Purple Emperor Sedum (Sedum 'Purple Emperor'): Dark Foliage Perennial

Overview

Purple Emperor Sedum (Sedum 'Purple Emperor', also 'Washfield Purple' or 'Washfield Ruby') is a superb upright stonecrop with deep, glossy, purple-black leaves on dark stems. The foliage color holds well through summer. In late summer, large, flat heads of tiny pinkish-red flowers open, contrasting beautifully with the dark leaves. The seed heads age to deep burgundy and persist into winter. A sport of 'Matrona', it's more compact and intensely colored. Bees and butterflies flock to it. Excellent for mixed borders and containers.

Key Features

• Foliage: Deep purple-black, glossy; dark stems; holds color.
• Flowers: Pinkish-red, large corymbs; late summer–fall.
• Habit: Upright, clumping; 12–15 in tall, 18–24 in wide.
• Origin: Sport of 'Matrona'; more compact, darker.

Care Guidelines

Light

Full sun for darkest foliage.

Water

Low once established. Drought-tolerant.

Soil

Average, well-drained. Avoid wet, rich soil.

Maintenance

Cut back late winter. Divide spring.

Taxonomy

Family:	Crassulaceae
Genus:	Sedum (SEE-dum)
Cultivar:	Purple Emperor
Also known as:	Washfield Purple, Washfield Ruby
Synonym:	Hylotelephium