Sedum spurium ‘Dragon’s Blood’: A Vibrant Groundcover for Every Garden

Sedum spurium ‘Dragon’s Blood’ is one of the most eye-catching and resilient groundcovers you can grow. Its deep red foliage and brilliant summer blooms create a living carpet that transforms throughout the seasons. Whether you’re filling gaps between stepping stones, brightening a rock garden, or covering bare soil, this plant offers dependable color and minimal care.

A Striking Plant with Year-Round Appeal

‘Dragon’s Blood’ is a creeping variety of stonecrop, part of the Sedum family known for drought tolerance and low maintenance. This plant forms dense mats of succulent leaves that change color with the seasons. In spring, the foliage starts green with red tips. By summer, vibrant crimson flowers rise above the foliage. In fall, the leaves deepen into rich burgundy, staying colorful even into winter.

Key Features and Characteristics

• Botanical Name: Sedum spurium ‘Dragon’s Blood’

• Common Name: Dragon’s Blood Sedum

• Type: Perennial succulent groundcover

• Hardiness Zones: USDA 3–9

• Height and Spread: 3–6 inches tall, spreading 12–24 inches wide

• Foliage Color: Green to deep red, turning burgundy in fall

• Bloom Time: Mid- to late summer

• Flower Color: Bright pinkish-red clusters

• Growth Habit: Low, spreading, mat-forming

Why Gardeners Love ‘Dragon’s Blood’

This sedum is prized for its versatility and toughness. It thrives in poor soil, handles neglect, and tolerates drought once established. The foliage color shifts with the seasons, providing continuous visual interest. Its dense growth also suppresses weeds, making it both attractive and functional.

Ideal Planting Locations

‘Dragon’s Blood’ is well-suited for:

• Rock Gardens: Complements stones and boulders with bold color.

• Borders and Edging: Creates defined, colorful edges along pathways.

• Groundcover: Fills slopes, sunny banks, or bare patches with ease.

• Containers: Works beautifully in mixed succulent arrangements.

• Green Roofs or Walls: Lightweight and drought-resistant for vertical spaces.

Light and Soil Requirements

This plant loves full sun and performs best with at least six hours of direct light each day. While it tolerates light shade, intense sunlight enhances its red coloring. As for soil, it prefers well-drained conditions and thrives even in sandy or rocky soils. Avoid planting in heavy, wet soil that retains moisture, as this can lead to root rot.

Watering and Care

‘Dragon’s Blood’ is extremely drought-tolerant. After planting, water regularly until established, then reduce watering. During prolonged dry spells, give it an occasional deep soak, but otherwise, neglect is often best. Overwatering is the most common mistake with this plant.

Fertilizing for Best Color

This sedum rarely needs fertilizing. Excess fertilizer can lead to lush green growth but dull red color. If your soil is extremely poor, apply a light dose of balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring.

Pruning and Maintenance

Pruning is minimal. After flowering, you can trim spent flower stalks to keep the plant looking tidy. In spring, shear back any winter-damaged foliage to encourage fresh new growth. Over time, mats may spread beyond their intended area—simply lift and divide sections to control spread or propagate in new spots.

Propagation Made Simple

‘Dragon’s Blood’ is one of the easiest plants to propagate:

• Division: Lift sections of the mat and replant them elsewhere.

• Stem Cuttings: Snip stems, let them callus, and set in well-drained soil.

• Leaf Cuttings: Individual leaves can root where they fall, often without help.

This makes it an excellent plant for sharing with friends or expanding your groundcover.

Seasonal Color Transformations

One of the most captivating features of ‘Dragon’s Blood’ is its shifting colors:

• Spring: Green leaves tipped in red emerge.

• Summer: Bright pink-red flowers cover the plant.

• Fall: Foliage deepens to rich burgundy and crimson tones.

• Winter: Leaves often remain burgundy, providing year-round ground interest.

Companion Planting Ideas

Pair ‘Dragon’s Blood’ with other low-growing, drought-tolerant plants for a stunning display:

• Sedum ‘Angelina’ for a yellow-green contrast.

• Thyme or Creeping Phlox for spring bloom succession.

• Ornamental grasses for vertical texture behind the mat.

• Rock garden alpines for a diverse, low-water design.

Common Problems and How to Avoid Them

‘Dragon’s Blood’ is remarkably trouble-free. The main issues arise from excess moisture:

• Root Rot: Prevent by planting in well-drained soil.

• Leggy Growth: Ensure full sun and avoid over-fertilization.

• Pest Damage: Rare, but aphids or mealybugs may appear; rinse or treat with insecticidal soap if needed.

Using ‘Dragon’s Blood’ in Landscape Design

This sedum adds bold color and texture to a wide range of garden styles:

• Cottage Gardens: Mix with flowering perennials for casual charm.

• Modern Landscapes: Use as a colorful groundcover in minimalist rockscapes.

• Xeriscaping: Perfect for water-wise gardens in dry regions.

• Pollinator Gardens: Summer blooms attract bees and butterflies.

Its ability to spread and thrive in poor conditions makes it ideal for challenging spots, like slopes or between stepping stones, where other plants struggle.

Winter Hardiness and Cold Climate Performance

‘Dragon’s Blood’ is one of the hardiest sedums available. In zones 3–9, it survives winter without issue. The foliage often persists under snow, offering a splash of color even in the coldest months. In spring, it rebounds quickly, ready for another season of vibrant growth.

Why Choose ‘Dragon’s Blood’ Over Other Sedums?

While many sedums are green or yellow, ‘Dragon’s Blood’ offers unmatched red tones. It’s also faster spreading than some compact varieties, making it a top choice for covering larger areas quickly. Its seasonal color shift—from green to red to burgundy—creates dynamic interest no matter the time of year.

Tips for Best Results

• Plant in full sun for deepest color.

• Ensure well-drained soil; add gravel or sand if needed.

• Water sparingly after establishment.

• Trim spent flowers to keep mats looking neat.

• Divide every few years to refresh growth and share with others.

Bringing Bold Color to Your Garden

Few groundcovers combine beauty and resilience like Sedum spurium ‘Dragon’s Blood.’ It rewards minimal care with ever-changing hues and reliable performance. Once planted, it quickly becomes a favorite—thriving where other plants fail and bringing life to spaces that need a splash of vibrant red.

A Living Carpet Worth Celebrating

In every season, ‘Dragon’s Blood’ offers something new to admire. From spring’s fresh green flush to summer’s fireworks of red flowers and autumn’s deep burgundy, it transforms bare ground into a living tapestry. If you’re looking for a plant that is both hardy and striking, this sedum delivers. It’s not just groundcover—it’s garden artistry that asks for almost nothing in return.