When to plant Sedum (Stonecrop) in Phillips County, CO
Phillips County sits in cold Zone 5b. Plant Sedum (Stonecrop) May 18–June 1 for the single annual harvest; the October 7 first frost closes the window.
When to Plant Sedum (Stonecrop) in Phillips County, CO
June in Phillips County, Colorado — your action list
Here's what deserves your attention in Phillips County, Colorado this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 5b and timed around your local frost dates.
To set up a strong July, finish these tasks
- Starting indoors: sedum (stonecrop)
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.
Phillips County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 4 and the first fall frost is October 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 156 days.
At an elevation of 5,494 feet, Phillips County receives approximately 21.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Sedum (Stonecrop) during the growing season.
Phillips County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.5-7.8
Drainage
Well Drained
Sedum (Stonecrop) Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Phillips County
How your county's soil matches Sedum (Stonecrop)'s growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.5–7.8) is more alkaline than Sedum (Stonecrop) prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Phillips County is excellent for Sedum (Stonecrop) — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Sedum (Stonecrop).
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.4%). Annual compost additions will help Sedum (Stonecrop).
How to Plant Sedum (Stonecrop)
Succession Planting Sedum (Stonecrop)
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 09 to harvest before frost.
Sedum (Stonecrop) Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Sedum (Stonecrop)
Sedum (Stonecrop) needs approximately 0.5 inches of water per week (2.2" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Sedum (Stonecrop) Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 2.2" | 2.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 1.5" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 2.2" | 1.6" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 2.2" | 2.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 1.7" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 2.2" | 1.8" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Phillips County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Sedum (Stonecrop) Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Sedum (Stonecrop) Planting Timeline — Phillips County, CO
Sedum (Stonecrop) Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 2 | Mar 2 – Mar 16 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 18 | May 18 – Jun 1 |
| Bloom | September 14 | Sep 14 – Nov 23 |
Plant 1" deep · 18" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | Bloom |
| October | Bloom |
| November | Bloom |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.5"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
156 days in Phillips County
Growing Tips for Sedum (Stonecrop) in Phillips County
Direct sow Sedum (Stonecrop) outdoors after May 04 in Phillips County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Phillips County receives only 21" of rain annually. Sedum (Stonecrop) needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
General growing tips
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 →
Sedum (Stonecrop) in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Sedum (Stonecrop) in Phillips County, CO?
Phillips County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 4. Plan your Sedum (Stonecrop) planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Phillips County, CO?
Phillips County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 4 and first fall frost is October 7.
When should I plant Sedum (Stonecrop) in Phillips County, CO?
In Phillips County, CO, plant Sedum (Stonecrop) after the last frost (around May 4) and before the first frost (around October 7). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Phillips County, CO for Sedum (Stonecrop)?
Phillips County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Sedum (Stonecrop) grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Sedum (Stonecrop) grow in Phillips County's climate?
Yes — Sedum (Stonecrop) grows well in Phillips County's temperate climate. Phillips County averages a 156-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 4 and first frost around October 7.
Your Phillips County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Phillips County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.