Stonecrop is one of the most beloved perennials of late summer and autumn. With its fleshy leaves and large flower clusters in shades of pink, red or purple, it creates a calm and romantic look in the border – while also being incredibly easy to care for.
A perfect plant for sunny spots
Stonecrop is a true sun-lover. To bloom abundantly, it needs a location with plenty of light, ideally in full sun. It can also tolerate partial shade, but flowering is often less vigorous and the plant may grow a little more leggy.
What makes stonecrop especially appreciated is its excellent drought tolerance. Thanks to its leaves, it stores water and can handle periods of heat without any trouble – perfect for those who want a beautiful and drought-resistant perennial.
How to plant stonecrop
Planting stonecrop is easy and gives quick results. The best time to plant is in spring or early autumn.
Start by digging a hole that is slightly larger than the root ball. Stonecrop thrives best in well-drained soil, preferably with some sand mixed in. If you have heavy clay soil, it can be a good idea to add gravel or sand to improve drainage.
Place the plant in the hole so that it sits at the same level as it did in the pot, fill back with soil and gently press down. Water thoroughly immediately after planting, even though the plant is drought tolerant – it needs help to establish itself.
Care
Once stonecrop has settled in, it requires very little maintenance. During dry summers you can water occasionally, but often it manages well with rainwater alone.
To keep the plant compact and encourage abundant flowering, you can give it a little fertiliser in spring, but avoid excessive feeding – otherwise the leaves may become large at the expense of the flowers.
A popular care method is to cut the plant back in late autumn or leave it standing through the winter. The dried flower heads are beautiful even on frosty days and provide structure in the border when much else has faded.
In spring, cut back the dry stems, and soon new shoots will emerge from the base.
Stonecrop – a favourite for pollinators
When stonecrop blooms in late summer, it attracts plenty of bees, butterflies and other pollinators. It becomes an important feature in the garden when many other plants have already finished flowering.
Stonecrop is also wonderful as a cut flower and looks just as lovely in bouquets as it does in the border.
Author: Emma Vogiatzi – trained gardener
Fact-checked by: Erik Hoekstra
Last updated: 2026-01-29