Sedum spurium, also known as Caucasian stonecrop or two-row stonecrop, is a type of low-growing, mat-forming sedum that is often used as a ground cover. It is native to the Caucusus region. This evergreen plant typically grows up to 3-6 inches tall but can easily spread up to 18-24 inches wide by using its creeping, branching stems that root themselves easily at the nodes. The plant has thick, succulent, opposite, obovate, flattened leaves with wedge-shaped bases that have toothed margins. These leaves are medium green with reddish-tinged margins. While the lower stem leaves of this plant are deciduous, the newer leaves near the stem tips are evergreen and typically turn deep burgundy in fall for overwintering. The leaves are arranged in two rows along the stems, which is why it is sometimes called the two-row stonecrop.
This plant typically blooms from late spring to mid-summer with tiny, 5-petaled, star-shaped, pinkish-red flowers in dense, 4-branched inflorescences that grow atop upright reddish flower stems. These flowers are known to attract butterflies.
Caucasian stonecrop can be grown in acidic, average, dry to medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun. It can also tolerate some light shade and prefers sandy or gravelly soils while also being able to tolerate poor soils. However, it requires good soil drainage to perform well and is drought tolerant. Overwatering should be avoided. When grown as a ground cover, plants may be sited 12 inches apart. They can be easily propagated by cuttings or division, as they spread quickly by rooting where nodes touch the ground. While it is evergreen in warm winter climates, it might not be in colder ones.
