Two-row stonecrop
Sedum spurium
Two-row stonecrop (Sedum spurium) is a groundcover suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 2–6 in tall and 12–24 in wide, needs low to medium water, and prefers full sun to partial shade. Bombproof succulent groundcover. Excellent winter color in 'Dragon's Blood'.
On the CSU listlow to medium water2–6 in tall and 12–24 in wideXeric / water-wiseDeer-resistant
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At a glance
- Botanical name
- Sedum spurium
- Variety / cultivar
- 'Dragon's Blood', 'Tricolor'
- Type
- Groundcover
- Mature size
- 2–6 in tall and 12–24 in wide
- Planting spacing
- ~17–24 in apart
- Growth habit
- Mat-forming
- Foot traffic
- Light foot traffic
- Winter cover
- Strong winter cover
- Lawn alternative
- No-mow lawn alternative
- Bloom length
- 2–3 weeks
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3–9
- Water needs
- low to medium water
- Sun
- Best in full sun; tolerates partial shade.
- Colorado native
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Soil
- sandy, loam, well drained only
- Soil pH
- 6.0–8.0
- Hail tolerance
- high
- Wind tolerance
- moderate
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Firewise (defensible space)
- Zones 1–3 (can be planted near the house)
- Bloom color
- pink, red
- Bloom time
- mid summer, late summer
- Pollinator value
- moderate
Things to know before you plant
- Spreads aggressivelyMat-former, spreads steadily by rooting stems; intended groundcover behavior
Wildlife & ecology
- Pollinator value
- moderate
- Deer
- Generally deer-resistant
Using Two-row stonecrop as a groundcover
Two-row stonecrop forms a low mat. It fills in densely, crowding out most weeds. It takes light foot traffic, fine to step across occasionally, but not a play-lawn. It holds strong cover through Front Range winters, so the ground doesn't go bare.
Planting & establishment
Water weekly first summer. Spreads readily, easy to thin or transplant.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Two-row stonecrop good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Two-row stonecrop is a well-suited groundcover for Colorado's Front Range.
- What should I know before planting Two-row stonecrop?
- The main things to know: Mat-former, spreads steadily by rooting stems; intended groundcover behavior
- How big does Two-row stonecrop get?
- It matures to about 2–6 in tall and 12–24 in wide.
- How far apart do I plant Two-row stonecrop?
- Space Two-row stonecrop about 17 in apart for a faster, fuller cover, or up to 24 in apart for a looser planting.
- Is Two-row stonecrop hardy on the Front Range?
- Two-row stonecrop is hardy in USDA 3–9. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range.
- How much water does Two-row stonecrop need?
- It needs low to medium water once established.
- Is Two-row stonecrop native to Colorado?
- No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
- Is Two-row stonecrop deer-resistant?
- Two-row stonecrop is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
- Is Two-row stonecrop a good firewise plant near the house?
- Two-row stonecrop is a lower-fuel choice suitable in defensible-space zones 1–3, it can be planted near the house when kept well irrigated and maintained. This is general suitability guidance based on CSU Extension firewise plant lists, not a guarantee that any plant won't burn, a well-irrigated, well-maintained plant is the goal. Follow CSU Extension defensible-space guidance and check with your local fire district before planting in the wildland-urban interface.
- Can you walk on Two-row stonecrop?
- Two-row stonecrop takes light foot traffic. You can step across it occasionally, but it won't hold up as a play-lawn.
- Can Two-row stonecrop replace a lawn?
- Yes, Two-row stonecrop works as a no-mow lawn alternative on the Front Range. Expect a season or two of weeding and watering while it fills in before it reads as a lawn replacement.
- Will Two-row stonecrop spread or stay put?
- Two-row stonecrop is mat-forming. Mat-former, spreads steadily by rooting stems; intended groundcover behavior Give it room to fill in and edit the edges to keep it where you want it.
- Does Two-row stonecrop stay green in winter?
- Two-row stonecrop holds strong cover through Front Range winters, so the ground stays protected rather than going bare.
- How long does Two-row stonecrop bloom?
- Two-row stonecrop blooms for about two to three weeks on the Front Range. Bloom timing shifts a week or two with elevation and spring weather.
