Golden Carpet Sedum (Sedum acre ‘Aureum’) is a resilient succulent prized for its brilliant foliage. As a member of the stonecrop family, this cultivar is valued for its low-growing, mat-forming habit. It offers a reliable option for fast coverage in difficult areas where many other plants struggle. This variety is a low-maintenance solution for adding texture and year-round color to the landscape.
Identification and Characteristics
The botanical classification for Golden Carpet Sedum is Sedum acre ‘Aureum’, distinguishing it as a specific cultivar of the Goldmoss Stonecrop. Its most notable feature is the dense, needle-like foliage, which appears vibrant yellow-green in partial shade. In full sun, the tips of the tiny, overlapping leaves intensify to a striking golden yellow, giving the plant its common name.
The plant maintains a low-growing, mat-forming habit, reaching a height of only two to four inches. During the summer, it produces small, bright yellow, star-shaped flowers held just above the foliage. As a succulent, the plant stores water in its thick leaves, which contributes to its impressive hardiness and drought tolerance.
Essential Care Requirements
Golden Carpet Sedum performs best in an environment that provides abundant light exposure. A minimum of six hours of direct sunlight is required to promote vigorous growth and achieve the characteristic golden coloration of the foliage. Insufficient light will cause the stems to stretch, resulting in a less dense, leggier appearance and a greener hue.
The selection of an appropriate growing medium is important for this stonecrop, as it is highly susceptible to root rot in wet conditions. The soil must offer sharp drainage, ideally incorporating sand, grit, or fine gravel to prevent water retention around the roots. This species thrives in poor or lean soils, meaning supplemental fertilization is rarely needed and can encourage weak, overly rapid growth.
Due to its succulent nature, this plant tolerates dry conditions once established. Overwatering poses the greatest risk, often leading to fungal issues or stem decay. Watering should be infrequent and deep, allowing the soil to dry completely between applications, especially during cooler periods.
This resilient cultivar tolerates temperatures down to USDA Hardiness Zone 3. Ideal performance occurs in temperate conditions, but the plant manages summer heat effectively, provided the roots do not sit in saturated ground.
Propagation and Upkeep
Multiplying Golden Carpet Sedum is a straightforward process, achieved through stem cuttings or division. Stems broken off the main plant can be laid directly onto soil, where they readily root from the nodes without the need for rooting hormone. Division involves lifting a dense clump and separating the rooted sections, which should be replanted immediately into their new location.
Maintenance tasks are minimal, but occasional trimming helps maintain its dense, manicured appearance. Shearing back leggy or stretched growth encourages the plant to branch out and form a tighter, compact mat. Pruning should be done after the flowering period to reshape the plant and promote fresh foliage growth.
Trimming to control spread is often the most frequent upkeep requirement. Deadheading spent flowers is usually unnecessary, as the dried flower heads are small and quickly obscured by the trailing foliage.
Landscape Applications
The fast-spreading nature of Golden Carpet Sedum makes it an excellent choice for broad, low-impact ground coverage in various settings. Its ability to thrive in thin, poor soil environments makes it suitable for spaces where other ornamental plants fail to establish. This includes planting on steep banks for erosion control or covering barren, sun-baked slopes.
This stonecrop is utilized in xeriscaping projects due to its low water demands, pairing it with other drought-tolerant species. It works well when tucked into the crevices of rock gardens, allowed to spill over retaining walls, or used to soften pathway edges. The plant’s shallow root system also makes it a choice for green roofs and shallow container arrangements.
The mat-forming habit is perfect for planting between irregularly spaced paving stones or filling the gaps in dry-stacked stone walls. When used as a “spiller” in mixed containers, the bright gold foliage provides contrast against darker annuals or perennials.