Stonecrop (Sedum 'Rock Star')
Sedum 'Rock Star' Stonecrop is a tough, low-maintenance perennial offering pink blooms in late summer. Ideal for dry, sunny spots.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Sedum ‘Rock Star’, commonly known as Stonecrop, is a standout hybrid valued for its distinct, pointed foliage and vibrant late-season color. This herbaceous perennial brings exceptional texture and structure to the garden, especially as many other plants begin to fade. It is inherently tough, making it a favorite for gardeners seeking reliable, low-effort beauty.
This particular Sedum ‘Rock Star’ variety thrives in challenging conditions, requiring minimal coddling once established. Its succulent nature allows it to manage drought and heat with ease, provided it receives excellent soil drainage. The plant forms a neat, upright mound, culminating in clusters of bright pink flowers that appear reliably from late summer into early fall.
For practical landscape benefits, Stonecrop acts as long-season interest, offering both foliage definition and a final burst of floral color before winter. Its resilience against common pests and adaptability position it as an essential, easy-to-grow perennial for modern, sustainable gardening designs.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Crassulaceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 4-8
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 0.75-1 ft
- Spread: 2-2.5 ft
- Bloom Time: August to September
- Bloom Description: Pink
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Dry to medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
Plant Sedum ‘Rock Star’ in the spring or fall after the danger of hard frost has passed. Location selection is key; these Stonecrops demand sharp drainage. They perform best when planted in average soils that are dry to medium in moisture preference, situated in full sun locations, though they will tolerate some light shade.
Care for this hybrid is straightforward. Water sparingly, especially once the Sedum ‘Rock Star’ is established, as it is drought tolerant. Avoid rich soils and overwatering, as these conditions encourage weak, floppy growth susceptible to stem breakage. Fertilizing is generally unnecessary; rich soil contributes to poor performance in this tough plant.
For maintenance, a spring pinching of the stems can encourage a bushier, more compact habit, which helps prevent taller flower heads from flopping. Once established, this Stonecrop is extremely low maintenance. In late winter or early spring, clean up any old, dead foliage before new growth begins to emerge.
Landscape Uses
Sedum ‘Rock Star’ shines when used in applications where its robust structure and late bloom are appreciated. It is perfect for border fronts, where its shorter, sturdy profile won’t obscure sun-loving plants behind it. Grouping or massing these plants creates a significant visual impact when they burst into pink bloom across the garden.
Due to their excellent drought tolerance and neat mounding habit, these Stonecrops are exceptional choices for rock gardens or gravelly slopes where drainage is naturally superior. They also perform admirably as reliable, low-growing ground covers in difficult, dry areas. Furthermore, Sedum ‘Rock Star’ works well in containers, pairing beautifully with ornamental grasses or late-season bloomers.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
Sedum is a genus of about 400 species found mainly in the mountainous areas of North America but some also in dry area of South America. Most are succulent. They are tough, drought tolerant, easy-to-grow perennials that feature star-shaped flowers in clusters blooming on fleshy-leaved plants ranging from mat-forming ground covers to clump-forming upright mounds. Some of the most popular garden plants are hybrids.Plants in the genus Sedum are commonly called stonecrops because they are typically found in the wild growing on rocky or stony areas.‘Rock Star’is a hybrid sedum with distinct, pointed foliage and is larger than its parent plant. The flowers are bright pink, and typically bloom from mid-August to mid-September. This plant is protected by patent number PP29036.
Tolerances
- Rabbit
- Deer
- Drought
- Dry Soil
Potential Problems
The primary management concern for this Stonecrop revolves around drainage. Rotting out is a serious potential problem if the soil remains wet, particularly in poorly drained conditions. Always ensure exceptional soil drainage for healthy performance of Sedum ‘Rock Star’.
Taller sedum hybrids can sometimes suffer from flopping, where the large flower clusters bend toward the ground. This is easily avoided by ensuring the plant receives consistent full sun and is not planted in overly moist or rich soil environments. For smaller cultivars or as preventative care, pinching the stems back by about one-third in the spring can encourage thicker, bushier growth that supports the foliage and flowers better.
Pests are generally not a major issue, but gardeners should watch for slugs and snails, especially on young growth. Scale can occasionally appear, though it is usually minor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Stonecrop suitable for?
Sedum ‘Rock Star’ is reliably hardy across USDA Zones 4 through 8.
How large does Stonecrop grow?
This perennial typically reaches a height between 0.75 and 1 foot, spreading outward to a width of 2 to 2.5 feet, forming a substantial clump.
When does Sedum ‘Rock Star’ bloom?
You can expect bright pink, star-shaped flowers on this Stonecrop variety starting in August and continuing through September.
What sun exposure does Stonecrop need?
Sedum ‘Rock Star’ prefers full sun but is adaptable enough to perform well with partial shade exposure.
Conclusion
Sedum ‘Rock Star’ offers gardeners a resilient, textural, and colorful addition to the late summer landscape. Its exceptional drought tolerance and low maintenance profile make this Stonecrop a superb choice for sunny, dry areas where other plants struggle. Ensure sharp drainage for long-term health, and enjoy the reliable pink blooms of your Sedum ‘Rock Star’ throughout early autumn.
Companion Planting
When planning beds featuring Sedum ‘Rock Star’, focus on other sun-loving, drought-tolerant perennials that share similar low-fertility requirements. Plants like Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) or ornamental grasses, such as Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium), offer contrasting textures and heights that complement the mounding form of the Stonecrop. Avoid grouping it directly with heavy feeders or moisture-loving plants, as this can disrupt the soil conditions needed for optimal Sedum health.
Propagation Tips
One of the simplest ways to propagate Sedum ‘Rock Star’ is through stem cuttings, a highly effective method for this succulent genus. Take cuttings of non-flowering stems in the early summer before they develop thick roots. Allow the cut ends to dry and callous over for two to three days in a dry, shaded location—this step is crucial to prevent rot. Once calloused, place the cuttings directly into well-draining, gritty potting mix or sandy soil. Keep the medium barely moist until new roots form, usually within a few weeks, resulting in new, genetically identical Sedum ‘Rock Star’ plants.
