Stonecrop (Sedum pallidum var. bithynicum 'Sea Stars')
Discover Sedum pallidum var. bithynicum 'Sea Stars' Stonecrop, a tiny, mat-forming perennial prized for blue-gray foliage and white blooms.
Scroll down to discover growing tips, care requirements, companion plants, and more
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Sedum pallidum var. bithynicum ‘Sea Stars’, commonly known as Stonecrop, offers exceptional texture and low-growing coverage for challenging landscape spots. This cultivar is immediately recognizable by its attractive, fine-textured blue-gray foliage that hugs the ground, forming a dense, creeping mat. It provides reliable, low-maintenance visual interest from spring through fall.
Unlike many taller sedums, Sedum pallidum var. Bithynicum ‘Sea Stars’ remains extremely diminutive, rarely exceeding one or two inches in height while spreading outward. As an established drought-tolerant perennial, this Stonecrop is perfect for xeriscaping or areas where foot traffic is minimal. Its practicality is matched by its subtle beauty, culminating in tiny clusters of white, star-shaped flowers in late summer.
This tough plant thrives in harsh conditions where other ground covers fail, making it invaluable for rock gardens and between paving stones. Gardeners appreciate the exceptionally low effort required to maintain this spreading variety, and its foliage often develops appealing russet tints as cooler weather arrives.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Crassulaceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 5-8
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 0-0.25 ft
- Spread: 0.25-1 ft
- Bloom Time: August to September
- Bloom Description: White
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Water Needs: Dry to medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
Plant Sedum pallidum var. bithynicum ‘Sea Stars’ during the spring or early fall once winter chill has passed or severe heat has abated. This Stonecrop demands well-drained soils to prevent root rot, thriving best in average conditions that are on the drier side. Full sun exposure is crucial for developing the best compact habit and foliage color; however, it can tolerate a small amount of light afternoon shade.
Once established, this variety is highly tolerant of drought and heat, requiring minimal supplemental watering. Rely on natural rainfall for established plants. Avoid overly rich soils or excessive fertilization, as this can lead to floppier growth rather than the desired dense mat.
Propagation of this low-growing Stonecrop is incredibly simple; utilize cuttings or division during the growing season to quickly expand your coverage area. A special note for gardeners in transitional zones: while generally hardy to Zone 5, this stonecrop may struggle with winter reliability in marginal areas like St. Louis; consider planting it in protected spots or using it in containers that can be sheltered.
Landscape Uses
The incredibly low profile and spreading habit of Sedum pallidum var. bithynicum ‘Sea Stars’ make it an excellent small ground cover in designed landscapes. It excels where you need tight coverage without vertical competition, such as spilling over the edges of containers or softening the lines of rock walls. This Stonecrop is perfectly suited for infilling gaps between flagstone paths, creating the illusion that the stones are being enveloped by soft, blue-gray moss.
Use this variety extensively in rock gardens, where its water needs align perfectly with alpine and succulent companions. Consider pairing Sedum pallidum var. bithynicum ‘Sea Stars’ with taller textural plants like ornamental grasses or structured evergreens to contrast its creeping nature. Its ability to naturalize makes it ideal for softening harsh transitions between lawn and hardscaping areas.
For container designs, plant it as a spiller around the rim of larger pots featuring succulents or drought-tolerant annuals. This particular stonecrop provides year-round structure, ensuring that even in winter, an attractive mat remains to define the planting bed or pathway edge.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
Sedum pallidum var. Bithynicum, sometimes called Turkish sedum, is a tiny-leaved spreading ground cover that is noted for its attractive blue-gray foliage. It typically forms a dense mat growing to only 1” tall and creeping to 12” wide or more. Tiny white flowers appear in late summer on flowering stems growing to 3” tall, and the foliage turns russet brown in winter. The species name means pale, and ‘Sea Stars’ is a very low-growing, mat-forming stonecrop cultivar with creeping and rooting stems. It presents tiny, rounded light blue-gray leaves (to 1/4”) that are semi-evergreen.
Tolerances
- Rabbit
- Deer
- Drought
- Air Pollution
Potential Problems
This Stonecrop generally exhibits excellent vigor and is resistant to serious insect or disease problems, which contributes heavily to its low maintenance rating. Gardeners should primarily be aware of issues related to improper water management, such as root rot if drainage is insufficient. A key concern noted for gardeners in marginal or colder areas is winter hardiness; for instance, winter survival can be problematic in St. Louis, requiring selection of a protected microclimate or employing container overwintering strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Stonecrop suitable for?
Sedum pallidum var. bithynicum ‘Sea Stars’ is typically hardy in USDA Zones 5 through 8, though winter protection may be needed in the colder end of its range.
How large does Stonecrop grow?
This ground cover is exceptionally small, usually only reaching 0 to 0.25 feet (a few inches) tall, but it can spread widely from 0.25 to 1 foot wide or more by creeping stems.
What sun exposure does Sedum pallidum var. bithynicum ‘Sea Stars’ need?
This variety prefers full sun to maintain its dense, attractive form, although it can manage some light afternoon shade without significant issues.
When does Sedum pallidum var. Bithynicum ‘Sea Stars’ bloom?
The tiny white flowers appear relatively late in the season, typically blooming from August through September.
Conclusion
Sedum pallidum var. bithynicum ‘Sea Stars’ is an invaluable, easy-care perennial that provides fine texture and durable ground cover where few others can survive. This Stonecrop is perfect for creating living mulch or softening stone features with its unique blue-gray foliage. Ensure your site offers full sun and sharp drainage before planting to maximize the health and creep of this resilient succulent.
Companion Planting
When selecting companions for this Stonecrop, think drought-tolerant neighbors that share similar light needs. Low-water perennials like various Sempervivums (Hens and Chicks) or low spreading Thymes provide excellent textural and color contrast without competing aggressively for resources. Avoid moisture-loving plants, as soggy winter soil is the quickest way to lose your patch of Sedum pallidum var. bithynicum ‘Sea Stars’.
Propagation Tips
Propagation of this mat-forming Stonecrop is perhaps its easiest feature. Due to its creeping and rooting stems, propagation by simple cuttings is incredibly efficient. Take small segments of the vegetative stems during the growing season, allow them to dry slightly (callus) for a few hours or a day, and then simply press them into lightly moistened, well-drained soil. Rooting is usually fast, providing new plants rapidly to fill in bare spots or expand coverage.
