Stonecrop (Sedum) plants are a diverse group of succulents recognized for their hardiness and adaptability in various garden settings. These plants are appreciated for their fleshy leaves and star-shaped flowers, which provide visual appeal from summer into fall. Many varieties are notably drought-tolerant once established, making them a popular choice for low-maintenance landscapes. Their resilience extends to a wide range of climates, with many species thriving in USDA hardiness zones 3 through 9.
Understanding Stonecrop Varieties for Winter
Stonecrop varieties vary significantly in their winter behavior. Upright stonecrops, like ‘Autumn Joy’, die back to the ground in winter. They form clumps and produce large flower heads that provide winter interest even after fading.
Groundcover or creeping stonecrops remain evergreen or semi-evergreen through winter. Foliage may take on bronze, burgundy, or reddish-bronze hues. These low-growing types spread, forming mats well-suited for rock gardens or cascading over edges. Most stonecrop varieties are cold-hardy, tolerating freezing temperatures and snow cover.
Preparing Stonecrop for Winter
Preparing stonecrop for winter involves strategic pruning and ensuring proper moisture before the ground freezes. Upright stonecrop can be pruned in late fall after the first hard frost, or in early spring. Many gardeners leave spent flower stalks on upright varieties through winter for visual interest and bird seeds. If pruning in fall, cut the stems back to about two to three inches above the ground, removing any dead or diseased material.
Groundcover stonecrops require minimal pruning for winter, only needing trimming if they have overgrown their designated space. Ensuring adequate moisture is important before the ground freezes solid, but overwatering should be avoided as it can lead to root rot. Stonecrop prefers well-draining soil, and established plants are drought-tolerant, so supplemental watering is only needed during prolonged dry spells. Applying mulch around plants can provide insulation, especially for newly planted or less hardy varieties, though it is not always necessary for established, cold-hardy stonecrop.
Winter Care Considerations
Once prepared, stonecrop plants require minimal winter intervention. For dormant plants, reduce or cease watering entirely. Sufficient snow cover acts as a natural insulating blanket, protecting plants from extreme cold and temperature fluctuations.
Avoid disturbing dormant stonecrop plants during winter. Removing snow cover prematurely can expose plants to damaging cold, and manipulating frozen plant parts can cause breakage. Stonecrop grown in containers requires special consideration, as their roots lack the insulation of garden soil. Pots can be moved to a sheltered location, like against a building or in an unheated garage, or insulated by sinking them into a vacant garden spot or wrapping them with burlap.
Addressing Winter Challenges
Despite their hardiness, stonecrop can face challenges during winter. Rot is a common issue from excessive moisture or poor drainage, especially during winter wetness. Ensure plants are in well-draining soil and avoid overwatering.
Frost heave is another potential problem, occurring when plants are pushed out of the soil by repeated freeze-thaw cycles. If this happens, gently press the plant back into the ground to ensure its roots remain covered. Stonecrop is deer and rabbit resistant due to its thick, succulent leaves, but some critter damage can occur in winter when other food sources are scarce. As spring approaches and new growth begins to emerge, assess any winter damage and prune away dead material to allow for healthy new shoots.