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How to Grow Creeping Sedums and Sempervivums

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Creeping Sedums and Sempervivums

Sedum spp. and Sempervivum spp.

succulent

Creeping sedums and sempervivums are low-growing, drought-tolerant succulent plants prized for their fleshy leaves and ability to thrive in poor soil. These hardy perennials form dense mats or rosettes and require minimal maintenance, making them ideal for rock gardens, green roofs, and container arrangements. Their shallow root systems and water-storing leaves allow them to survive extended dry periods.

Looking for a specific variety?

Autumn Joy Dragon's Blood October Daphne Coral Carpet Hens and Chicks Bloodstone Welder's Torch Kiwi

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Example Creeping Sedums and Sempervivums timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Creeping Sedums and Sempervivums

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. Harvest Creeping Sedums and Sempervivums

    Around Apr 18

    ≈ 1 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Creeping Sedums and Sempervivums dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️
Sun: Full sun, 6+ hours daily; tolerates part shade in hot climates
💧
Water: Water deeply but infrequently; allow soil to dry completely between waterings. Established plants rarely need supplemental water. Reduce watering in fall/winter. Overwatering is the primary cause of failure.
📏
Spacing: 6-12 inches depending on mature size; creeping types spread 12-24 inches inches
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Days to maturity: Not applicable; ornamental perennials that establish within 1-2 growing seasons
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Planting depth: Surface plant or barely cover roots; do not bury rosette centers

Soil

Type: Well-draining, gritty, sandy or loamy soil with minimal organic matter
pH: 6.0-7.0
Amendments:
Coarse sand or perlite (40-50% of mix) Small gravel or pumice Minimal compost or aged bark

Growing Zones

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Hardiest varieties thrive in zones 3-9; tender types prefer zones 8-11

3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b

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Growth Stages

1

Establishment

2-4 weeks

Young rosettes or cuttings with developing root systems; plants appear small and may lack full color

Water lightly every 2-3 weeks until rooted (2-4 weeks). Provide bright light but avoid hot afternoon sun initially. Protect from rain and high humidity.

2

Vegetative Growth

Spring through early summer, 2-3 months

Rosettes expand and new shoots emerge from the base; foliage develops characteristic colors (greens, reds, purples, blues)

Minimal watering once established. Full sun brings out vibrant colors. No fertilizer needed; poor soil enhances stress coloration.

3

Flowering

6-8 weeks, typically mid-summer

Star-shaped flowers appear on tall inflorescences; sempervivums flower pink, red, or yellow; sedums produce similar flowers in various colors

Allow flowering; blooms are ornamental and short-lived. Some sempervivums die after flowering (monocarpic), but produce offsets. Cut spent flower stalks for appearance.

4

Dormancy

3-4 months, fall through early spring

Growth slows or halts in fall/winter; foliage may deepen in color or turn bronze/burgundy; deciduous types disappear underground

Cease watering entirely; plants require dormancy for hardiness and flower initiation. Hardy types tolerate frost and snow. Improve drainage to prevent winter rot.

5

Offset/Propagation

Continuous after year one

Mature rosettes produce offset plantlets (baby rosettes) around the perimeter; sempervivums are prolific self-propagators

Allow offsets to develop. Detach and replant in gritty soil for new plants. Some sedums spread via runners and root at stem nodes.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Echeveria Aeonium Aloe Jade plant Hen and chicks (Sempervivum) Thyme Delosperma (ice plant) Sedum species Agave Ornamental grasses

Avoid planting near:

Moisture-loving plants (hostas, ferns, hydrangeas) Plants requiring frequent watering Tall shade-casting plants Heavy clay soil areas

Common Pests

  • Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; improve air circulation; isolate affected plants; remove by hand with rubbing alcohol

  • Prevent through excellent drainage; repot in fresh gritty soil if affected; reduce watering; improve ventilation

  • Scrape off manually; spray with horticultural oil; treat with neem oil in early spring

  • and

    Remove physically; use copper barriers; improve drainage to reduce humid microclimate; beer traps

  • Improve air circulation; reduce humidity; avoid overhead watering; apply sulfur dust if severe

Uses

🏠

Green roofs and living roofs

Household

Sedums and sempervivums are the primary plants used in extensive green roof systems due to their shallow root systems, drought tolerance, and minimal weight. They reduce heat island effect, manage stormwater, and extend roof lifespan. [source]

🏠

Rock gardens and alpine gardens

Household

Their compact size, colorful foliage, and minimal care make them ideal for rock gardens, alpine troughs, and xeriscape designs. They create year-round interest with changing seasonal colors. [source]

🏠

Container and indoor plant cultivation

Household

Sedums and sempervivums are popular in succulent arrangements, hypertufa containers, and indoor plant collections. Their ability to tolerate neglect makes them ideal for forgetful gardeners and offices. [source]

💊

Traditional herbal remedy

Medicinal

Certain Sedum species (S. acre, S. telephium) have been used historically in folk medicine for wound healing, inflammation, and digestive issues, though scientific evidence is limited. [source]

🦋

Pollinator support

Wildlife

Succulent flowers attract bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects, providing nectar and pollen resources in arid landscapes and supporting local pollinator populations. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Sedums and sempervivums are not harvested for food or material yield. Deadhead spent flowers if desired for appearance. Propagate offsets or leaf cuttings anytime during growing season for new plants. Remove damaged or dead rosettes to maintain appearance.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 Sempervivums are called 'houseleeks' and were traditionally planted on roof thatch in Europe, believed to protect homes from lightning and fire strikes.
  • 🌱 Sedums and sempervivums can reproduce from a single leaf: a detached leaf placed on moist soil will develop roots and grow into a new plant within 3-6 weeks.
  • 🌱 Some sedums like S. acre spread so aggressively they can smother other plants; they're sometimes considered invasive in temperate regions.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Deadhead Full Sun Perennial Runner
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