Caucasian stonecrop (Sedum spurium 'Schorbuser Blut' DRAGON'S BLOOD)
Discover Sedum spurium 'Schorbuser Blut' DRAGON'S BLOOD, a mat-forming Caucasian stonecrop offering deep burgundy fall foliage and pink summer blooms.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Sedum spurium ‘Schorbuser Blut’ DRAGON’S BLOOD is a highly valued, low-growing, mat-forming succulent perfect for ground cover applications where little else thrives. This variety of Caucasian stonecrop spreads effectively via creeping, branching stems that root readily at the nodes, creating a dense, attractive mat. Its deep green foliage develops striking reddish margins that transition to a rich, deep burgundy color in the fall, providing excellent late-season interest.
As an evergreen perennial in warmer regions, this stonecrop offers year-round texture, punctuated by star-shaped, pinkish-red flowers that emerge in late summer. Sedum spurium ‘Schorbuser Blut’ DRAGON’S BLOOD thrives in challenging conditions, specifically demanding excellent drainage and full sun exposure to maintain its vibrant coloration. Gardeners appreciate this plant for its exceptional drought tolerance and minimal management needs, making it a staple for rock gardens and sunny slopes.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Crassulaceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 4-9
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 0.25-0.5 ft
- Spread: 1-1.5 ft
- Bloom Time: August to September
- Bloom Description: Pink
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Water Needs: Dry to medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
Plant Caucasian stonecrop during the spring or fall in a location receiving full sun for the best leaf color intensity. This plant requires well-drained soil, performing exceptionally well even in sandy or gravelly substrates and tolerating poor soil conditions. Avoid heavy, constantly moist clay environments, as the primary cultural mandate for this sedum is excellent drainage to prevent root rot.
Watering requirements are minimal once established; allow the soil to become dry between waterings, as this species is highly drought tolerant. Overwatering is the most common cause of poor performance. Fertilization is rarely necessary; overly rich soil can encourage floppy growth rather than tight mats.
Maintenance is low for Sedum spurium ‘Schorbuser Blut’ DRAGON’S BLOOD. If spreading becomes too aggressive, simply shear back the runners after flowering. Propagation is trivially easy: take a cutting of stem with an attached leaf (1-2 inches of stem) and plant directly into the soil, ensuring the stem nodes contact the substrate.
Landscape Uses
The low stature and creeping habit of Sedum spurium ‘Schorbuser Blut’ DRAGON’S BLOOD make it an outstanding choice for ground cover, where it suppresses weeds while carpeting the area with succulent foliage. It is perfectly suited for rock gardens, softening hard edges around pavers, or filling in pockets in dry-stacked stone walls where moisture retention is low.
Mass planting is highly recommended for the best visual impact, especially on sunny banks or slopes that require erosion control combined with low water use. Consider using this vibrant Caucasian stonecrop as an edging element along pathways, or plant it alongside contrasting textures, such as fine-leaved ornamental grasses or upright, drought-tolerant perennials.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
Sedum spurium, commonly called Caucasian stonecrop or two row stonecrop, is a low-growing, sprawling, mat-forming sedum or stonecrop that is commonly grown as a ground cover. DRAGON’S BLOOD is a sprawling, low-growing, ground-hugging, mat-forming stonecrop frequently grown as a ground cover, noted for its leaves developing a deep burgundy tinge by fall. Tiny, star-shaped, pink to red flowers bloom above the foliage mat from mid-summer into autumn atop upright reddish flower stems.
Tolerances
- Rabbit
- Deer
- Drought
- Erosion
- Dry Soil
- Shallow-Rocky Soil
- Air Pollution
Potential Problems
This variety of Caucasian stonecrop exhibits few serious issues regarding pests or diseases. The primary concern often involves slugs and snails, which may feed on the succulent foliage, especially in damp, shaded areas, so monitor closely in spring. Gardeners should also occasionally watch for scale insects, though severe infestations are uncommon in well-drained, sunny environments. Avoiding excessive moisture is key to preventing fungal issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Caucasian stonecrop suitable for?
Sedum spurium ‘Schorbuser Blut’ DRAGON’S BLOOD is reliably hardy across USDA Zones 4 through 9.
How large does Sedum spurium ‘Schorbuser Blut’ DRAGON’S BLOOD grow?
This mat-forming ground cover typically reaches only 0.25 to 0.5 feet in height but spreads outward to cover between 1 and 1.5 feet wide.
What sun exposure does Caucasian stonecrop need?
Full sun exposure is ideal for Sedum spurium ‘Schorbuser Blut’ DRAGON’S BLOOD to achieve the best spread and the deep burgundy leaf color that gives it the DRAGON’S BLOOD name.
When does Caucasian stonecrop bloom?
This perennial offers late-season interest, blooming from August into September with small, pink, star-shaped flowers.
Conclusion
The rich, evergreen foliage that deepens to burgundy provides persistent color, making Sedum spurium ‘Schorbuser Blut’ DRAGON’S BLOOD an invaluable, low-maintenance plant for challenging areas. This versatile Caucasian stonecrop excels at soil stabilization and vibrant ground cover where water conservation is a priority. Before purchasing, confirm that your site offers full sun and, most crucially, superb drainage to ensure your Sedum spurium ‘Schorbuser Blut’ DRAGON’S BLOOD thrives year after year.
Propagation Tips
One of the greatest advantages of Sedum spurium ‘Schorbuser Blut’ DRAGON’S BLOOD is how easily it perpetuates itself, making it economical for large-scale landscaping projects. The creeping, branching stems naturally root wherever they come into contact with the ground, effectively spreading the mat. For intentional propagation, take a small cutting, ensuring you include about 1 to 2 inches of stem with at least one healthy leaf attached.
Simply plant the rooted end of the cutting into average, well-drained soil, keeping the leaf portion above the soil line. No rooting hormone is typically necessary for this tough stonecrop. Division of established clumps is also very simple in spring or early fall, allowing you to quickly increase your stock of this beautiful foliage plant.
Wildlife Benefits
While not primarily known as a heavy nectar source, the late-season blooms of this Caucasian stonecrop do provide a valuable food source when many other summer bloomers are fading. The tiny, pinkish-red flowers that appear from August into September are noted to be attractive to butterflies seeking sustenance near the end of the growing season. Furthermore, its dense, low-growing habit offers excellent protective ground cover for small beneficial insects and ground-dwelling wildlife.
