Widow's cross (Sedum pulchellum)

Overview

Sedum pulchellum, widely known by its evocative common name, Widow’s cross, is a charming and durable stonecrop native to the rocky habitats of the Eastern and Southeastern United States. This plant offers delicate beauty as a tight ground cover, distinguished by its small flowers whose four petals mimic the pattern referenced in its common name. Gardeners prize Sedum pulchellum for its extreme resilience and ease of care, making it an excellent choice for difficult, dry locations.

This herbaceous perennial typically achieves only modest height and spread, forming low mats well-suited for filling gaps or softening hardscape edges. While commonly listed as a perennial, it often behaves as an annual, freely self-seeding in favorable spots to ensure its presence returns year after year. Successfully integrating Sedum pulchellum into your landscape means embracing lean soils and intense sunlight.

The flowers, which provide a splash of pink color in late spring, are followed by seed pods that mature throughout the summer months. Its ability to tolerate drought and its general hardiness make Sedum pulchellum an invaluable addition to xeriscapes or challenging rock gardens where less robust plants struggle.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Crassulaceae
• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Native Range: Eastern and southeastern United States
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 6-9
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 0.5-1 ft
  • Spread: 0.5-1 ft
• Bloom Time: May to June
• Bloom Description: Pink
• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Water Needs: Dry to medium
• Maintenance Level: Low

How to Grow

For successful establishment, plant Widow’s cross in the full, direct sun it strongly prefers. This sedum thrives in shallow, rocky environments, particularly those with basic substrates like limestone or sandstone. The key to its culture is excellent drainage; soils should be dry to medium in moisture. While it prefers low fertility, Sedum pulchellum can tolerate light shade, though flowering may be reduced.

Watering requirements are minimal once established, aligning with its high drought tolerance. Avoid overwatering, as even soils that are merely moist but lack sufficient drainage can cause issues. Fertilization is unnecessary; rich soils are detrimental to the compact nature of this stonecrop.

This species tends to behave as an annual, with seeds germinating in fall or early spring, so allow plants to freely self-seed to maintain coverage. In late summer, the plants often begin to brown and drop leaves as the seed pods ripen and prepare to split open in the fall. Minimal cleanup is required; let the natural process occur to ensure next season’s display of Sedum pulchellum.

Landscape Uses

Sedum pulchellum excels in applications where low, spreading coverage is beneficial. Its cultural preferences make it an ideal candidate for sunny border fronts, where it can edge pathways or define beds without becoming invasive or overgrown. It also performs admirably when allowed to sprawl over rock walls or placed between flagstones in seating areas, perfectly mimicking its natural habitat on rocky outcrops.

For maximum impact, plant Widow’s cross in masses or drifts rather than isolated specimens. Clustering several plants allows their subtle pink blooms to form a cohesive mat of color during the late spring. Because of its preference for lean, dry soil, consider pairing it with other drought-tolerant, sun-loving rock garden companions like thyme, various creeping sedums, or fine-textured ornamental grasses.

Utilize Sedum pulchellum in naturalized areas where it can spread via self-seeding without interference. Its compact habit also makes it suitable for shallow containers that drain exceptionally well, provided they receive intense sunlight throughout the day.

Standout Features

Flower Qualities

• Showy

Noteworthy Characteristics

Sedum pulchellum, commonly called widow’s cross, is a stonecrop with ascending to spreading pink to light green stems that typically rise to 4-12” tall. It is native to rocky limestone outcrops, ledges and glades from Georgia and Kentucky west to Kansas and eastern Texas. The common name of widow’s cross is in reference to the four flower petals of each flower which are arranged in the pattern of a cross.

Tolerances

• Rabbit resistant
• Deer resistant
• Drought tolerant

Potential Problems

This sedum generally exhibits no serious insect or disease problems, which adds significantly to its low-maintenance appeal. However, gardeners should remain vigilant for common garden pests such as slugs and snails, especially during damper periods in early growth stages. Occasionally, scale insects may also be observed on the stems. Generally, minimizing irrigation and ensuring the soil never stays soggy is the best preventative measure against most issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Widow’s cross suitable for?

Sedum pulchellum is hardy and reliably grown across USDA Zones 6 through 9.

How large does Sedum pulchellum grow?

This plant typically maintains a low profile, reaching a mature height between 0.5 and 1 foot, with a similar spread of 0.5 to 1 foot.

What sun exposure does Widow’s cross need?

For the best performance and flowering, this stonecrop requires full sun exposure throughout the growing season.

When does Sedum pulchellum bloom?

The flowering period for Widow’s cross is usually observed from May into June, displaying noticeable pink blossoms.

Conclusion

The Widow’s cross (Sedum pulchellum) offers undeniable value through its exceptional tolerance for dry conditions and minimal soil requirements, making it a perfect fit for difficult sunny spots. This resilient stonecrop brings subtle, cross-shaped pink flowers to the landscape every late spring. Before planting, confirm that your location falls within USDA Zones 6-9 and guarantees sharp drainage to fully appreciate the ease of growing Sedum pulchellum.

Companion Planting

When selecting companions for Sedum pulchellum, prioritize other low-growing, sun-loving succulents and alpine herbs that share its preference for lean, gritty media. Plants that require consistent moisture will quickly outcompete this species. Excellent partners include various creeping Phlox varieties, low-growing Artemisia species that contrast in leaf color, and sturdy ground covers like Thymus serpyllum varieties. These combinations create textured, colorful tapestries that thrive under identical dry, full-sun conditions.

Propagation Tips

While Widow’s cross readily replenishes itself through self-seeding, ensuring a robust population can be easily achieved through vegetative means. Stem cuttings taken during the active growing season root readily when placed directly on dry soil, ideally avoiding heavy misting after placement. Due to its tendency to behave as a winter annual, collecting seeds directly from the dry pods in late summer or early fall and sowing them immediately ensures strong germination for the following spring display.