How to Grow Angelina Stonecrop
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Angelina Stonecrop
Sedum rupestre var. angelina
shrubAngelina Stonecrop is a vibrant succulent groundcover that displays dramatic color changes throughout the seasons, shifting from green to brilliant orange, red, and burgundy in cooler temperatures. This low-growing, trailing perennial produces delicate star-shaped yellow flowers in late summer and is extremely drought-tolerant once established. It's an excellent choice for rock gardens, containers, and xeriscaping projects.
When should you plant Angelina Stonecrop in your zone?
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Example Angelina Stonecrop timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Angelina 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 Angelina Stonecrop
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Angelina Stonecrop dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 5-10; winter hardiness improves in zones 5-6 with excellent drainage
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Get my Angelina Stonecrop timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
4-6 weeksYoung plants are compact, green with minimal color variation; rosette leaves are tight and fleshy
Water lightly every 1-2 weeks for first month; protect from excessive moisture; ensure excellent drainage
Vegetative Growth
2-3 monthsPlant expands and spreads; stems elongate and begin trailing; leaves remain mostly green in shade or cool conditions
Reduce watering frequency; provide full sun for color development; light fertilizing (diluted succulent fertilizer) is optional
Color Transition
2-4 months (fall/winter)Leaves develop orange, red, and burgundy tones in response to sunlight, temperature drops, and mild stress; most dramatic in fall and winter
Increase sun exposure for deepest colors; allow mild drought stress; do not fertilize excessively as this promotes green growth
Flowering
4-6 weeksSmall, star-shaped yellow flowers appear at branch tips in late summer to early fall; flowers are held above foliage on thin stems
Continue normal drought-tolerant watering; flowers attract pollinators; deadheading is optional but extends visual appeal
Winter Dormancy
3-4 monthsGrowth slows significantly; colors deepen to rich burgundy and chocolate tones; foliage may appear somewhat dried or stressed (normal)
Minimal to no watering; ensure drainage remains excellent to prevent rot; protect from prolonged wet conditions; hardy to zone 5 with good drainage
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Remove with cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol; spray with insecticidal soap if severe; improve air circulation
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Prevent through excellent drainage; do not overwater; remove affected plants; repot in fresh, dry soil
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Spray with strong water stream; use insecticidal soap; natural predators usually control populations
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Increase humidity slightly; spray with neem oil or miticide; ensure adequate air circulation
Uses
Xeriscape & Low-Maintenance Landscaping
HouseholdAngelina Stonecrop is ideal for creating stunning drought-tolerant gardens, rock gardens, alpine troughs, and xeriscaping projects. Its vibrant seasonal color changes provide year-round visual interest with minimal maintenance or water input. [source]
Container & Succulent Arrangements
CraftThe trailing form and dramatic color-changing foliage make Angelina perfect for hanging baskets, shallow containers, and mixed succulent compositions. Its compact growth works well in dish gardens and as a cascading accent in living arrangements. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeThe delicate yellow flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects during late summer and early fall, supporting local pollinator populations and garden biodiversity. [source]
Living Mulch & Groundcover
HouseholdUse Angelina Stonecrop as a living groundcover between larger plants or in areas where other plants struggle due to poor soil or drought. Its dense growth habit suppresses weeds and reduces watering needs compared to traditional mulch. [source]
Winter Color & Ornamental Interest
HouseholdWhen many gardens are dormant and gray, Angelina Stonecrop displays its most brilliant reds and burgundy tones, providing striking winter color and textural interest in container combinations and landscape beds. [source]
Harvest Tips
Angelina Stonecrop is not harvested for food. For propagation, remove individual rosette leaves or 2-3 inch stem cuttings in spring or summer, allow to callus for 1-2 days, then place on dry soil until roots develop (2-3 weeks). No deadheading necessary unless you prefer to remove spent flower clusters.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Angelina Stonecrop's dramatic color shift is a natural stress response—the plant produces anthocyanins and carotenoids (the same pigments in red apples and carrots) when exposed to intense sunlight, low temperatures, or drought stress. This is not a sign of distress but a sign of health.
- 🌱 Sedums store water in their fleshy leaves, allowing them to survive weeks or months without supplemental watering. A single leaf can be propagated into a new plant by simply placing it on dry soil and waiting for roots and baby rosettes to form.
- 🌱 The name 'Stonecrop' refers to these plants' natural habitat on rocky mountain slopes and stone outcrops where they thrive in shallow, mineral-rich soils. Angelina is particularly well-suited to rock gardens and alpine troughs.
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