How to Grow Dropmore Red Sedum
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Dropmore Red Sedum
Sedum × 'Dropmore Red'
flowerDropmore Red Sedum is a hardy succulent groundcover with fleshy foliage that turns deep red and burgundy in cool weather. It produces clusters of small pink to red flowers in late summer and fall, attracting pollinators. This low-maintenance perennial is exceptionally cold-hardy and drought-tolerant once established.
When should you plant Dropmore Red Sedum in your zone?
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Example Dropmore Red Sedum timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Dropmore Red Sedum
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Dropmore Red Sedum blooms
Mid-to-late summerBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 2-8; exceptionally hardy for northern gardens
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Establishment
4-8 weeksSmall rosettes of pale green foliage slowly spread outward; plant is settling in roots
Water lightly every 2-3 weeks during first season; avoid transplanting; mulch lightly if desired
Vegetative Growth
4-6 monthsRosettes expand and spread; foliage remains green in spring and early summer
Minimal watering needed; light feeding optional; foliage begins reddening as temperatures cool
Color Development
6-8 weeksFoliage deepens to rich red and burgundy tones in fall as temperatures drop below 50°F
No watering needed; color intensifies with cooler nights and bright light; avoid high nitrogen fertilizer
Flowering
6-10 weeksClusters of small pink to red flowers appear at stem tips in late August through October
Do not deadhead if you want self-seeding; flowers attract bees and butterflies; foliage color peaks during bloom
Dormancy
3-4 monthsFoliage may remain dark red or turn brown; plant is completely dormant and frost-hardy
No watering or care needed; extremely cold-hardy; foliage persists and provides winter interest
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Ensure excellent drainage; avoid overwatering; remove affected portions; treat with copper fungicide if severe
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Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; remove heavily infested rosettes; improve air circulation
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and
Hand-pick; use copper barriers; diatomaceous earth around plants; remove leaf litter where they hide
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Spray with water to dislodge; use miticide if severe; increase humidity slightly
Uses
Garden groundcover and edging
OrnamentalDropmore Red Sedum creates stunning low-maintenance groundcover, especially valued for its exceptional hardiness in cold climates. It's perfect for rock gardens, borders, container plantings, and areas where traditional groundcovers fail. [source]
Pollinator support
WildlifeThe late-season flowers provide essential nectar and pollen for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators when few other plants are blooming. The persistent seed heads feed birds through winter. [source]
Drought-resistant landscaping
HouseholdExcellent for xeriscaping and water-wise gardens due to its extreme drought tolerance and minimal maintenance needs. Reduces water consumption and garden workload significantly. [source]
Floral arrangements and dried displays
CraftCut stems make attractive additions to fresh and dried floral arrangements. The colorful foliage and flowers dry beautifully and retain color for months, adding texture to arrangements. [source]
Winter interest and seasonal color
OrnamentalProvides persistent burgundy-red foliage and decorative seed heads through winter months, offering visual interest to gardens in bleak seasons when other plants have died back. [source]
Harvest Tips
Dropmore Red Sedum is not harvested for food but is enjoyed for ornamental display. Cut stems for floral arrangements anytime; flowers persist on the plant for weeks. Deadhead selectively if you don't want self-seeding. Leave seed heads in fall for winter interest and to support wildlife.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Dropmore Red Sedum was developed at the Dropmore Horticultural Station in Manitoba, Canada, specifically for extreme cold-hardiness, making it one of the most frost-tolerant sedums available.
- 🌱 The plant's red coloration in fall is not a sign of stress but a natural protective response—the red pigments (anthocyanins) help shield the plant from UV radiation and freezing temperatures.
- 🌱 Sedum foliage and flowers can be propagated from a single leaf; a fallen leaf will often root and grow into a new plant, making this one of the easiest perennials to multiply.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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