Sedum ‘Chocolate Drop’ (Stonecrop)

One of the most compact red-leaved fall stonecrops, Sedum ‘Chocolate Drop’ forms attractive mounds of lightly scalloped, glossy dark chocolate-brown leaves, which remain attractive throughout the growing season. In summer, soft rose-colored flowers appear in terminal cymes just above the foliage where they provide a beautiful contrast.

 Vigorous, hardy, carefree, good-looking, with a season of interest lasting more than 6 months from early summer until well into winter, who could resist?

• Easy to grow, this deciduous perennial grows up to 8-10 in. tall (20-25 cm) and 14-20 in. wide (35-50 cm) and forms a clump of thick, fleshy, dark burgundy-red foliage topped with flower buds resembling broccoli. Gradually, these densely clustered buds will reveal tiny, star-like flowers in mid to late summer, with light pink petals and ruby carpels.
• Both foliage and dead inflorescences will remain attractive through winter, providing some additional interest.
• Provides color and contrast to beds, borders or rock garden at a time when most plants have stopped blooming. Effective when planted en masse or in groups.
• Best grown in full sun, in average, dry to medium moisture, well-drained soils. Tolerates very light shade and poor soils.
• Flowers are attractive to bees, hummingbirds and butterflies and excellent as cut flowers.
• Drought and heat tolerant once established, it is disease resistant!
• Deer resistant
• Low maintenance, this Sedum forgives neglect!

Members of the genus Hylotelephium, border sedums are essential beauties for the late season garden and deserve a spot in gravel gardens. Undemanding, not aggressive, with fleshy, drought resistant foliage and lovely domed flowerheads packed with a profusion of tiny starry flowers, opening to white, pink or red blossoms in late summer or early fall, they are a popular attraction to butterflies. They look particularly attractive with Asters, Solidago (Ornamental Golden rods), Boltonias and Ornamental Grasses. Standing for months, their faded flowers and seed heads provide a colorful display in late fall and winter, even under snow caps. There are hundreds of Hylotelephium cultivars and hybrids to pick from. Which one will be yours?