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When to plant Sedum (Stonecrop) in Johnson County, AR

Johnson County's short 222-day growing season means one Sedum (Stonecrop) planting between March 26 and April 9. No fall crop in Zone 8a.

When to Plant Sedum (Stonecrop) in Johnson County, AR

Sedum (Hylotelephium spectabile, formerly Sedum spectabile) is a supremely tough, drought-tolerant perennial prized for its late-season interest. The flat-topped clusters of starry flowers open pink in late summer and deepen to copper-red as temperatures cool, remaining attractive well into fall and providing seed heads that feed birds through winter. Succulent foliage emerges blue-green in spring, is handsome all season, and turns bronzy after frost. Remarkably adaptable — thrives in poor, gravelly, or sandy soils where other perennials struggle — and virtually maintenance-free once established.

Johnson County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 26 and the first fall frost is November 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 222 days.

At an elevation of 1,347 feet, Johnson County receives approximately 49.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Sedum (Stonecrop) during the growing season.

Perennial Blooms in Fall Pollinator-friendly Deer-resistant Good for cutting
Johnson County, AR (Zone 8a) Long season
222 days
Last Spring Frost March 26
222 growing days
First Fall Frost November 3

Johnson County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Sedum (Stonecrop) Planting Timeline — Johnson County, AR

Sedum (Stonecrop) Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 29 Jan 29 – Feb 12
Transplant Outdoors March 26 Mar 26 – Apr 9
Bloom July 16 Jul 16 – Oct 8

Plant 1" deep · 18" apart · Rows 24" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January Start Indoors
February Start Indoors
March Transplant Outdoors
April Transplant Outdoors
May
June
July Bloom
August Bloom
September Bloom
October Bloom
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Low — drought tolerant

📅 Days to Maturity

60–90 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 8a

📆 Growing Season

222 days in Johnson County

Growing Tips for Johnson County

Plant divisions or container plants in spring after frost danger passes, or in early fall. Excellent drainage is the primary requirement — upright border sedums will rot in wet, heavy soils over winter. Lean soil actually improves performance; avoid over-fertilizing which causes floppy stems. Tall cultivars (Autumn Joy, Matrona) may need light staking in rich soil. Divide every 3–4 years in spring when centers become sparse. Deadhead selectively — leaving seed heads through winter extends ornamental interest and feeds goldfinches. Very low water requirement once established. Year 2+ plants reach full clump size and peak bloom display.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Sedum (Stonecrop) in Johnson County, AR?

Johnson County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 26. Plan your Sedum (Stonecrop) planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Johnson County, AR?

Johnson County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 26 and first fall frost is November 3.

When should I plant Sedum (Stonecrop) in Johnson County, AR?

In Johnson County, AR, plant Sedum (Stonecrop) after the last frost (around March 26) and before the first frost (around November 3). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Johnson County, AR for Sedum (Stonecrop)?

Johnson County sits in USDA Zone 8a. Sedum (Stonecrop) grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Sedum (Stonecrop) grow in Johnson County's climate?

Yes — Sedum (Stonecrop) grows well in Johnson County's temperate climate. Johnson County averages a 222-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 26 and first frost around November 3.

🌱

Your Johnson County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Johnson County (Zone 8a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Johnson County, AR. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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