Tasteless Stonecrop: A Hardy Groundcover for Challenging Garden Spots
If you’ve ever struggled with a patch of garden that seems determined to reject every plant you try, you might want to meet tasteless stonecrop (Sedum sexangulare). This little European immigrant has made itself quite at home across parts of North America, and while it won’t win any beauty contests, it certainly earns points for persistence and practicality.
What Is Tasteless Stonecrop?
Tasteless stonecrop is a low-growing perennial succulent that belongs to the sedum family. Don’t let the uninspiring common name fool you – this plant gets its tasteless moniker simply because it lacks the mild peppery flavor of some of its sedum cousins. The sexangulare part of its botanical name refers to its six-angled stems, a distinctive feature that helps identify this species.
As a non-woody forb, this plant forms dense, carpet-like mats that rarely exceed 2-4 inches in height but can spread several feet wide. It’s the botanical equivalent of that friend who’s always there when you need them – reliable, undemanding, and surprisingly useful.
Where Does It Grow?
Originally from Northern and Central Europe, tasteless stonecrop has established itself across several states and provinces in North America. You’ll find it growing in Ontario, Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Ohio, and Vermont. While it’s considered non-native, it reproduces on its own and persists without human intervention.
Garden Appeal and Design Role
Tasteless stonecrop isn’t going to stop traffic with its beauty, but it has a quiet charm all its own. In summer, it produces clusters of tiny, bright yellow star-shaped flowers that create a cheerful carpet effect. The succulent leaves are small and cylindrical, arranged in neat spirals around the distinctive six-sided stems.
This plant shines in challenging garden situations where you need something tough and reliable:
- Rock gardens and crevices between stones
- Slopes prone to erosion
- Areas with poor, sandy, or gravelly soil
- Spots that receive intense sun and little water
- Rooftop gardens and green roofs
Growing Conditions and Care
One of tasteless stonecrop’s greatest assets is its ability to thrive where other plants fail. It’s hardy in USDA zones 3-9, making it suitable for a wide range of climates. Here’s what this little survivor needs to flourish:
Sunlight and Soil
Full sun is ideal, though it can tolerate some light shade. The key to success is well-draining soil – this plant absolutely despises wet feet. Sandy, gravelly, or even poor soil works perfectly. Rich, fertile soil might actually cause problems by encouraging too much lush growth.
Watering and Maintenance
Once established, tasteless stonecrop is remarkably drought tolerant. Water it during prolonged dry spells in its first year, but after that, natural rainfall should suffice in most climates. The plant requires virtually no maintenance – no deadheading, fertilizing, or fussing required.
Planting Tips
Plant divisions or small plants in spring or early fall. Space them about 6-12 inches apart if you want coverage relatively quickly, though each plant will eventually spread to fill much larger areas. The plant spreads by underground runners, so give it room to roam or be prepared to contain it.
Pollinator and Wildlife Benefits
While not a powerhouse pollinator plant, tasteless stonecrop does offer some benefits to small pollinators. Its tiny yellow flowers attract small bees and other beneficial insects during its summer blooming period. However, if supporting pollinators is your primary goal, you might want to consider native alternatives.
Things to Consider
Since tasteless stonecrop is non-native, you might want to explore native groundcover alternatives that could provide similar benefits while supporting local ecosystems. Some excellent native options include:
- Wild ginger (Asarum canadense) for shaded areas
- Creeping phlox (Phlox subulata) for sunny slopes
- Wild strawberry (Fragaria virginiana) for edible groundcover
- Native sedums like Sedum ternatum (woodland stonecrop)
The Bottom Line
Tasteless stonecrop won’t be the star of your garden, but it might just be the reliable supporting actor that holds everything together. If you have a challenging spot that needs a tough, low-maintenance groundcover, and native alternatives aren’t thriving, this little European transplant could be worth considering. Just remember that once established, it’s likely to be a permanent resident – so choose its location wisely!
Whether you’re dealing with a rocky slope, a hot rooftop, or just a stubborn patch of difficult soil, tasteless stonecrop proves that sometimes the most unassuming plants can be the most valuable garden allies.
