Planting Sedum 'Gold' and Baby Tears in Zone 7: Timing and Care

Establishing Two Distinct Groundcovers in Early Spring

March in Zone 7 (central NC) can still bring freezing temperatures. While both trailing stonecrop sedum 'Gold' and baby tears (likely Soleirolia soleirolii) are tempting greenhouse finds, their hardiness differs.

Sedum 'Gold' (Sedum spp.)

• Cold-hardy, drought-tolerant, thrives in lean, sandy, well-drained soil.
• Can be planted outdoors now if soil is workable; protect from hard freezes with frost cloth.
• Full sun to part shade.

Baby Tears

• Tender perennial; may suffer winter dieback in Zone 7 but often regrows from roots.
• Prefers rich, moisture-retentive soil with organic matter (compost).
• Part to full shade; excellent for containers or protected microclimates.

Recommendation

Wait 2–3 weeks until frost risk diminishes. Plant sedum in a sunny, gritty bed. Plant baby tears in a shaded container or sheltered bed with compost-rich soil. Both benefit from a light mulch layer. Water consistently until established.