Sedum reflexum 'Blue Spruce' – 'Blue Spruce' Stonecrop

The 'Blue Spruce' Stonecrop is an exceptional perennial groundcover that stands out for its unique appearance and great ease of care. It catches the eye with its succulent foliage that perfectly mimics the needles of a blue spruce, creating a striking texture on the ground. Ideal for difficult spots, it offers a robust and magnificent solution for rock gardens, retaining walls, and dry gardens.

Characteristics

• Foliage: It develops a dense mat of evergreen foliage. The small, succulent, magnificent blue-green leaves bear a striking resemblance to short conifer needles, hence its name 'Blue Spruce'.
• Flowering: In early summer, the plant covers itself in clusters of small, star-shaped yellow flowers. The flower stems rise just above the foliage and the bloom lasts for over a month, attracting pollinators.
• Light: It thrives in full sun but also adapts to a location in partial shade.
• Habit: It forms a low, dense, creeping mat or cushion that spreads to cover the ground well.
• Growth: With a medium growth rate, it reaches a height of 12 to 20 cm (5-8 inches) with a spread of 30 to 60 cm (12-24 inches).
• Moisture: It prefers soil that dries out between waterings.
• Soil: It excels in average to poor (low-fertility) soils, as long as they are very well-drained.
• Hardiness: Very hardy, it faces Zone 3 winters without any problem. Its foliage is evergreen, although it may take on bronze hues in very cold weather.
• Watering: Once established, it demonstrates excellent drought tolerance and requires very little water.
• Resistance: This robust plant admirably resists deer, rabbits, and drought.

Uses

• Types of Use: It is the quintessential choice as a groundcover in dry, sunny spots, rock gardens, alpine gardens, or for cascading along stone walls. It also performs beautifully in containers.
• Ornamental Features: The main attraction is its unique blue-green foliage that offers interesting colour and texture year-round. The contrast with the bright yellow summer flowers is particularly attractive.

Care

• Fertilizing: It generally requires no fertilization and even prefers poor soils.
• Pruning: Its maintenance is minimal. No pruning is necessary.
• Planting: Plant it in a very sunny location with impeccable drainage. Space plants 30 to 45 cm (12-18 inches) apart to form a groundcover.