How to Grow Stonecrop Dragon's Blood
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Stonecrop Dragon's Blood
Sedum spurium 'Dragon's Blood'
flowerDragon's Blood is a low-growing succulent groundcover with small, fleshy leaves that display vibrant red and crimson coloring, especially in cooler temperatures. This hardy evergreen stonecrop produces delicate pink flowers in summer and requires minimal maintenance once established. It's an excellent choice for rock gardens, borders, and containers.
When should you plant Stonecrop Dragon's Blood in your zone?
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Example Stonecrop Dragon's Blood timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Stonecrop Dragon's Blood
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 Stonecrop Dragon's Blood blooms
Around May 17≈ 30 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Stonecrop Dragon's Blood dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-9, with best color development in zones 3-7
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Get my Stonecrop Dragon's Blood timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
3-4 weeksSmall rosettes with green to reddish leaves establishing root system
Keep soil lightly moist, avoid overwatering; ensure excellent drainage; provide full sun
Vegetative Growth
2-3 monthsSpreading mats of fleshy foliage with increasingly deep red coloring as weather cools
Minimal watering; allow soil to dry between waterings; no fertilizer needed; deadhead spent flowers to encourage spread
Flowering
4-6 weeks (summer)Small, star-shaped pink to rose flowers bloom in terminal clusters above foliage
Continue minimal watering; deadhead spent flowers to extend bloom and promote energy to foliage
Winter Dormancy
3-4 monthsFoliage deepens to rich burgundy-red; plant goes semi-dormant in cold climates
Cease watering almost entirely; excellent drainage prevents winter rot; frost improves color display
Renewal
2-3 weeksNew growth emerges in spring as temperatures warm; previous year's growth remains attractive
Resume light watering; can remove dead leaf debris if desired; plant spreads rapidly
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Prevent with excellent drainage; use gritty, well-draining soil; reduce watering in cool seasons; remove affected plants
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Spray with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap; ensure good air circulation; prune overcrowded stems
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Spray with water to dislodge; use insecticidal soap if severe; encourage beneficial insects
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Prune heavily infested stems; treat with horticultural oil in dormant season
Uses
Groundcover & Landscape Design
HouseholdDragon's Blood creates stunning low-maintenance coverage for rock gardens, alpine troughs, borders, and between pavers. Its dramatic seasonal color changes from green to deep crimson make it a visual focal point year-round. [source]
Container & Succulent Arrangements
CraftPerfect for living walls, shallow containers, hypertufa planters, and mixed succulent displays. The architectural form and color intensity add dimension to container gardens. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeThe small pink flowers attract bees and beneficial insects in summer, providing food sources during warm months. [source]
Drought-Tolerant Landscaping
HouseholdIdeal for xeriscaping and water-wise gardens, reducing irrigation needs while maintaining year-round visual interest with minimal maintenance. [source]
Traditional Folk Medicine
MedicinalSedum species have been traditionally used in European herbalism for skin conditions and minor wounds, though modern 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
Stonecrop Dragon's Blood is grown for ornamental foliage and flowers rather than harvest. Trim stems as desired for shape and density throughout growing season. Take stem cuttings in spring or summer for propagation—simply press into dry, gritty soil and they will root readily.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Dragon's Blood gets its common name from the intensely deep red and crimson coloring that develops in cooler temperatures and bright sunlight—the color is most dramatic in fall and winter.
- 🌱 This stonecrop is incredibly easy to propagate; a single leaf left on moist soil will develop roots and grow into a new plant within weeks, making it perfect for sharing with gardeners.
- 🌱 Sedums store water in their leaves, allowing them to survive extended dry periods and even neglect—they're sometimes called 'no-kill' plants and thrive on benign neglect.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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