Images Depict Mature Plants
Dragon's Blood Sedum
Sedum spurium 'Dragon's Blood'
Dragon's Blood Sedum is prized for its vibrant red foliage that intensifies with the seasons, offering year-round color and texture in any landscape. Its drought-tolerant, low-maintenance nature makes it ideal for rock gardens, ground cover, or adding bold color to borders, pathways, and containers in full-sun areas.
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Dragon's Blood Sedum (Sedum spurium 'Dragon's Blood') is a stunning, low-growing succulent known for its vibrant red and green foliage that intensifies in color as the seasons change. Thriving in USDA Hardiness Zones 3-9, this hardy ground cover reaches about 3-6 inches tall. It spreads up to 18 inches wide, making it perfect for adding bold color to garden borders, rock gardens, and containers. The fleshy, rounded leaves emerge green with red tips and deepen to a striking burgundy as the weather cools. In summer, Dragon's Blood Sedum produces small clusters of star-shaped pink flowers that attract pollinators, adding even more interest to its already vibrant appearance.
Dragon's Blood Sedum is ideal for gardeners seeking a drought-tolerant, low-maintenance plant that thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Its ability to withstand poor soil conditions, including rocky and sandy soils, makes it an excellent option for xeriscaping slopes or areas prone to erosion. This resilient succulent spreads quickly, forming a dense mat suppressing weeds, while its colorful foliage provides year-round interest. The plant's compact size makes it perfect for filling gaps between stepping stones, along pathways, or as a striking accent in mixed succulent arrangements.
In addition to its ornamental beauty, Dragon's Blood Sedum is also deer-resistant and requires minimal care once established, making it a popular choice for busy gardeners or those looking to create a water-wise landscape. Its vibrant foliage and ability to thrive in harsh conditions make it stand out in any garden, whether used as a ground cover, in containers, or as part of a rock garden. With its easy-going nature and year-round color, Dragon's Blood Sedum is an attractive and practical addition to any sunny landscape.
| Hardiness Zone: | 3-9 |
|---|---|
| Mature Height: | 4 to 6 inches |
| Mature Width: | 18 inches |
| Classification: | Herbaceous Perennial |
| Sunlight: | Full Sun to partial shade |
| Habit: | Spreading |
| Foliage: | Green new foliage which gets red edges in warm temperatures and red in cool fall temperatures |
| Flower Color: | Bright Red in Summer |
| Soil Condition: | Any well drained soil |
| Water Requirements: | Water well until established |
| Uses: | Extremely attractive when used as a groundcover in the mixed border, mass planting. Attracts pollinators and hummingbirds. |
How to Care for Dragon's Blood Sedum
Be sure to read our planting instructions to ensure a healthy and happy Dragon's Blood Sedum for years to come!
How Do I Plant Dragon's Blood Sedum?
To plant Dragon’s Blood Sedum, choose a location that receives full sun and has well-drained soil, as this succulent thrives in bright light and dry conditions. Begin by loosening the soil to a depth of about 6 inches, and if necessary, amend it with sand or gravel to improve drainage. Dig a hole that’s just deep enough to accommodate the plant’s root ball, place the Dragon’s Blood Sedum in the hole, and backfill with soil, pressing gently around the base. Water thoroughly after planting to help the plant settle in, but be careful not to overwater, as Dragon’s Blood Sedum prefers drier conditions. Space plants about 12-18 inches apart to allow room for them to spread and fill in. Once planted, Dragon’s Blood Sedum requires minimal care, making it an ideal choice for low-maintenance landscapes. After the initial watering, allow the soil to dry out between watering sessions, as this drought-tolerant plant thrives in dry environments. Mulching around the base can help suppress weeds and retain some moisture, but avoid covering the plant’s crown to prevent rot. Whether planted in garden beds, rock gardens, or containers, Dragon’s Blood Sedum will quickly establish itself, spreading to create a colorful, weed-suppressing ground cover that adds texture and year-round interest to your landscape.
How Do I Water Dragon's Blood Sedum?
To properly water Dragon’s Blood Sedum, it’s important to allow the soil to dry out between watering sessions, as this drought-tolerant plant thrives in dry conditions. During the first growing season, water deeply once a week to help establish a strong root system. However, once established, Dragon’s Blood Sedum requires minimal watering and can go long periods without moisture, especially in climates with regular rainfall. Overwatering should be avoided, as it can lead to root rot and negatively impact the plant’s vibrant foliage. Always check that the top inch of soil is dry before watering again. For container-grown Dragon’s Blood Sedum, water when the top inch of soil feels dry, as containers tend to dry out faster than garden beds. Ensure the pot has proper drainage to prevent water from pooling at the bottom, which could damage the roots. In periods of extended drought or extreme heat, a light watering every couple of weeks will keep the plant healthy, but it’s important not to overdo it. With the right watering routine, Dragon’s Blood Sedum will thrive, producing its signature red foliage and star-shaped flowers, while maintaining its low-maintenance, drought-tolerant characteristics.
How Do I Fertilize Dragon's Blood Sedum?
To fertilize Dragon’s Blood Sedum, apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to promote healthy growth and vibrant foliage. A 10-10-10 or 14-14-14 fertilizer provides essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which help the plant produce its signature red and green leaves and star-shaped flowers. Spread the fertilizer evenly around the base of the plant, making sure not to let it touch the foliage, and water thoroughly afterward to help the nutrients absorb into the soil. Dragon’s Blood Sedum is a low-maintenance plant that doesn’t require heavy feeding, so one application in spring is typically sufficient for the growing season. For gardeners seeking an organic approach, you can also use compost or well-rotted manure in early spring to enrich the soil naturally. Avoid over-fertilizing, as too much nitrogen can lead to overly lush growth, which may reduce the plant’s drought tolerance and cause it to lose its compact form. If growing Dragon’s Blood Sedum in containers, use a diluted liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season for optimal results. Proper fertilization encourages strong growth and ensures that your Dragon’s Blood Sedum continues to thrive with its vibrant, colorful foliage and robust health throughout the year.
How Do I Prune Dragon's Blood Sedum?
To prune Dragon’s Blood Sedum, the best time to do so is in early spring before new growth begins or in late fall after the blooming season has ended. Use sharp pruning shears to trim back any dead or damaged stems, cutting them down to the base to encourage fresh growth. If the plant becomes too leggy or overgrown, you can lightly prune the healthy growth by trimming the stems by one-third to maintain a compact, dense shape. Removing spent flower heads after blooming also helps keep the plant looking neat and encourages more vigorous growth the following season. Regular pruning enhances Dragon’s Blood Sedum’s overall appearance and health, making it a standout in your garden year-round. During the growing season, you can also perform light pruning to control the spread of Dragon’s Blood Sedum, especially if it starts to invade other areas of your garden. Since this plant spreads quickly as a ground cover, trimming the outer edges can help maintain its desired size and shape. Pruning is also beneficial for promoting airflow through the plant, reducing the risk of mold or mildew, particularly in humid climates. With proper pruning, Dragon’s Blood Sedum will continue to provide vibrant red foliage and eye-catching flowers, making it a low-maintenance, colorful addition to your landscape.
