How to Grow Black Jack Sedum
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Black Jack Sedum
Sedum 'Black Jack'
succulentBlack Jack Sedum is a striking succulent cultivar with deep burgundy to nearly black foliage that intensifies in cool temperatures and bright light. It forms compact, low-growing rosettes and produces delicate pink or red flowers in late summer. This hardy, drought-tolerant plant is ideal for rock gardens, containers, and xeriscaping.
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Example Black Jack Sedum timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Black Jack 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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Harvest Black Jack Sedum
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Black Jack Sedum dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-9; hardy through harsh winters in most climates
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Seedling/Propagule
3-4 weeksTiny rosettes (pencil-eraser sized) with pale green to reddish tones; very delicate
Keep soil barely moist; provide bright indirect light. Mist occasionally rather than water from above. Avoid overwatering at all costs.
Juvenile Rosette
4-8 weeksRosettes enlarge to 1-2 inches diameter; burgundy coloring develops; leaf count increases
Gradually increase sun exposure. Begin watering on dry-down schedule. No fertilizer needed; succulents are low-nutrient plants.
Mature Rosette
Spring through early summerCompact rosettes 2-3 inches wide with deep burgundy-black leaves; full color expression in bright light
Maintain full sun exposure for darkest coloration. Water sparingly in growing season. Established plants are extremely drought-tolerant.
Flowering
4-6 weeksSends up thin inflorescences with delicate pink, rose, or red star-shaped flowers clustered at stems; typically appears mid to late summer
Allow flowering to complete; do not remove flower stems immediately. Can deadhead after blooms fade to encourage tidiness.
Dormancy/Cold Hardening
October through MarchFoliage deepens further in autumn cool; growth slows significantly; may appear somewhat wilted (normal in winter)
Minimize water in fall and winter; most cold-hardy sedums need a chill period. Do not fertilize. Protect from extreme wet conditions.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; remove infected leaves; improve air circulation to prevent recurrence
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Increase humidity slightly; spray with water or neem oil; ensure good air flow; rarely severe on sedums
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Remove by hand; treat with horticultural oil spray if infestation is heavy
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Prevention is key—use well-draining soil and reduce water. Remove affected plant; repot in fresh dry soil if possible. Discard heavily affected specimens.
Uses
Container & Succulent Gardens
HouseholdBlack Jack Sedum excels in shallow containers, rock gardens, alpine troughs, and mixed succulent arrangements. Its compact form and dramatic color make it a focal point in xeric (water-wise) landscaping. [source]
Green Roofs & Living Walls
HouseholdIts shallow root system and drought tolerance make it ideal for shallow-soil green roof applications and vertical succulent wall installations. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeLate-summer flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, providing a valuable late-season nectar source when other blooms are scarce. [source]
Living Arrangements & Floral Design
CraftPropagated rosettes can be used in living wreaths, succulent bouquets, and decorative arrangements; cuttings remain viable for weeks without water. [source]
Traditional Herbal Use
MedicinalSedum species have been used in traditional medicine in various cultures for minor skin complaints and as a general tonic, though scientific evidence is limited. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Not typically harvested for consumption, but propagation is easy: remove individual leaves or behead rosettes in spring/summer. Let cuttings air-dry 3-5 days, then place on dry soil. Roots develop in 1-2 weeks without watering. Detach pups (offsets) that form around the base and propagate separately.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Black Jack Sedum's deep burgundy coloration is produced by anthocyanin pigments that intensify as a stress response to intense light and cool temperatures—making it darker and more striking in harsh conditions where many plants struggle.
- 🌱 Sedums are true 'living fossils' of plant efficiency: they use Crassulacean Acid Metabolism (CAM) photosynthesis, opening their pores at night rather than day to minimize water loss in hot, dry environments.
- 🌱 A single leaf of Black Jack Sedum can generate an entire new plant; leaf propagation is so reliable that gardeners often use fallen leaves from the ground to start colonies.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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