How to Grow Stonecrop October Daphne

Stonecrop October Daphne

Sedum sieboldii 'October Daphne'

flower

October Daphne is a delicate alpine succulent with blue-green foliage that transforms to rose and burgundy tones in fall. This low-growing sedum produces clusters of small pink flowers in autumn, making it an excellent choice for rock gardens, containers, and alpine troughs.

Growing Conditions

☀️

Sun: Full sun to partial shade; 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily for best color development

💧

Water: Water sparingly during growing season; allow soil to dry between waterings. Reduce watering significantly in winter dormancy. This is a drought-tolerant plant once established.

📏

Spacing: 6 inches

📅

Days to maturity: Mature at 1-2 years; flowering begins in first year

🌱

Planting depth: Plant crown at soil level; do not bury the rosette

Soil

Type: Very well-draining sandy or gritty loam

pH: 6.0-7.5

Amendments:

Coarse sand or grit Perlite or pumice Gravel Minimal organic matter to prevent root rot

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Zones 4-9; thrives in cooler climates with moderate summers

4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a

Growth Stages

Establishment

4-8 weeks

Young rosettes with blue-green foliage establishing root system

Keep soil barely moist, not wet. Provide bright light to prevent stretching. Protect from excessive moisture and rain.

Vegetative Growth

Spring through early fall

Expanding cushions of blue-green rounded leaves forming dense mats

Water sparingly. Maintain good drainage. Remove any dead leaves. Minimal fertilizer needed.

Color Change

Late August through October

Foliage transitions from blue-green to pink, rose, and burgundy tones as temperatures cool

Full sun exposure intensifies autumn coloration. Reduce watering as growth slows.

Flowering

September through November

Small star-shaped pink flowers appear in clusters above the colorful foliage

Flowers are attractive to bees and butterflies. Do not deadhead unless desired for tidy appearance.

Dormancy

November through March

Plant enters winter rest with foliage maintaining rich burgundy coloration

Minimize watering significantly. Provide excellent drainage to prevent rot in cold, wet conditions. Mature plants are cold-hardy.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Alpine phlox Creeping thyme Sempervivum Pulsatilla Saxifrage Armeria Dianthus

Avoid planting near:

Heavy feeders (nitrogen-rich plants) Plants requiring consistent moisture Aggressive spreading plants

Common Pests

Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; improve air circulation; remove affected leaves
Hand-pick if visible; apply horticultural oil in dormant season; improve drainage to reduce stress
Ensure excellent drainage; reduce watering; repot in fresh, dry soil if roots are compromised; may be fatal if severe
Spray with water; use insecticidal soap; encourage beneficial insects

Uses

🏠

Alpine and rock garden accent

Household

October Daphne's compact size and striking seasonal color change make it ideal for rock gardens, troughs, and alpine collections. The autumn foliage transformation provides visual interest when many other plants fade. [source]

🏠

Container and living arrangement decoration

Household

Perfect for shallow pots, hypertufa containers, and mixed succulent arrangements. October Daphne's spreading habit creates attractive mounding displays in living walls and shallow bowls. [source]

🦋

Pollinator and beneficial insect food source

Wildlife

Pink autumn flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects during late season when food sources are scarce. Provides nectar and pollen in September through November. [source]

🏠

Seasonal ornamental foliage

Household

The dramatic color shift from blue-green to rose and burgundy in response to cooling temperatures and shorter days provides extended ornamental value. Maintains color interest through winter in many climates. [source]

🎨

Propagation and plant sharing

Craft

The ability to propagate from individual leaves makes October Daphne an easy plant to multiply and share with other gardeners. Leaf cuttings root readily and develop into mature rosettes. [source]

Harvest Tips

Not typically harvested. Enjoy foliage color progression and flowers in place. Leaves may be removed for propagation: gently detach mature leaves and place on dry soil to form new rosettes over 4-6 weeks.

Fun Facts

🌱 October Daphne's common name reflects its peak flowering period in October and its delicate pink blooms that resemble daphne flowers despite being completely unrelated genera.
🌱 The blue-green to burgundy color transformation is caused by anthocyanin pigment production triggered by cooler temperatures and increased light exposure, serving as natural antifreeze for the plant.
🌱 This sedum is native to mountainous regions of Japan and exhibits genuine alpine hardiness, thriving in conditions where many tender succulents would fail.

Want personalized planting timelines?

Get started free