Stringy Stonecrop: A Hardy Groundcover with a Spreading Personality
If you’re looking for a tough-as-nails groundcover that laughs in the face of drought and poor soil, stringy stonecrop (Sedum sarmentosum) might catch your eye. This little succulent has quite the reputation for being practically indestructible, though that very trait comes with some important considerations for gardeners.
What Exactly Is Stringy Stonecrop?
Stringy stonecrop is a perennial succulent that belongs to the diverse Sedum family. As a forb, it’s an herbaceous plant without woody stems, staying low to the ground and spreading outward rather than reaching for the sky. Its small, needle-like leaves are bright green and fleshy, typical of succulents designed to store water for tough times.
During summer, this groundcover puts on a cheerful display of tiny, star-shaped yellow flowers that cluster together to create a carpet of sunshine. The blooms are small but numerous, giving the plant a delicate, almost fairy-like appearance when in full flower.
Where Does It Come From?
Here’s where things get interesting from a native gardening perspective. Stringy stonecrop isn’t actually native to North America – it originally hails from Eastern Asia, including China, Japan, and Korea. However, this adaptable little plant has made itself quite at home across much of the continent.
Today, you’ll find Sedum sarmentosum growing wild (and in gardens) across a impressive range of locations, including Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, as well as Ontario and Quebec in Canada.
Should You Plant It?
This is where gardeners need to think carefully. Stringy stonecrop is incredibly hardy and spreads readily – qualities that make it both appealing and potentially problematic. While it’s not currently classified as invasive in most areas, its enthusiastic spreading habit means it can quickly take over spaces where you might not want it.
The Good:
- Extremely drought tolerant once established
- Thrives in poor, rocky soils where other plants struggle
- Provides erosion control on slopes and challenging areas
- Attracts bees and small pollinators with its summer blooms
- Perfect for rock gardens, green roofs, and xeriscaping projects
- Requires virtually no maintenance
The Considerations:
- Spreads aggressively and can be difficult to contain
- May outcompete native plants in natural areas
- Can become weedy if not managed properly
- Not native, so doesn’t support local ecosystems as well as native alternatives
Native Alternatives to Consider
If you love the idea of a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant groundcover but want to support native ecosystems, consider these alternatives depending on your region:
- Wild ginger (Asarum canadense) for shaded areas
- Creeping phlox (Phlox subulata) for sunny spots
- Native sedums like Sedum ternatum (wild stonecrop) in eastern regions
- Wild strawberry (Fragaria virginiana) for partly sunny locations
Growing Stringy Stonecrop Successfully
If you decide that stringy stonecrop fits your garden’s needs, here’s how to grow it successfully:
Hardiness and Conditions
This tough customer thrives in USDA hardiness zones 3-9, making it suitable for most of North America. It prefers full sun to partial shade and absolutely must have well-draining soil – waterlogged conditions are one of the few things that can kill this otherwise bulletproof plant.
Planting Tips
- Plant in spring or early fall for best establishment
- Space plants 6-12 inches apart (they’ll fill in quickly)
- Choose locations carefully – remember, this plant spreads!
- Perfect for rock gardens, between stepping stones, or on slopes
- Excellent for containers where its spreading can be controlled
Care and Maintenance
Here’s the best part about stringy stonecrop – it practically takes care of itself:
- Water sparingly; once established, it rarely needs supplemental watering
- No fertilization needed (it actually prefers poor soil)
- Deadheading flowers is optional – the plant looks fine either way
- Trim back edges if it spreads beyond desired areas
- Divide clumps every few years if you want to propagate or control spread
The Bottom Line
Stringy stonecrop is undeniably useful for challenging garden situations where you need something tough, low-maintenance, and visually appealing. Its ability to thrive in poor soils and drought conditions makes it valuable for problem areas. However, its non-native status and aggressive spreading habit mean it’s worth considering native alternatives first.
If you do choose to plant it, do so thoughtfully – use it in contained areas, rock gardens, or places where its spreading won’t impact native plant communities. And always keep an eye on it to ensure it stays where you want it. After all, even the most well-behaved plants can sometimes get a little too comfortable in their new homes!
