Stonecrop (Hylotelephium): A Hardy Succulent for Every Garden
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance perennial that can handle neglect while still putting on a spectacular show, stonecrop might just be your new best friend. This hardy succulent genus has earned its place in gardens across North America, though it’s worth knowing a bit about its background before you dig in.
What Exactly is Stonecrop?
Stonecrop, scientifically known as Hylotelephium, is a genus of perennial succulents that belongs to the forb family. These aren’t your typical houseplant succulents – they’re tough outdoor performers with thick, fleshy leaves and stunning clusters of star-shaped flowers. Think of them as the workhorses of the succulent world, built to handle whatever Mother Nature throws their way.
Where Does Stonecrop Come From?
Here’s where things get interesting from a native gardening perspective. Hylotelephium species are primarily native to Asia and Europe, making them non-native introductions to North America. However, they’ve naturalized extensively across the continent and can now be found growing wild in numerous states and provinces including Manitoba, New Brunswick, Arkansas, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Connecticut, Quebec, and many others throughout the lower 48 states.
While these plants have established themselves successfully in our landscapes, it’s worth considering native alternatives if you’re focused on supporting local ecosystems.
Why Gardeners Love (and Sometimes Question) Stonecrop
Let’s be honest about the pros and cons of growing stonecrop:
The Good Stuff:
- Incredibly drought tolerant once established
- Blooms late in the season when many other plants are winding down
- Attracts butterflies, bees, and other pollinators
- Requires minimal care and maintenance
- Comes back reliably year after year
- Works well in challenging spots like rock gardens and slopes
Things to Consider:
- As a non-native plant, it doesn’t support native wildlife as effectively as indigenous species
- Can spread and naturalize, though it’s not currently listed as invasive
- May not fit the aesthetic of a strictly native garden design
Where Stonecrop Shines in Your Landscape
Stonecrop is incredibly versatile and works beautifully in several garden settings:
- Rock gardens: Its natural habitat preference makes it perfect for rocky, well-draining spots
- Xeriscaping: An excellent choice for water-wise landscaping
- Perennial borders: Provides late-season color when many plants are fading
- Ground cover: Spreads to form attractive colonies in appropriate conditions
- Container gardens: Works well in large pots and planters
Growing Stonecrop Successfully
The beauty of stonecrop lies in its simplicity. These plants are remarkably easy to grow once you understand their basic needs:
Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade, though they bloom best with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight
Soil Needs: Well-draining soil is absolutely crucial. They’ll tolerate poor, rocky, or sandy soils but will struggle in heavy clay or areas that stay wet
Watering: Water regularly the first year to help establish roots, then back off. These plants are drought tolerant and prefer to dry out between waterings
Climate Tolerance: Generally hardy in USDA zones 3-9, making them suitable for most of North America
Planting and Care Tips
Getting started with stonecrop is refreshingly straightforward:
- Plant in spring or early fall when temperatures are moderate
- Space plants 12-18 inches apart to allow for spreading
- Mulch lightly to suppress weeds, but avoid heavy mulching which can retain too much moisture
- Divide clumps every 3-4 years to maintain vigor and prevent overcrowding
- Cut back spent flower heads after blooming, or leave them for winter interest
- Fertilizing is rarely necessary – these plants thrive on neglect
Supporting Pollinators
One of stonecrop’s redeeming qualities is its value to pollinators. The late-season blooms provide nectar when many other flowers have finished for the year, making it a valuable food source for butterflies, bees, and other beneficial insects during fall migration and preparation for winter.
Native Alternatives to Consider
If you’re leaning toward native plants but love the idea of drought-tolerant succulents, consider these alternatives:
- Prickly pear cactus (Opuntia species) – native to many regions
- Wild stonecrop (Sedum ternatum) – native to eastern North America
- Prairie dropseed (Sporobolus heterolepis) – a native grass with similar drought tolerance
- Wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa) – native pollinator magnet
The Bottom Line
Stonecrop isn’t going to win any awards for being the most ecologically beneficial plant you can grow, but it’s not a garden villain either. If you’re looking for a reliable, low-maintenance perennial that can handle tough conditions and provide late-season color, it’s a solid choice. Just be mindful of its non-native status and consider mixing in some indigenous plants to create a more balanced, wildlife-friendly landscape.
Whether you choose stonecrop or opt for native alternatives, the key is creating a garden that works for both you and the local ecosystem. Sometimes that means embracing imperfect solutions while we work toward better ones.
