Sedum (stonecrop) care guide: when & how to prune, fertilize and spray
Hylotelephium spectabile · USDA zones 3–9
Succulent perennial with flat flower heads in late summer and fall. Very low maintenance.
☀️ Sun
Full sun.
💧 Water
Very low.
🪱 Soil
pH 6.0–7.5. Lean, well-drained. None. Rich soil causes the clump to split open.
How and when to prune sedum (stonecrop)
Cut back last year's growth
When: from 4 weeks before the last spring frost until the last spring frost.
- zones 3–5: about Apr 12 – May 10
- zones 6–7: about Mar 18 – Apr 15
- zones 8–10: about Jan 28 – Feb 25
Old sedum stems shelter overwintering beneficial insects and protect the crown in winter. Cutting them in late winter clears the way for fresh growth.
- Cut all of last year's dead stems down to the ground, leaving the new rosettes at the base.
- Do it before new shoots get tall, so you don't snip them by accident.
- Leave the cut stems loosely on the ground or in a brush pile for a few weeks so emerging bees can escape, then compost them.
Tools: Bypass pruners or hedge shears
Pinch back for sturdier stems
When: 5–8 weeks after the last spring frost.
- zones 3–5: about Jun 14 – Jul 5
- zones 6–7: about May 20 – Jun 10
- zones 8–10: about Apr 1–22
A late-spring pinch prevents tall sedum from flopping open later.
- Cut stems back by one-third to one-half when they're 8 in (20 cm) tall.
Common sedum (stonecrop) problems and how to fix them
Splitting open
Signs: Stems flop open from the center.
What to do: Pinch or cut back by half in late spring, and use leaner soil.
Sedum (stonecrop) care FAQ
When should I prune sedum (stonecrop)?
Cut back last year's growth: from 4 weeks before the last spring frost until the last spring frost (around Mar 18 – Apr 15 in zones 6–7). Pinch back for sturdier stems: 5–8 weeks after the last spring frost (around May 20 – Jun 10 in zones 6–7). Succulent perennial with flat flower heads in late summer and fall. Very low maintenance.
What soil does sedum (stonecrop) need?
Lean, well-drained. Preferred pH 6.0–7.5. None. Rich soil causes the clump to split open.
How much sun and water does sedum (stonecrop) need?
Sun: Full sun. Water: Very low.
What are common sedum (stonecrop) problems?
Splitting open: Stems flop open from the center. Pinch or cut back by half in late spring, and use leaner soil.
More perennials & grasses care guides
Timings are given relative to your average frost dates, with examples for typical US climates. Always read and follow product labels.