keep you guessing what direction they are going to turn.
15. Sedum rubrotinctum, Mini Me
Buy it from:
| Maximum Height | 3 inches |
| Maximum Width | 18 inches |
| Watering Needs | Tolerates drought and regular watering |
| Soil Needs | Well-drained |
| Light Needs | Can tolerate light shade |
| Hardiness Zone(s) | Zone 10 and up |
| Bloom Color | Yellow |
| Bloom Type | Star-shaped |
| Leaf Type | Rounded linear leaves that stay small but surround the stems in a whorled manner. |
| Growth Type | Trailing ground cover |
If you are looking for something that satisfies that need for a tiny species in your garden with wonderful coverage and an intensely shiny leaf, then look no further. Mini Me is a special dwarf variety that has the same characteristics as a regular S. rubrotinctum it just stays much smaller, and the leaves collect closely to one another.
16. Sedum spurium, John Creech
Buy it from:
| Maximum Height | 6 inches |
| Maximum Width | 12 inches |
| Watering Needs | Tolerates drought and regular watering |
| Soil Needs | Well-drained |
| Light Needs | Can tolerate light shade |
| Hardiness Zone(s) | Zone 3 and up |
| Bloom Color | Pink |
| Bloom Type | Star-shaped |
| Leaf Type | Thick on opposite sides of the stem with crenate margins |
| Growth Type | Creeping ground cover |
Also known as Caucasian Stonecrop and Two Row Stonecrop, John Creech reminds me of a basic type of sedum used for groundcover. While this species doesn’t have any wild coloration, it makes up for that difference by creating beautiful mats of light pine green. The leaves are thick and succulent without any markings. The leaves reach upwards as the plant grows, which makes the tips of the stems look like rosettes constantly.
17. Sedum lineare
Buy it from:
| Maximum Height | 6 inches |
| Maximum Width | 12 inches |
| Watering Needs | Tolerates drought and regular watering |
| Soil Needs | Well-drained |
| Light Needs | Can tolerate light shade |
| Hardiness Zone(s) | Zone 6 and up |
| Bloom Color | Yellow, white, and red |
| Bloom Type | Star-shaped with daisy-like amount of petals |
| Leaf Type | Lance-shaped leaves that surround the stem in sets of three |
| Growth Type | Pendulous ground cover |
The Sea Urchin or Carpet Sedum earned its name thanks to the spiny lance-like leaves that rotate around the stem akin to how a sea urchin’s spines radiate around its body. The variegated version is perhaps the most attractive, with lime green centers and creamy margins. In some cases, you can see slightly darker margins on older leaves.
18. Sedum hispanicum
Buy it from:
| Maximum Height | 2 inches |
| Maximum Width | 8 inches |
| Watering Needs | Tolerates drought and regular watering |
| Soil Needs | Well-drained |
| Light Needs | Can tolerate light shade |
| Hardiness Zone(s) | Zone 5 and up |
| Bloom Color | White with random pink centers |
| Bloom Type | Star-shaped |
| Leaf Type | Linear shape that leads slight point |
| Growth Type | Cushiony mound of groundcover |
Otherwise known as Blue carpet or Spanish Stonecrop, this species is native to Mexico and grows in beautiful bluish-green mats that can quickly take over spaces. While the primary colors are blue-green, there is an off chance that your plant may show coppery reds, light pinks, and other reddish tones. This is going to depend on sun exposure as this is a softer sedum species.
19. Sedum spurium, Tricolor
Buy it from:
| Maximum Height | 5 inches |
| Maximum Width | 18 inches |
| Watering Needs | Tolerates drought and regular watering |
| Soil Needs | Well-drained |
| Light Needs | Can tolerate light shade |
| Hardiness Zone(s) | Zone 4 and up |
| Bloom Color | Pink blooms |
| Bloom Type | Star-shaped |
| Leaf Type | Oval and crenate margins |
| Growth Type | Pendulous ground cover |
This species used to be known as Phedimus spurius and it also has the designation of Sedum spurium variegatum. It is one of the more sought-after species thanks to the beautiful coloration of the leaves that earned it the name Tricolor. The center of the leaves is a deep forest green outlined by creamy, blushing pink with hot pink margins. The stark contrast creates a beautiful mat of pendulous ground cover.
20. Hylotelephium spectabile
Buy it from:
| Maximum Height | 2 feet |
| Maximum Width | 2 feet |
| Watering Needs | Tolerates drought and regular watering |
| Soil Needs | Well-drained |
| Light Needs | Can tolerate light shade |
| Hardiness Zone(s) | Zone 4 and up |
| Bloom Color | Pinkish-purple |
| Bloom Type | Star-shaped |
| Leaf Type | Slightly serrated margins with obovate |
| Growth Type | Easily propagating ground cover |
Showy stonecrop definitely earned its name easily. While the majority of the plant is a delicate lime green with leaves that grow serrations over time, the beauty of the Butterfly Stonecrop begins to appear during the spring and summer. Massive inflorescences of pinkish-purple star-shaped flowers stay evergreen throughout the season and attract, as the name suggests, a fair number of butterflies to any garden.
21. Sedum adolphi, Firestorm
Buy it from:
| Maximum Height | 8 inches |
| Maximum Width | 2 feet |
| Watering Needs | Tolerates drought and regular watering |
| Soil Needs | Well-drained |
| Light Needs | Can tolerate light shade |
| Hardiness Zone(s) | Zone 10 and up |
| Bloom Color | White |
| Bloom Type | Star-shaped |
| Leaf Type | Rosette-shaped growth with linear leaves that come to a point |
| Growth Type | Upright Ground Cover |
Golden Sedum is one of the brighter sedums that you can collect. It looks very similar to an etiolated echeveria; however, the stems are thick and hold a fair amount of weight since the leaves are so thick and full of water. The most attractive element of this species is the intense, evergreen oranges and yellows that make each stem look like a small fire.
22. Sedum spathulifolium
Buy it from:
| Maximum Height | 6 inches |
| Maximum Width | 12 inches |
| Watering Needs | Tolerates drought and regular watering |
| Soil Needs | Well-drained |
| Light Needs | Can tolerate light shade |
| Hardiness Zone(s) | Zone 5 and up |
| Bloom Color | Greenish yellow |
| Bloom Type | Star-shaped |
| Leaf Type | Spatula-shaped leaves that narrow to a linear attachment to the stem |
| Growth Type | Mat forming ground cover |
Formerly known as Gormania spathulifolia, Cape Blanco Stonecrop is a rare species that is hard to find in local nurseries. The best part of this low-growing ground cover is the multi-colored leaves with striking golden-yellow flowers. Each leaf looks like a spoon or a spatula, and they layer over one another in a rosette shape as they grow upward. The primary color is blue-green; however, this species often has evergreen splotches of amethyst purple.