annual

Coppertone Stonecrop

Sedum nussbaumerianum

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Coppertone Stonecrop (Sedum nussbaumerianum) at Marcum's Nursery

Coppertone Stonecrop foliage

Coppertone Stonecrop foliage

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Coppertone Stonecrop (Sedum nussbaumerianum) at Marcum's Nursery

Coppertone Stonecrop

Coppertone Stonecrop

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Height:  8 inches

Spacing:  24 inches

Sunlight:  full sun  partial shade 

Hardiness Zone:  (annual)

Description:

This variety is useful and beautiful at the front of a border, along the edge of a walkway or tucked into a rockery or wall crevices; also excellent for container plantings; striking olive green leaves with copper-orange variegation really puts on a show

Ornamental Features

Coppertone Stonecrop has masses of beautiful clusters of lightly-scented white flowers at the ends of the stems from late winter to early spring, which are most effective when planted in groupings. Its attractive succulent round leaves remain olive green in color with showy coppery-bronze variegation and tinges of orange throughout the season. The coral-pink stems are very colorful and add to the overall interest of the plant.

Landscape Attributes

Coppertone Stonecrop is a dense herbaceous annual with a ground-hugging habit of growth. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other garden plants with less refined foliage.

This is a relatively low maintenance plant, and is best cleaned up in early spring before it resumes active growth for the season. It is a good choice for attracting butterflies to your yard, but is not particularly attractive to deer who tend to leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Coppertone Stonecrop is recommended for the following landscape applications;

  • Mass Planting
  • Rock/Alpine Gardens
  • Border Edging
  • General Garden Use
  • Groundcover
  • Container Planting

Planting & Growing

Coppertone Stonecrop will grow to be about 8 inches tall at maturity, with a spread of 30 inches. When grown in masses or used as a bedding plant, individual plants should be spaced approximately 24 inches apart. Although it's not a true annual, this fast-growing plant can be expected to behave as an annual in our climate if left outdoors over the winter, usually needing replacement the following year. As such, gardeners should take into consideration that it will perform differently than it would in its native habitat.

This plant does best in full sun to partial shade. It is very adaptable to both dry and moist growing conditions, but will not tolerate any standing water. It is considered to be drought-tolerant, and thus makes an ideal choice for a low-water garden or xeriscape application. It is not particular as to soil pH, but grows best in poor soils, and is able to handle environmental salt. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This species is not originally from North America. It can be propagated by division.

Coppertone Stonecrop is a fine choice for the garden, but it is also a good selection for planting in outdoor pots and containers. Because of its spreading habit of growth, it is ideally suited for use as a 'spiller' in the 'spiller-thriller-filler' container combination; plant it near the edges where it can spill gracefully over the pot. Note that when growing plants in outdoor containers and baskets, they may require more frequent waterings than they would in the yard or garden.

 
 
Hardiness Zone Plant Height Minimum Sunlight
Characteristics
Massing  Rock  Edging  Garden  Groundcover  Container 
Applications
Flowers  Foliage Color  Texture  Bark  Attracts Wildlife 
Ornamental Features