Stonecrop (Sedum lineare 'Variegatum')

Overview

Sedum lineare ‘Variegatum’, a standout variety of Stonecrop, brings wonderful texture and light color contrast to the garden. This mat-forming evergreen showcases narrow leaves edged in creamy white, providing year-round visual interest that brightens shady spots. Its low-growing habit makes Sedum lineare ‘Variegatum’ exceptionally valuable for slopes, wide borders, and creating living carpets of foliage.

As a hardy herbaceous perennial, the Stonecrop thrives on neglect, preferring dry to medium moisture conditions once established. It performs best in full sun, though it tolerates some light shade, allowing flexibility in placement. Gardeners appreciate this plant for its low maintenance profile; it minimizes watering needs and forgives poor soil quality, provided drainage remains excellent.

When summer arrives, Sedum lineare ‘Variegatum’ produces cheerful sprays of small yellow flowers, adding color contrast against the variegated foliage. This species, commonly known as Stonecrop because of its affinity for rocky habitats, is ideal for rock gardens or naturalizing large areas where spreading ground cover is desired. Plan your placement carefully, especially in northern limits of its range, to ensure successful winter survival.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Crassulaceae
• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 6-9
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 0.25-0.5 ft
  • Spread: 0.5-1 ft
• Bloom Time: June to July
• Bloom Description: Yellow
• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Water Needs: Dry to medium
• Maintenance Level: Low

How to Grow

For optimal establishment of Sedum lineare ‘Variegatum’, plant in spring or early fall. Location is critical; ensure the site receives full sun for the most vibrant variegation, although light afternoon shade is tolerated. The most important cultural requirement for this Stonecrop is excellent soil drainage. It thrives in average, well-drained soils, particularly sandy or gravelly substrates of low to moderate fertility. Heavy, poorly draining clay will quickly lead to stem rot.

Maintenance for this variety is refreshingly low. Once established, watering should be infrequent, as the plant handles drought conditions well. Avoid excessive summer watering, which can encourage rot rather than robust growth. Fertilization is rarely necessary; rich soil tends to promote floppy, less attractive growth in sedums.

In areas near the northern limit of its hardiness (Zone 6), consider siting Sedum lineare ‘Variegatum’ in protected locations, such as against a foundation wall, which offers moderate heat retention over winter. There may be a need for clean-up in early spring to remove any winter debris or damaged foliage, but otherwise, this Stonecrop requires minimal intervention. Plants will naturally spread vigorously to form a dense ground cover.

Landscape Uses

The mat-forming nature of Sedum lineare ‘Variegatum’ makes it an outstanding choice for ground cover applications where you want dense, low maintenance coverage. It serves beautifully along border fronts, softening the edge between lawn or path and taller plantings. Its creeping habit also makes it a perfect spiller in containers, often used effectively alongside upright accents or cascading trailers.

For rugged areas, incorporate this Stonecrop into rock gardens where its need for dry, shallow, and rocky soil is naturally met. Sedum lineare ‘Variegatum’ looks magnificent when massed or planted in large groups, allowing its variegated mounds to create a unified tapestry of color throughout the growing season. Remember that siting it where both the foliage and the yellow summer blooms can be viewed up close maximizes its appeal.

If overwintering containers in cold regions (north of Zone 6), you can bring potted Sedum lineare ‘Variegatum’ indoors to a bright window or cool garage, treating it almost as a houseplant until spring returns.

Flower Qualities

• Showy

Noteworthy Characteristics

Sedum lineare is a mat-forming evergreen stonecrop that is native to eastern Asia. It typically grows to 4-6” tall but spreads by erect to decumbent stems to 12” or more wide. Narrow, linear to linear-lanceolate leaves (to 1 1/4” long) are light green. Yellow flowers (to 5/8” wide) bloom in cymes in late spring to early summer. The ‘Variegatum’ leaves are light green with a creamy white edge, offering superior visual contrast compared to the species.

Tolerances

• Drought
• Dry Soil
• Shallow-Rocky Soil

Potential Problems

This Stonecrop generally boasts high resilience, without serious insect or disease problems noted under proper growing conditions. The primary potential issue involves moisture management. If the soil is too heavy or watering is excessive, the plant becomes susceptible to rot. Slugs and snails may occasionally show interest in the tender foliage, requiring routine vigilance, especially in damp springs. Scale insects are also a minor potential pest that observant gardeners should monitor. If scale is present, standard horticultural oil treatments are generally effective.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Stonecrop suitable for?

Sedum lineare ‘Variegatum’ Stonecrop is reliably hardy in USDA Zones 6 through 9.

How large does Sedum lineare ‘Variegatum’ grow?

This perennial typically reaches a height between 0.25 to 0.5 feet tall, spreading to cover an area between 0.5 to 1 foot wide.

What sun exposure does Stonecrop need?

Sedum lineare ‘Variegatum’ thrives best when exposed to full sun, although it can manage some light shade.

When does Stonecrop bloom?

This variety produces its signature yellow flowers during the peak summer months, typically blooming from June to July.

Conclusion

Sedum lineare ‘Variegatum’ is an excellent, low-effort choice for gardeners needing drought-tolerant coverage with unique foliage color. The striking variegated leaves of this Stonecrop ensure it maintains interest even when not in bloom. Confirm your site offers excellent drainage and full sun exposure before planting Sedum lineare ‘Variegatum’ this season for reliable mat-forming ground cover performance.

Companion Planting

When choosing companions for Sedum lineare ‘Variegatum’, prioritize plants that share similar cultural needs: well-drained soil and a preference for sun. Pairing this Stonecrop with other low-growing, drought-tolerant succulents creates beautiful textural contrast. Excellent partners include creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum), trailing varieties of Sedum, or small ornamental grasses that enjoy sharp drainage. Avoid moisture-loving perennials, as their watering needs will clash with the dry requirements of this Stonecrop.

Propagation Tips

Propagation of Sedum lineare ‘Variegatum’ is remarkably easy, adding to its low-maintenance appeal. The most effective method is stem cutting. Stems root readily when placed directly onto moist potting mix or garden soil, even without rooting hormone. In spring or early summer, snip small sections (1-2 inches) of trailing stems, ensuring each cutting has a few leaves attached. Laying stems directly on the soil surface and lightly tamping them down will also encourage them to root where they touch the ground, aiding in the natural spread and thickening of your Stonecrop colony.