How to Grow Angelina Stonecrop

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Angelina Stonecrop

Sedum rupestre 'Angelina'

succulent

Angelina Stonecrop is a low-growing, creeping succulent with needle-like foliage that transitions from green to brilliant orange-red in cool seasons. This hardy perennial forms dense mats and produces small yellow flowers in summer. It's an excellent groundcover, container plant, and rock garden specimen that thrives with minimal care.

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Example Angelina Stonecrop timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant Angelina Stonecrop
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
Harvest Angelina Stonecrop
Around Apr 18

≈ 1 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Angelina Stonecrop dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️

Sun: Full sun, 6+ hours daily (color intensifies with more sunlight)

💧

Water: Low water needs; water sparingly during growing season, allowing soil to dry between waterings. Reduce watering in winter. Drought-tolerant once established.

📏

Spacing: 12 inches

📅

Days to maturity: Fast-growing; reaches mature size in 1-2 seasons

🌱

Planting depth: Plant at soil level or slightly shallow; do not bury rosette centers

Soil

Type: Well-draining, sandy or gravelly soil

pH: 6.0-7.5

Amendments:

Coarse sand or perlite Gravel or small stones Cactus/succulent potting mix

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 5-9, with best color display in cooler climates

5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b

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Growth Stages

Establishment

2-4 weeks

Young plants are small with green needle-like leaves forming compact rosettes

Water lightly when soil is dry; avoid overwatering. Provide full sun. Mulch lightly with gravel if desired.

Vegetative Growth

2-6 months

Plant expands horizontally, forming dense mats of green to reddish foliage depending on light and temperature

Minimal watering needed. Full sun promotes compact growth and red coloration. No fertilizer required; too much nitrogen causes leggy growth.

Color Transition

Seasonal; most intense in fall/winter

Foliage shifts from green to vibrant orange-red, especially in fall and winter or with cool temperatures

Ensure adequate sunlight for best color. Cooler nights (below 60°F) intensify red pigmentation. Continue sparse watering.

Flowering

4-8 weeks

Small, bright yellow star-shaped flowers appear in clusters above the foliage

Flowering typically occurs in mid to late summer. Flowers last several weeks. Deadheading is optional; flowers add visual interest.

Dormancy/Winter

3-4 months

Plant enters semi-dormancy; growth slows and colors deepen to rich reds and oranges

Reduce watering significantly or stop entirely. Protect from excessive moisture. Plant is cold-hardy and requires no special protection in zones 5+.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Sempervivum Echeveria Delosperma Sedum spurium Armeria Festuca ovina Dianthus

Avoid planting near:

Moisture-loving plants Plants requiring frequent watering Aggressive spreaders that may compete

Common Pests

Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; improve air circulation; isolate affected plants
Remove by hand; apply horticultural oil or insecticidal soap
Increase humidity; spray with water; use miticide if severe
Ensure excellent drainage; allow soil to dry between waterings; repot in fresh, dry soil if affected

Uses

🏠

Groundcover and Landscape Design

Household

Angelina creates stunning low-maintenance groundcover for rock gardens, succulent borders, and green roofs. Its dramatic color change adds four-season visual interest to landscapes. [source]

🏠

Container and Potted Gardening

Household

Perfect for shallow containers, window boxes, and alpine troughs due to its compact growth habit and low water requirements. Excellent for indoor sunny windowsills. [source]

🎨

Cut Arrangements and Floral Design

Craft

Cuttings and rosettes are used in succulent arrangements, wreaths, and wedding bouquets. Long-lasting when cut and adds texture and color variation. [source]

🦋

Pollinator Support

Wildlife

Yellow summer flowers attract bees and pollinators, providing valuable nectar source in low-maintenance gardens. [source]

🏠

Drought Tolerance and Water Conservation

Household

Extremely drought-tolerant once established, making it ideal for xeriscaping and water-wise gardening in arid and semi-arid climates. [source]

Harvest Tips

Not a harvest plant in the traditional sense. For propagation, gently remove individual leaves or 2-3 inch stem cuttings in spring or summer. Allow cuts to dry 2-3 days, then place on dry soil. Mist occasionally until roots develop (2-3 weeks).

Fun Facts

🌱 Angelina Stonecrop's brilliant red coloration is caused by anthocyanin pigments that develop as a protective response to cool temperatures and intense sunlight—the plant essentially 'blushes' in autumn.
🌱 This cultivar can spread 12-18 inches wide but rarely exceeds 6 inches in height, making it perfect for tight spaces and rock walls.
🌱 Sedum rupestre is native to the Pyrenees mountains in southwestern Europe, which explains its exceptional cold hardiness and preference for well-drained, rocky conditions.

Gardening Terms

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

Deadhead Full Sun Mulch Perennial

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