How to Grow Tasteless Stonecrop
iNaturalist
Tasteless Stonecrop
Sedum sexangulare
succulentSedum sexangulare is a low-growing, mat-forming succulent with tiny, needle-like green leaves arranged in six-sided rosettes that turn reddish in cool seasons. It produces delicate yellow star-shaped flowers in early summer and spreads via creeping stems, making it excellent for ground cover and rock gardens. This hardy perennial is extremely drought-tolerant once established and requires minimal maintenance.
When should you plant Tasteless Stonecrop in your zone?
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Example Tasteless Stonecrop timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Tasteless Stonecrop
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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Harvest Tasteless Stonecrop
Around Apr 21≈ 4 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Tasteless Stonecrop dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-9, with best performance in cooler regions (zones 4-7)
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Get my Tasteless Stonecrop timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
2-4 weeksYoung rosettes are small and compact, with pale green leaves. Growth is slow initially as roots develop.
Water sparingly; allow soil to dry between waterings. Avoid overwatering, which causes rot. Ensure excellent drainage.
Pre-Flowering
2-3 weeksFlower buds begin to form at stem tips in late spring. Rosettes remain compact and vibrant with seasonal color changes.
Maintain minimal watering and full sun exposure. Do not fertilize, as excess nutrients reduce flower production and harden growth.
Flowering
3-4 weeks (June-July, depending on zone)Delicate, star-shaped yellow flowers bloom in dense clusters at stem tips. The plant is at its most ornamental during this period.
Keep watering minimal. Deadheading is optional; flowers are attractive and short-lived. Allow some flowers to remain for seed production.
Post-Flowering & Dormancy
4-6 months (fall through early spring)Flowers fade and plants enter a slower growth phase. In fall and winter, foliage deepens in color (red, bronze, purple tones) as temperatures cool.
Reduce watering to nearly none during dormancy. In cold climates, winter color is enhanced by cold temperatures. Provide excellent drainage to prevent ice damage.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Isolate affected plants; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; improve air circulation
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Prevent by ensuring excellent drainage and minimal watering; remove and discard affected plants; repot in fresh, gritty soil
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Increase air circulation; spray with water mist; use miticide if severe
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and
Remove debris where they hide; use copper tape or barriers; hand-pick in early morning
Uses
Living Groundcover & Erosion Control
CraftSedum sexangulare's dense, spreading mat stabilizes soil on slopes and prevents erosion. It's ideal for green roofs, between pavers, and in rock gardens where traditional groundcovers fail. [source]
Pollinator & Bee Forage
WildlifeThe yellow flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, providing a valuable nectar source in early summer when other flowers are scarce. [source]
Low-Maintenance Ornamental Planting
HouseholdPerfect for water-wise, xeriscape gardens and landscapes, requiring no fertilizer, minimal water, and virtually no pruning once established. [source]
Container & Alpine Gardening
CraftExcellent in shallow pots, troughs, and alpine troughs where its compact form and seasonal color changes can be fully appreciated. Also popular in succulent arrangements. [source]
Traditional Herbal Use
MedicinalSome Sedum species have been used in traditional herbalism for their cooling and astringent properties, though Sedum sexangulare specifically is primarily ornamental and should not be consumed without expert guidance. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
This ornamental succulent is not harvested for food. Cuttings can be propagated year-round by removing individual rosettes or stem segments and allowing them to dry for 3-5 days before placing on dry soil. Rooting occurs in 1-2 weeks without watering.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The name 'sexangulare' refers to the six-sided (hexagonal) arrangement of leaves in rosette patterns, a distinctive characteristic of this species.
- 🌱 Sedum sexangulare is one of the hardiest sedums and can survive temperatures well below -30°F (-34°C), making it ideal for extreme climates.
- 🌱 This plant exhibits remarkable color polymorphism, shifting from bright green in spring to deep red or burgundy in autumn and winter—a phenomenon triggered by cold temperatures and enhanced by full sun exposure.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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