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When to plant Sedum (Stonecrop) in Henderson County, IL

Henderson County sits in cold Zone 6a. Plant Sedum (Stonecrop) April 24–May 8 for the single annual harvest; the October 17 first frost closes the window.

When to Plant Sedum (Stonecrop) in Henderson County, IL

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.

Henderson County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 17 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 183 days.

At an elevation of 1,278 feet, Henderson County receives approximately 41.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Sedum (Stonecrop) to ensure they mature before fall.

Perennial Blooms in Fall Pollinator-friendly Deer-resistant Good for cutting
Henderson County, IL (Zone 6a) Moderate season
183 days
Last Spring Frost April 17
183 growing days
First Fall Frost October 17

Henderson County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Sedum (Stonecrop) Planting Timeline — Henderson County, IL

Sedum (Stonecrop) Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 13 Feb 13 – Feb 27
Transplant Outdoors April 24 Apr 24 – May 8
Bloom August 14 Aug 14 – Oct 30

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February Start Indoors
March
April Transplant Outdoors
May Transplant Outdoors
June
July
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 6a

📆 Growing Season

183 days in Henderson County

Growing Tips for Henderson 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 Henderson County, IL?

Henderson County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 17. Plan your Sedum (Stonecrop) planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Henderson County, IL?

Henderson County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 17 and first fall frost is October 17.

When should I plant Sedum (Stonecrop) in Henderson County, IL?

In Henderson County, IL, plant Sedum (Stonecrop) after the last frost (around April 17) and before the first frost (around October 17). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Henderson County, IL for Sedum (Stonecrop)?

Henderson County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Sedum (Stonecrop) grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

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

Yes — Sedum (Stonecrop) grows well in Henderson County's temperate climate. Henderson County averages a 183-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 17 and first frost around October 17.

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Your Henderson County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Henderson County (Zone 6a). 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 Henderson County, IL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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