Caucasian stonecrop (Sedum spurium 'Fuldaglut')

Overview

Sedum spurium ‘Fuldaglut’, known widely as Caucasian stonecrop, is a highly valued, low-growing succulent prized for its vigorous, mat-forming growth habit. This perennial excels as a tough ground cover, spreading via creeping stems that readily root where they touch the soil, quickly blanketing bare spots. The foliage of this cultivar is particularly attractive, shifting color to a deep burgundy, especially as temperatures cool, providing season-long visual interest.

As an adaptable herbaceous perennial, the Caucasian stonecrop thrives in challenging conditions where many other plants struggle, making it indispensable for rock gardens and dry slopes. Its drought tolerance and ability to handle poor soils further cement its status as a low-maintenance superstar. Gardeners appreciate Sedum spurium ‘Fuldaglut’ for its ability to suppress weeds while providing blooms attractive to butterflies in the late summer months.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Crassulaceae
• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 4-8
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 0-0.25 ft
  • Spread: 0.25-1.5 ft
• Bloom Time: August to September
• Bloom Description: Rose red
• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Water Needs: Dry to medium
• Maintenance Level: Low

How to Grow

Plant Sedum spurium ‘Fuldaglut’ during spring or fall in a location receiving full sun, although it tolerates partial afternoon shade. The most critical factor for this Caucasian stonecrop is excellent soil drainage; gravelly or sandy soils are perfect, as the plant despises sitting in moist conditions. When establishing a ground cover, space plants about 12 inches apart to allow their creeping stems time to interlock and form a dense mat.

Maintenance for this cultivar is exceptionally low. While it tolerates dry soil once established, provide consistent moisture only until it settles in, then allow nature to take its course. Avoid regular fertilizing, as excessive nutrients can lead to floppier growth. The primary care involves ensuring the area is not overwatered, which is the quickest way to compromise the health of your Sedum spurium ‘Fuldaglut’.

Propagation is remarkably simple, making it easy to quickly fill large areas or share with neighbors. The plant readily spreads itself through rooting nodes along the stems. For deliberate multiplication, take cuttings of a young leaf with 1-2 inches of stem attached and plant the stem end directly into the soil above the soil line; roots will quickly form.

Landscape Uses

Sedum spurium ‘Fuldaglut’ shines brightest when used as a durable ground cover, perfect for mass planting across sunny banks or naturalized areas. Its spreading habit excels at stabilizing erosion-prone slopes where turfgrass fails due to poor soil or lack of moisture. This low-growing perennial also provides excellent texture when sited at the front of borders, softening harsh edges between hardscaping and lawn areas.

Consider utilizing the succulent mats of Caucasian stonecrop in rock gardens or tucked into the pockets of stone walls, where excellent drainage is assured. Its ability to hug the contours of the landscape makes it a fantastic, living mulch substitute. By massing this cultivar, you capitalize on the deep burgundy foliage that dominates outside the short bloom period of rose-red flowers.

Standout Features

Flower Qualities

• Showy

Noteworthy Characteristics

Sedum spurium, commonly called Caucasian stonecrop or two row stonecrop, is a low-growing, mat-forming stonecrop widely utilized as an evergreen ground cover. Its distinguishing feature is the array of thick, succulent foliage that transforms, typically turning deep burgundy best showcasing the ‘Fuldaglut’ cultivar. This plant sends up upright reddish stems bearing tiny, star-shaped, pinkish-red flowers in late summer, which are noted for attracting butterflies.

Tolerances

• Rabbit
• Deer
• Drought
• Erosion
• Dry Soil
• Shallow-Rocky Soil
• Air Pollution

Potential Problems

Sedum spurium ‘Fuldaglut’ is generally praised for its robust nature, facing few serious pest or disease challenges when grown under proper, well-drained conditions. The main threats relate to excessive wetness, such as fungal issues if the soil holds too much moisture. Slugs and snails may occasionally target the succulent leaves, especially in damper spring conditions, so monitoring is advised. Occasionally, scale insects might become a cosmetic nuisance if the plant’s vigor is compromised.

To manage slugs and snails, maintain good air circulation and avoid heavy mulch that retains excessive moisture around the foliage. If scale insects appear, they can typically be managed by scraping them off manually or applying horticultural oil according to product instructions during the dormant season. Proper siting—full sun and dry soil—remains the best preventative measure for keeping this Caucasian stonecrop reliably pest-free.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Caucasian stonecrop suitable for?

Sedum spurium ‘Fuldaglut’ is hardy across USDA Zones 4 through 8, providing reliable perennial coverage across a wide climatic range.

How large does Sedum spurium ‘Fuldaglut’ grow?

This mat-forming perennial stays very low, typically reaching only 2 to 3 inches in height, though it spreads wider, achieving a spread of up to 18 inches or more.

What sun exposure does Caucasian stonecrop need?

This succulent performs best in full sun, though it can tolerate some amount of light shade, especially in hotter summer climates.

When does this two-row stonecrop bloom?

The bloom time for this variety is late in the season, extending from August into September, producing clusters of rose-red flowers.

Conclusion

Sedum spurium ‘Fuldaglut’ is an exceptional choice for gardeners seeking a tough, drought-tolerant plant that delivers ground-hugging coverage with year-round visual appeal, thanks to its colorful, semi-evergreen foliage. The reliability and low maintenance associated with this Caucasian stonecrop make it a foundational component in sunny, dry landscapes. Always ensure you provide the mandatory excellent drainage before planting to guarantee the best performance from your Sedum spurium ‘Fuldaglut’.

Propagation Tips

Easily propagating Sedum spurium ‘Fuldaglut’ is one of its greatest assets for gardeners looking to expand coverage quickly or fill new areas. Because of its spreading nature, root division is simple; lift clumps during spring or fall and separate them into smaller pieces, replanting them immediately. Stem cuttings offer an even quicker method for generating new plants.

For successful vegetative propagation, utilize the plant’s natural tendency to root at nodes. Take small segments of the creeping stems, ensuring each piece includes a few leaves, and press the stem end lightly into prepared, well-draining soil or sand. Keep the soil just barely moist initially, and roots will develop rapidly from the submerged stem tissue.

Wildlife Benefits

The late-season flowering of this succulent provides a valuable nectar source when many other summer blooms are fading. The dense mat created by the Caucasian stonecrop also offers protective cover for beneficial ground insects and small reptiles. While primarily grown for its foliage, the small rose-red flowers of Sedum spurium ‘Fuldaglut’ are specifically attractive to late-season butterflies seeking fuel before migration or winter.