Sedum 'Matrona' (Showy Stonecrop): Upright Perennial with Purple Stems

Overview

Sedum 'Matrona' (often classified as Hylotelephium 'Matrona') is a standout upright stonecrop with sturdy, deep purple stems and fleshy, gray-green leaves flushed with purple. In late summer, broad, flat-topped clusters of pale pink starry flowers mature to deep russet, providing months of interest. Bees and butterflies adore it. Drought-tolerant and deer-resistant, it excels in borders, rock gardens, and pollinator plantings. The seed heads persist into winter, adding structural beauty.

Key Features

• Foliage: Blue-green leaves with purple blush; purple stems.
• Flowers: Pink aging to coppery-red; large corymbs.
• Habit: Clumping, 24–30 in tall, 18–24 in wide.
• Season: Blooms late summer to fall; winter interest from seed heads.

Care Guidelines

Light

Full sun for best color and sturdy stems.

Water

Low once established. Water deeply but infrequently.

Soil

Average to poor, well-drained soil. Avoid rich, wet soils.

Maintenance

Cut back in late winter. Divide every 3–4 years in spring.

Taxonomy

Family:	Crassulaceae
Genus:	Sedum (SEE-dum)
Cultivar:	Matrona
Synonym:	Hylotelephium