Stonecrop (Sedum 'African Sunset')
Sedum 'African Sunset' Stonecrop is a tough, low-maintenance perennial offering glossy dark purple foliage and intense red blooms from July to September.
Scroll down to discover growing tips, care requirements, companion plants, and more
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Sedum ‘African Sunset’, commonly referred to as Stonecrop, is valued in modern gardens for its striking contrast between its dark foliage and late-season color. This herbaceous perennial provides textural interest long before it flowers, thanks to its glossy, smooth, dark purple leaves set against noticeable red stems. Its toughness makes it an essential backbone plant for sunny, dry locations.
The robust nature of this Sedum species ensures longevity and minimal fuss once established. It is an easy-to-grow plant that thrives when given well-drained conditions, making it extremely drought-tolerant. The late summer and early fall bloom period, featuring clusters of intense red flowers, is crucial for extending garden interest when many other perennials begin to fade.
This specific cultivar, Sedum ‘African Sunset’, forms tidy, upright clumps slightly spreading over time, offering reliable structure in the garden border. As a prime example of genus Sedum, it combines succulent hardiness with reliable perennial performance, demanding very little from the gardener while giving substantial landscape rewards.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Crassulaceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 3-8
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 1-1.5 ft
- Spread: 1-1.5 ft
- Bloom Time: July to September
- Bloom Description: Red
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Water Needs: Dry to medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
Plant Sedum ‘African Sunset’ in the spring or fall in locations receiving full sun. While it tolerates light shade, adequate sunlight ensures dense, rich foliage color and prevents weak, floppy growth. The most critical requirement for success with this Stonecrop is excellent soil drainage; it performs best in average to moderately fertile soils, including those that are sandy or gravelly. Avoid overly rich soils, as this encourages legginess.
Water sparingly, especially once the plant is established, as Sedum is highly drought-tolerant. Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between irrigation sessions. Fertilizing is generally unnecessary; providing rich amendments or excessive water will negatively impact its structural integrity. Good drainage prevents potential issues like stem rot.
For structural maintenance, pinching back the stems lightly in the spring can encourage a bushier habit, leading to thicker stems by bloom time. Taller varieties, especially those carrying heavy flower heads, can sometimes flop if they become too moist or rich, so ensure planting locations meet these drier requirements. No significant cleanup is needed in winter; cut back the old stems in early spring before new growth emerges for this exceptional Stonecrop.
Landscape Uses
Sedum ‘African Sunset’ excels in applications where its drought tolerance and vibrant late-season color are needed. It is perfectly suited for border fronts, where its upright habit (reaching up to 1.5 feet) provides a sturdy edge. Grouping or massing these plants creates a visually impactful block of color and texture that lasts for months.
This variety works ideally in rock gardens or xeriscaping, pairing well with other low-maintenance, sun-loving perennials that appreciate sharp drainage. Consider siting it near paths or seating areas where its dark purple foliage and intense red blooms of Sedum ‘African Sunset’ can be appreciated up close. Its structure also makes it effective as a filler plant in large, seasonal containers.
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. Some of the most popular garden plants are hybrids.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.‘African Sunset’ is a perennial sedum that typically grows in upright to slightly spreading clumps to 16” tall. It is noted for its glossy, smooth, dark purple foliage, red stems and intense red flowers. Flowers appear in cymes over a late summer to fall bloom period.
Tolerances
- Rabbit
- Deer
- Drought
- Air Pollution
Potential Problems
The primary concern when growing Sedum ‘African Sunset’ relates to excess moisture. Rotting out is a significant risk if the soil is poorly drained or conditions remain persistently wet, especially during winter dormancy. Furthermore, taller sedum hybrids are occasionally susceptible to flopping, where stems bend over, often due to heavy flower heads exacerbated by too much moisture or too little direct sun.
Pest issues are generally minor. Gardeners should watch for occasional slug and snail activity, particularly on new growth. Scale insects are another potential concern, though less common in healthy, well-situated plants. Prevention is key: ensure planting spots conform to the full sun and good drainage requirements specified for this Stonecrop.
To manage potential flopping proactively, ensure plants receive full, uninterrupted sun and are not grown in overly rich or excessively moist media. A simple cultural adjustment—pinching back the stems early in the spring—will force the plant to develop thicker, bushier growth habits, better supporting the mature flower heads later in the season.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Stonecrop suitable for?
Sedum ‘African Sunset’ is hardy across a broad range, suitable for USDA Zones 3 through 8.
How large does Stonecrop grow?
This herbaceous perennial typically reaches a mature height of 1 to 1.5 feet and spreads between 1 and 1.5 feet wide.
When does Sedum ‘African Sunset’ bloom?
This Stonecrop variety offers desirable late-season color, blooming with red flowers from July through September.
What sun exposure does Sedum ‘African Sunset’ need?
For optimal performance, dense color, and firm structure, Sedum ‘African Sunset’ requires full sun exposure.
Conclusion
Sedum ‘African Sunset’ is an indispensable, visually dynamic perennial lauded for its low maintenance needs and spectacular late-season display of dark foliage accentuating intense red blooms. If you seek structural integrity combined with drought tolerance in sunny borders, this Stonecrop is an excellent choice. Before planting, confirm your site offers sharp drainage, as this is the single most important factor for enjoying your Sedum ‘African Sunset’ for years to come.
Companion Planting
When designing borders around Sedum ‘African Sunset’, prioritize companions that share similar needs for full sun and well-drained soil. Plants that perform well in dry conditions, such as ornamental grasses (like Feather Reed Grass), Catmint (Nepeta), or Yarrow (Achillea), create excellent textural contrast with the succulent leaves of this Stonecrop. Avoid aggressive spreaders or moisture-loving species that might crowd the base or create overly damp microclimates detrimental to the Sedum.
These companion choices should also have bloom times that complement the late summer peak of Sedum ‘African Sunset’. While the Stonecrop provides a strong finish to the season, interplanting with shorter flowering salvias or coneflowers ensures continuous color from mid-summer through fall. The dark foliage of the Sedum acts as a stabilizing visual anchor next to lighter-colored flowering companions.
Propagation Tips
Propagation of Sedum ‘African Sunset’ is exceptionally simple, fitting its overall low-maintenance profile. The most common and easiest method is stem or leaf cutting. Take cuttings (slips) from the stems in the summer months before flowering begins or in early fall. Allow the cut end to dry out for a day or two until a rough callous forms over the wound.
Once calloused, plant the cuttings directly into drier soil mixes or place them on top of dry potting media in pots placed in bright, indirect light. Rooting occurs readily without misting or excessive humidity, honoring the plant’s drought tolerance. Alternatively, mature clumps of Stonecrop can be divided in the early spring before new growth substantially emerges, though cuttings often yield better results for immediate propagation success.
