Stonecrop (Sedum spurium 'Voodoo')

Overview

Sedum spurium ‘Voodoo’ is a highly valued, low-growing, mat-forming perennial known widely as Stonecrop. This variety forms a dense carpet useful for suppressing weeds and stabilizing challenging slopes. Its primary appeal lies in its hardiness and the dramatic seasonal shift of its foliage.

The ‘Voodoo’ cultivar is especially noted for its succulent leaves, which often develop deep burgundy tones, contrasting beautifully with its rose-red flower clusters. As an evergreen in warmer regions, it provides year-round texture and color, making Sedum spurium ‘Voodoo’ a reliable backbone plant for rock gardens.

This Stonecrop spreads readily via creeping stems that root easily, quickly establishing itself as an effective ground cover. Its low water needs and tolerance for poor, dry soils further enhance its attraction for low-maintenance landscape designs.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Crassulaceae
• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 3-8
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 0.25-0.5 ft
  • Spread: 1-1.5 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 ‘Voodoo’ in the spring or fall after the danger of hard frost, in a location receiving full sun for the best performance and deepest foliage color. This Stonecrop thrives in acidic, average, dry to medium moisture soils, provided they drain exceptionally well. Good drainage is critical; avoid heavy, constantly wet clay soils where rot can occur. Plants can be sited about 12 inches apart to achieve a full ground cover effect relatively quickly as they spread.

Care for established Sedum spurium ‘Voodoo’ is minimal. It demands dryness and will suffer if overwatered, as it is highly drought tolerant once established. Fertilizing is generally unnecessary, especially in poor or average soils, as rich conditions can encourage floppiness. Pruning is rarely required, though you may shear the plant back lightly after flowering to maintain a tight shape if desired.

Propagation is incredibly simple, making it easy to expand your coverage using Sedum spurium ‘Voodoo’. The plant spreads easily by root division or by stem cuttings. To propagate by stem cutting, cut a leaf or small piece of stem (about 1-2 inches long) and plant the stem end directly into lightly moist soil, keeping the leaf base above the soil level.

Landscape Uses

The robust, spreading nature of Sedum spurium ‘Voodoo’ makes it perfectly suited for its primary suggested uses: efficient ground cover and naturalizing areas. It excels in rock gardens or small, tight spaces where creeping habit is desired. Use it to blanket sunny banks and slopes, mitigating erosion effectively with its dense root structure.

For highly visible applications, mass planting Stonecrop along border fronts or as a low-maintenance edging creates a textural band of color that persists throughout the season. It performs admirably in stone wall pockets, softening hardscaping elements with its succulent foliage. While it tolerates some light shade, maximum performance and dense matting are achieved in full sun.

Standout Features

Flower Qualities

• Showy

Noteworthy Characteristics

Sedum spurium, commonly called Caucasian stonecrop or two row stonecrop, is a low-growing, sprawling, mat-forming stonecrop that is commonly grown as an evergreen ground cover. Its creeping stems readily root at the nodes, helping it spread to 12-18 inches wide. The thick, succulent, obovate leaves are dark maroon-red, providing excellent season-long color, topped by dense clusters of star-shaped, rose-red flowers in mid-summer.

Tolerances

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

Potential Problems

Sedum spurium ‘Voodoo’ generally exhibits no serious insect or disease problems, attesting to its robust nature. The main management concern involves soft-bodied pests like slugs and snails, which may occasionally graze on the succulent leaves, particularly in damp conditions. Home gardeners should also watch periodically for scale insects, though these are uncommon. Prevention centers on perfect drainage; ensuring the plant is not sitting wet will drastically reduce stress and pest susceptibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Stonecrop suitable for?

This tough Stonecrop is hardy across a wide range, suitable for USDA Zones 3 through 8. Ensure your climate matches this range for reliable perennial performance of Sedum spurium ‘Voodoo’.

How large does Stonecrop grow?

Sedum spurium ‘Voodoo’ forms a very low mound, usually only reaching 0.25 to 0.5 feet in height, but it spreads vigorously, achieving a spread between 1 and 1.5 feet wide.

What sun exposure does Stonecrop need?

For the deepest color and most compact growth, provide Sedum spurium ‘Voodoo’ with full sun exposure daily. It will tolerate some light shade but may become leggier.

When does Stonecrop bloom?

The bloom time for this perennial Stonecrop is late in the season, typically running from August through September, offering rose-red flowers.

Conclusion

Sedum spurium ‘Voodoo’ is an indispensable addition to the durable, drought-tolerant garden, providing evergreen textural contrast and vibrant late-season blooms. This Stonecrop truly lives up to its reputation for low maintenance and adaptability across many soil types. Before planting, confirm your local USDA zone compatibility and plant in a well-drained, sunny spot to ensure your Sedum spurium ‘Voodoo’ establishes quickly.

Propagation Tips

Due to its readily rooting stems, propagation is one of the easiest ways to expand Sedum spurium ‘Voodoo’ coverage rapidly. The plant spreads naturally as nodes on the creeping stems hit the ground and establish new roots. For intentional division, simply lift existing mats in spring or fall, separate rooted sections, and replant immediately.

The ease of vegetative propagation extends to simple cutting techniques. Use a sharp, clean tool to take small sections of stem or even individual leaves, ensuring they have a small stem base attached. Plant these cuttings directly into dry, sandy soil mix, maintaining sufficient humidity until roots form, which usually happens quickly.

Companion Planting

The cultural needs of Sedum spurium ‘Voodoo’—full sun and excellent drainage—make it an ideal companion for other xeriscaping favorites. Pair it with other low-growing, tough succulents like Sempervivum (Hens and Chicks) for contrasting texture and form in rock gardens. It also complements hardy, sun-loving companions such as hardy Geraniums or creeping Thymes in border applications.

For erosion control on sunny banks, combine this Stonecrop intermixed with taller, deeply rooted ornamental grasses that tolerate dry conditions once mature, creating a layered, durable ground cover system that retains soil integrity through varied weather patterns.