Stonecrop Care

Sedum spp.

A broad group of succulents that like full sun and well-drained, poor soil and are extremely drought tolerant. They are ideal for rock gardens, green roofs and xeriscapes; their worst enemies are overwatering and rich soil.

Hardy · -30 °C / -22 °F

Monthly care calendar

Timings are for a temperate Northern Hemisphere climate. In warmer areas tasks start earlier, in colder areas later; in the Southern Hemisphere shift them by six months.

January

Watering: Stop watering. In winter, wet soil is the most common cause of root rot.
Pruning: Dry stems from last year on upright-habit species can be cut completely down to soil level.
General care: Leaf colors (red, bronze) intensify in winter.
Pests & diseases: Root rot is the only risk; make sure the soil is free-draining.

February

Watering: Stop watering. In winter, wet soil is the most common cause of root rot.
Pruning: It does not need formative pruning and its top should not be cut. Only remove dry, broken, and diseased branches. It generally does not need pruning. Only flower stalks are cut in late season or early spring. On spreading forms, limiting can be done; the cut pieces root easily.
General care: Preparation for propagation by division.
Frost risk: Protect newly planted seedlings from severe frosts.

March

Watering: Stop watering. In winter, wet soil is the most common cause of root rot.
General care: Good time for planting and transplanting.
Pests & diseases: Snails can damage new growth.

April

Watering: Once a month, water when the soil is completely dry.
Pruning: You can cut the shoot tips of upright-habit species to make them more compact and bushy (Chelsea Chop).
Plant protection: Check for aphids; it is generally not a problem.
General care: Good time for planting and transplanting.

May

Watering: Once a month, water when the soil is completely dry.
Pruning: Pruning can continue.
Plant protection: If symptoms spread and treatment is needed, consult a licensed plant-protection supplier or an agronomist. Plant protection products are regulated; follow local rules.
General care: Suitable period for planting and transplanting. Drainage is critical for this plant. In heavy, water-retaining soil, plant on a mound or bed raised 20-30 cm; the root collar should remain above the surrounding soil level.
Pests & diseases: If you see black spots with yellow halos on the leaves (black spot), collect the diseased leaves and remove them from the garden; the disease overwinters in fallen leaves.

June

Watering: After the soil has dried out completely, water a little at a time every 15-20 days.
Pruning: In ground cover species, the faded flower stalks can be cut after flowering.
Plant protection: If symptoms spread and treatment is needed, consult a licensed plant-protection supplier or an agronomist. Plant protection products are regulated; follow local rules.
General care: Most species flower during this period. They are very attractive to bees and butterflies.
Pests & diseases: If you see black spots with yellow halos on the leaves (black spot), collect the diseased leaves and remove them from the garden; the disease overwinters in fallen leaves.

July

Watering: After the soil has dried out completely, water a little at a time every 15-20 days.
Pruning: Keep cutting faded flower stalks.
Plant protection: If symptoms spread and treatment is needed, consult a licensed plant-protection supplier or an agronomist. Plant protection products are regulated; follow local rules.
General care: Flowering begins.
Pests & diseases: In hot and dry weather, look on the undersides of the leaves for fine webbing and speckled yellowing (spider mites). Washing the leaves during the cool hours reduces their numbers.

August

Watering: After the soil has dried out completely, water a little at a time every 15-20 days.
Plant protection: If symptoms spread and treatment is needed, consult a licensed plant-protection supplier or an agronomist. Plant protection products are regulated; follow local rules.
General care: Flowering continues.
Pests & diseases: In hot and dry weather, look on the undersides of the leaves for fine webbing and speckled yellowing (spider mites). Washing the leaves during the cool hours reduces their numbers.

September

Watering: Once a month, water when the soil is completely dry.
Plant protection: If symptoms spread and treatment is needed, consult a licensed plant-protection supplier or an agronomist. Plant protection products are regulated; follow local rules.
General care: Suitable period for planting and transplanting. Flowering continues.
Pests & diseases: If you see black spots with yellow halos on the leaves (black spot), collect the diseased leaves and remove them from the garden; the disease overwinters in fallen leaves.

October

Watering: Once a month, water when the soil is completely dry.
General care: Good time for planting and transplanting.

November

Watering: Stop watering. In winter, wet soil is the most common cause of root rot.
Pruning: You can cut the dry stems of upright-habit species or leave them standing for winter interest.
General care: In winter rains, make sure water does not pool in the root zone; for this plant, drainage is more critical than irrigation.
Frost risk: Protect newly planted seedlings during the first winter.

December

Watering: Stop watering. In winter, wet soil is the most common cause of root rot.
Pruning: Cut the dry stalks for winter cleanup.
General care: Evergreen leaves continue to lose water in winter. Water thoroughly once before the soil freezes.
Pests & diseases: Make sure drainage is good against the risk of root rot.

The care advice on this page is general and for information only; it is not professional advice. Plant age, soil and your garden’s microclimate can change the outcome. Plant protection products are mentioned only as general information; they are regulated, and the choice, dose and timing must be decided by a qualified professional under local rules. Consult a landscape architect or agronomist before applying.

Want reminders for every plant in your garden? Our garden-care app with monthly task lists and frost alerts is currently available in Turkish; the English version is on the way.

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