Red Ice Stonecrop (Sedum album ‘Red Ice’)
Red Ice Stonecrop (Sedum album ‘Red Ice’) is a striking, low-growing succulent groundcover known for its dramatic deep red foliage, compact growth habit, and excellent drought tolerance. This easy-care perennial provides year-round interest, seasonal color changes, and an eye-catching focal point in rock gardens, borders, and container plantings.
Distinctive Features
‘Red Ice’ forms a dense, spreading carpet of small, fleshy leaves that transition from green to vibrant red in response to full sun and cooler temperatures. The rich red tones intensify in autumn, adding a stunning pop of color to the landscape. In summer, clusters of small white star-shaped flowers appear, creating a striking contrast against the dark foliage while attracting pollinators. This variety grows 2 to 4 inches tall and spreads up to 12 inches, making it an excellent choice for groundcover, erosion control, and container arrangements.
Growing Conditions
- Sun Exposure: Full sun for best foliage color and flowering.
- Soil: Prefers well-drained, sandy, or rocky soil; tolerates poor soils.
- Water: Drought-tolerant once established; requires minimal watering.
- Humidity: Prefers dry to moderate humidity; avoid excessive moisture.
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-9, making it highly adaptable.
Ideal Uses
- Rock Gardens: Provides texture and color contrast among stones.
- Xeriscapes: Thrives in dry, low-water environments.
- Groundcover: Spreads quickly to form a dense, weed-suppressing carpet.
- Container Plantings: Adds bold color in mixed planters.
- Pathway Edging: Creates a vibrant, low-growing border.
Low Maintenance Care
Red Ice Stonecrop is a resilient, easy-care perennial that thrives with minimal attention.
- Watering: Water sparingly; allow soil to dry between waterings.
- Pruning: Trim back lightly to maintain shape or encourage bushier growth.
- Fertilizing: Minimal fertilization required; thrives in lean soils.
- Pest and Disease Resistance: Highly resistant to pests, deer, and rabbits.
- Winter Care: Foliage remains evergreen in milder climates, deepening in color with cold.
Why Choose Red Ice Stonecrop?
Red Ice Stonecrop offers bold foliage, seasonal color changes, and outstanding drought resistance, making it an excellent choice for xeriscapes, borders, and container plantings.
- Rich Red Foliage: Changes color seasonally for dynamic visual interest.
- Delicate White Blooms: Adds contrast in summer.
- Drought Tolerant: Thrives in dry soils with minimal care.
- Low-Growing Groundcover: Spreads quickly while staying compact.
- Cold Hardy: Retains deep color through winter months.
For vibrant foliage, seasonal flowers, and effortless care, Red Ice Stonecrop (Sedum album ‘Red Ice’) is an exceptional focal point choice for rock gardens, xeriscapes, and container plantings.