Sedum reflexum 'Blue Spruce' is a low growing evergreen stonecrop with needle like blue green foliage that resembles tiny conifer branches. In early summer it produces bright yellow star shaped flowers that contrast vividly with the cool toned leaves.
Height & Spread: 4 - 6 in x 12 - 24 in
Bloom Time: Early to midsummer
Light Requirements: Full sun
Soil Preference: Well drained, sandy or rocky soils
Watering Needs: Low; tolerates drought and poor soil
Deer Resistance: High
Native Status
This cultivar originates from Europe and is commonly used as an ornamental groundcover in temperate gardens worldwide.
Wildlife & Insects
Butterflies
- Draws in small butterflies such as skippers and hairstreaks that are attracted to its bright yellow blooms in early summer.
Bees
- Provides excellent forage for honeybees and native solitary bees, especially in sunny, dry habitats.
Hummingbirds
- Seldom visited by hummingbirds due to its flower structure, but contributes to general pollinator activity in mixed plantings.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations
- Space 10 - 12 in apart to allow rapid coverage of soil and development of a uniform, low carpet.
Landscape Placement
- Best used in rock gardens, between stepping stones, cascading over walls, or as a filler in mixed containers. Its evergreen foliage provides winter interest and year round texture.
Companion Plants
- Delosperma cooperi (Ice Plant) - Offers bright magenta daisy like blooms and thrives in similar dry, sunny conditions.
- Thymus serpyllum (Creeping Thyme) - Low growing and aromatic, this herb complements the texture of sedum and provides nectar for pollinators.
- Festuca glauca (Blue Fescue) - Compact mounds of fine, blue foliage echo sedum’s color and add vertical texture contrast.
- Sempervivum tectorum (Hens and Chicks) - Adds architectural rosettes and structural interest to drought tolerant plantings.
- Artemisia 'Silver Mound' - Soft, silvery foliage creates a striking visual pairing and thrives in well drained soils.