Stonecrop (Sedum 'Hopewell')

Overview

Sedum ‘Hopewell’ is a choice herbaceous perennial highly valued by gardeners for its substantial structure and resilient nature. This Stonecrop variety forms an attractive clump, typically reaching up to 1.5 feet tall, defined by its thick, ruffled, blue-gray foliage borne on upright pink stems. It stands out because it provides excellent late-season color, with clusters of deep pink flowers emerging from August through October when many other perennials are fading.

As a member of the tough Sedum genus, Sedum ‘Hopewell’ thrives on minimal care, making it perfect for busy homeowners or challenging garden spots. Its drought tolerance, once established, is significant, reducing the need for frequent summer watering. This perennial is a highly effective structural plant that adds texture and reliable color interest late into the growing season.

Gardeners appreciate the resilience of Sedum ‘Hopewell’ for its ability to withstand dry soils, shallow rocky conditions, and even urban pollution. Whether used as reliable border edging or massed for ground cover effect, this Stonecrop consistently delivers performance with low input, establishing itself as a dependable backbone for contemporary and traditional landscapes alike.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Crassulaceae
• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 4-8
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 1-1.5 ft
  • Spread: 1-1.5 ft
• Bloom Time: August to October
• Bloom Description: Deep pink
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
• Water Needs: Dry to medium
• Maintenance Level: Low

How to Grow

Planting Sedum ‘Hopewell’ is best done in spring or early fall, ensuring it establishes roots before extreme heat or deep freezes arrive. The most critical requirement for success is excellent soil drainage; this Stonecrop absolutely requires sharp drainage to prevent root issues. While it prefers full sun for the most compact growth, Sedum ‘Hopewell’ tolerates light afternoon shade, although too much shade can result in weaker, flopping stems.

Maintenance is remarkably straightforward. Water regularly only until the plant is established; afterward, it relies on natural rainfall unless conditions are persistently dry. Fertilizing is generally unnecessary. Rich soils should actively be avoided, as rich fertility combined with too much moisture encourages weak growth susceptible to toppling over.

This plant features a naturally tidy habit, but to ensure sturdy stems, pinching back the new growth in spring can promote a bushier, thicker clump. In late winter or very early spring, remove any old, dead foliage. Because taller sedum varieties can sometimes struggle with heavy flower heads, placing Sedum ‘Hopewell’ where it receives maximum sun exposure is the best defense against flopping.

Landscape Uses

Sedum ‘Hopewell’ functions beautifully along border fronts, where its mid-height provides a sturdy intermediate layer between low groundcovers and taller background specimens. It performs best when massed or planted in repeating groups, creating drifts of texture and late-season color that draw the eye. Given its excellent structural qualities, it is also highly effective when incorporated into mixed containers or rock gardens where drainage is naturally high.

For rock gardens, pair this Stonecrop with other drought-tolerant companions like ornamental grasses or low-growing conifers that complement its blue-gray foliage. When using it in mixed borders, consider companions that offer contrasting flower shapes or peak bloom times earlier in the summer, such as Lavender or Rudbeckia. The upright form of Sedum ‘Hopewell’ ensures that its foliage and later blooms are always visible and appreciated.

Standout Features

Flower Qualities

• Showy

Noteworthy Characteristics

Sedum is a genus of about 400 species found mainly in the mountainous areas of North America but some also in dry area of South America. Most are succulent. They are tough, drought tolerant, easy-to-grow perennials that feature star-shaped flowers in clusters blooming on fleshy-leaved plants ranging from mat-forming ground covers to clump-forming upright mounds. Genus name comes from the Latin word sedeo meaning to sit in reference to the general growing habit of many of the sedums (they sit and sprawl over rocks). Plants in the genus Sedum are commonly called stonecrops because they are typically found in the wild growing on rocky or stony areas. ‘Hopewell’ typically grows in a mound to 16” tall and as wide. It features attractive, ruffled, blue-gray leaves that grow in whorls on upright pink stems. Leaf color tends to darken throughout summer. Deep pink flowers in cymes bloom from summer to fall.

Tolerances

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

Potential Problems

The primary concern for Sedum ‘Hopewell’ relates to moisture mismanagement. Rotting out is a significant hazard if plants are situated in wet, poorly drained conditions or if watered excessively. To prevent this, always ensure your planting site has sharp structure, such as gravel or grit mixed into the soil profile.

Observation is key for minor pest issues. Keep an eye out for slugs and snails, which can chew on the succulent foliage, especially when young plants are tender. Scale insects can occasionally become a problem, though healthy, sun-drenched plants usually resist severe infestation.

Taller sedum hybrids, including this one, are sometimes susceptible to flopping, particularly when the heavy flower heads mature. This physical weakness is almost always environmental: providing completely full sun and avoiding overly rich or consistently moist soils will keep the stems erect and sturdy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Stonecrop suitable for?

Sedum ‘Hopewell’ is hardy across USDA Zones 4 through 8, offering wide adaptability for many gardeners.

How large does Stonecrop grow?

Sedum ‘Hopewell’ typically reaches a height between 1 and 1.5 feet tall, with a similar spread of 1 to 1.5 feet wide.

What sun exposure does Sedum ‘Hopewell’ need?

This plant performs best and maintains the strongest structure in full sun, though it can tolerate partial shade.

When does Stonecrop bloom?

The bloom time for Sedum ‘Hopewell’ is late in the season, running from August into October, producing deep pink flowers.

Conclusion

Sedum ‘Hopewell’ is an outstanding choice for gardeners seeking dependable color and texture with minimal upkeep. Its toughness, excellent drought resistance, and unique ruffled foliage make this Stonecrop a landscape staple. Before planting, ensure your chosen site offers the sharp drainage required, and enjoy this resilient perennial throughout the late summer and fall.

Companion Planting

When selecting neighbors for Sedum ‘Hopewell’, prioritize plants that share its love for sharp drainage and similar water needs. Low-growing ornamental grasses, such as varieties of Carex or Festuca, provide excellent textural contrast while demanding little supplemental water. Similarly, other sun-loving, dry-tolerant perennials like Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) or various ornamental yarrows (Achillea) complement the late-season bloom profile of this Stonecrop.

Using these low-water companions allows you to create a cohesive, water-wise garden section that requires infrequent irrigation once mature. Avoid planting Sedum ‘Hopewell’ near moisture-loving hostas or ferns whose high transpiration rates and need for consistent moisture will undermine the Stonecrop’s health. Focus on plants that thrive in the same sunny, well-drained environment.

Propagation Tips

Propagation of Sedum ‘Hopewell’ is exceptionally straightforward, echoing the ease of care associated with the entire genus. The easiest and most reliable method involves taking stem or leaf cuttings, particularly in mid-summer when the stems are actively growing but not yet flowering heavily. Simply remove a few inches of stem or even individual leaves, allow the cut end to dry and callous over for a day or two, and then place the cuttings directly onto barely moist, gritty potting medium.

These Stonecrop cuttings root rapidly, often producing new roots within a few weeks, even if they are dried out completely between waterings. This makes Sedum ‘Hopewell’ an excellent candidate for quickly multiplying your existing stock or sharing reliable clumps with friends. Division is also possible in early spring, but propagation via cuttings is generally faster and less disruptive to established mounds.