Caucasian stonecrop (Sedum spurium 'Red Carpet')

Overview

Sedum spurium ‘Red Carpet’, or Caucasian stonecrop, is a highly valued, low-growing, mat-forming succulent celebrated for its dense, colorful foliage that blankets the ground effectively. This species provides excellent texture and deep burgundy color, especially as the weather cools, making it a reliable performer throughout the season. It is native to the Caucasus region, bringing rugged endurance to modern landscapes.

As a robust herbaceous perennial, this stonecrop spreads easily via creeping, branching stems that root wherever they touch the soil, rapidly establishing itself as an effective ground cover. Its succulent leaves ensure exceptional drought tolerance once mature, making Sedum spurium ‘Red Carpet’ a stellar choice for difficult, sunny spots where turf grass struggles. This plant requires very little intervention to look its best.

The aesthetic appeal of Caucasian stonecrop is further enhanced by late spring to mid-summer blooms of tiny, star-shaped, pinkish-red flowers, which attract welcome butterflies. Whether used to stabilize slopes or soften the edges of pathways, Sedum spurium ‘Red Carpet’ offers year-round visual interest with minimal gardener input.

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: 1-2 ft
• Bloom Time: May to July
• Bloom Description: Red
• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Water Needs: Dry to medium
• Maintenance Level: Low

How to Grow

The ideal time to plant Caucasian stonecrop is when conditions are mild, allowing the roots to establish without undue stress from extreme heat or cold. Sedum spurium ‘Red Carpet’ thrives best when positioned in full sun, although it tolerates slight afternoon shade. The most crucial cultural requirement is excellent soil drainage; these plants despise wet feet, performing exceptionally well in sandy or gravelly soils. Plant individuals about 12 inches apart if massed for ground cover purposes.

Care for this succulent is remarkably simple. Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between irrigations, particularly once the Sedum spurium ‘Red Carpet’ is established. Avoid the temptation to overwater, as this is the primary cause of failure for most stonecrops. Fertilization is generally unnecessary, as the plant prefers lean, average soils. No significant pruning is usually required, though plants can be cut back after blooming to maintain shape.

Propagation of this two row stonecrop is one of its easiest features. It readily spreads by rooting nodes, but you can also easily divide mature clumps in spring or fall. For a simple method, take a leaf cutting with 1-2 inches of stem attached and plant the stem portion just above the soil surface. Because the foliage is evergreen—turning deep burgundy in cooler weather—it requires very little winter preparation other than ensuring the soil isn’t waterlogged before deep freezes arrive.

Landscape Uses

Sedum spurium ‘Red Carpet’ excels in roles requiring low, spreading coverage, making it a superstar for rock gardens or as a small area ground cover where taller growth is undesirable. Its tight mat-forming habit is perfect for edging borders, softening the harsh lines of pathways, or tucking into the pockets of dry-stacked stone walls. This plant’s ability to handle poor soils and drought makes it ideal for sunny banks or slopes that are difficult to maintain otherwise.

When massed, the deep, rich tones of this Caucasian stonecrop create a dramatic, consistent carpet of color throughout the growing season. Consider pairing it with plants that offer contrasting textures, such as ornamental grasses or taller, fine-textured perennials. Its shallow root system allows it to be used successfully near the periphery of paved areas or between stepping stones.

For more formal designs needing structural accents, Sedum spurium ‘Red Carpet’ performs admirably as an attractive filler in containers. When planting in groups, remember that this variety spreads easily, ensuring you achieve that desired full coverage relatively quickly, transforming barren spots into rich textural tapestries.

Standout Features

Flower Qualities

• Showy

Noteworthy Characteristics

Sedum spurium, commonly called Caucasian stonecrop or two row stonecrop, is a low-growing, sprawling, mat-forming sedum or stonecrop that is commonly grown as a ground cover. This is an evergreen plant that typically rises only 3-6” tall but spreads to 18-24” wide by creeping, branching stems that easily root at the nodes. Its leaves turn deep burgundy in fall-winter, providing crucial late-season color that makes ‘Red Carpet’ a standout cultivar.

Tolerances

• Rabbit
• Deer
• Drought
• Air Pollution

Potential Problems

This plant manages few serious pest or disease challenges under proper growing conditions, particularly when drainage is prioritized. Slugs and snails may occasionally find the succulent foliage appealing, especially in damper areas, so monitoring for slime trails is recommended. Occasionally, gardeners should inspect the stems for scale insects, which can weaken growth if left unchecked. Management usually involves prompt physical removal or treating affected areas with horticultural oil if populations are severe.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Caucasian stonecrop suitable for?

Sedum spurium ‘Red Carpet’ is quite cold-hardy, thriving in USDA Zones 3 through 8.

How large does Sedum spurium ‘Red Carpet’ grow?

It remains quite low, typically reaching only 0.25 to 0.5 feet in height, but it spreads outwards vigorously to cover an area between 1 to 2 feet wide.

What sun exposure does Caucasian stonecrop need?

This plant prefers and performs best in full sun conditions to develop its best foliage color and maintain compact growth.

When does Sedum spurium ‘Red Carpet’ bloom?

The Caucasian stonecrop blooms reliably from May through July, producing small clusters of red flowers above the foliage.

Conclusion

Sedum spurium ‘Red Carpet’ offers dependable, low-maintenance ground coverage characterized by richly colored, drought-tolerant foliage that deepens to burgundy in cooler months. This excellent evergreen perennial, commonly known as Caucasian stonecrop, is perfect for sunny, dry locales where other landscape plants fail to establish. Plan your planting during mild weather and ensure the site offers sharp drainage to enjoy the vibrant performance of Sedum spurium ‘Red Carpet’ year after year.

Propagation Tips

Due to its extensive creeping habit, Sedum spurium ‘Red Carpet’ is easily multiplied, allowing gardeners to cover large areas quickly and inexpensively. The most straightforward method involves division; simply dig up small clumps in spring or fall and replant them immediately, ensuring each division has a healthy root system. Stem cuttings are also highly successful for this succulent.

For stem propagation, detach a small section of the branching stem or utilize the leaf-cutting method described in the care section. As the stems root where nodes contact the ground naturally, encouraging this rooting by lightly covering lower stems with soil can speed up natural spread. This ease of propagation makes Caucasian stonecrop an ideal choice for large-scale naturalized plantings.

Companion Planting

Because Sedum spurium ‘Red Carpet’ demands sharp drainage, full sun, and resists drought, successful companion planting involves selecting other xeriscape enthusiasts. Pair it with other low-growing, sun-loving succulents like Sempervivum (Hens and Chicks) to create a tapestry of contrasting textures and matting habits.

Contrast the fine, soft texture of the stonecrop foliage with the spikier, upright forms of certain ornamental grasses in drier rock gardens. For spots requiring low maintenance ground cover, consider pairing this two row stonecrop with creeping thyme or various low-growing Penstemons, all of which share a similar aversion to overly dry or rich soil conditions.