Upright stonecrop, a popular perennial succulent, offers a low-maintenance and drought-tolerant solution for gardeners. Its appealing characteristics make it a favored choice for various garden designs, from borders to rock gardens. This plant’s resilience and visual interest contribute to its widespread appeal.
What is Upright Stonecrop?
Upright stonecrop refers to species like Hylotelephium spectabile and Hylotelephium telephium, commonly known as sedum. Characterized by fleshy, water-storing leaves and sturdy, upright stems, these plants form vertical clumps. Unlike low-growing stonecrops that spread along the ground, upright varieties maintain a distinct mounded or shrub-like form, typically reaching heights of 6 to 24 inches.
The foliage ranges from dull green to blue-green, and some cultivars feature striking purple or variegated leaves. Upright stonecrop produces dense clusters of tiny, star-shaped flowers that bloom from late summer into fall, often changing color from pink or white to deeper shades of red, burgundy, or rust as they mature. These plants are hardy, thriving across USDA Hardiness Zones 3 to 10, depending on the specific species and cultivar.
Planting Upright Stonecrop
Selecting the appropriate site is crucial for healthy upright stonecrop. They perform best in full sun, requiring at least six hours of direct sunlight daily to promote sturdy growth and abundant flowering. While some varieties can tolerate partial shade, insufficient light may lead to leggy growth and reduced bloom production.
Well-draining soil is essential for upright stonecrop, preventing root rot in overly moist conditions. Sandy, loamy, or gravelly soils with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0 to 7.0) are ideal. The best time to plant is in spring, after the last frost, or in early fall, allowing plants to establish before extreme temperatures. When planting, space individual plants between 6 inches and 2 feet apart, depending on the mature size of the variety, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface to avoid burying stems.
Caring for Upright Stonecrop
Once established, upright stonecrop requires minimal care. Newly planted stonecrop needs regular watering during its first year to establish roots, about once a week. After establishment, these succulent plants are drought-tolerant and generally only need supplemental water during prolonged dry spells or extreme heat. Overwatering should be avoided, as it can lead to root rot and weak, mushy foliage.
Upright stonecrop typically does not require much fertilization; rich soil can lead to leggy, floppy growth. If soil is very poor, incorporating a small amount of compost can provide sufficient nutrients. Pruning can enhance appearance and prevent flopping. Many gardeners leave spent flower heads through winter for visual interest and bird food, cutting them back in early spring.
To encourage a bushier form and stronger stems, upright varieties can be pinched back by about one-third to one-half in early summer. This may slightly delay flowering but results in a more compact, vibrant plant. In cooler climates, the plant typically dies back to the ground in winter, and removing dead parts in early spring clears space for new growth.
Common Challenges
Upright stonecrop is generally robust, but can face common issues. Leggy growth, characterized by stretched and weak stems, often results from insufficient sunlight or overly rich soil. Ensuring the plant receives full sun and avoiding excessive fertilization helps maintain a compact form.
Root rot is a primary concern, typically caused by overwatering or poorly draining soil. Symptoms include yellowing leaves and rotted stems at the soil line. Providing well-drained soil and watering only when the top few inches are dry can prevent this issue. While generally pest-resistant, upright stonecrop can occasionally attract aphids, mealybugs, slugs, and snails. Diseases like powdery mildew and fungal leaf spots can occur in humid conditions, but serious problems are rare with proper air circulation and drainage.