When to plant Sedum (Stonecrop) in Cascade County, MT
Cascade County sits in cold Zone 4b. Plant Sedum (Stonecrop) June 2–June 16 for the single annual harvest; the September 21 first frost closes the window.
When to Plant Sedum (Stonecrop) in Cascade County, MT
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.
Cascade County, Montana is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 19 and the first fall frost is September 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 125 days.
At an elevation of 6,585 feet, Cascade County receives approximately 21.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Sedum (Stonecrop) to ensure they mature before fall.
Cascade County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Sedum (Stonecrop) Planting Timeline — Cascade County, MT
Sedum (Stonecrop) Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 10 | Mar 10 – Mar 24 |
| Transplant Outdoors | June 2 | Jun 2 – Jun 16 |
| Bloom | October 6 | Oct 6 – Dec 1 |
Plant 1" deep · 18" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | Bloom |
| November | Bloom |
| December | Bloom |
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 4b
📆 Growing Season
125 days in Cascade County
Growing Tips for Cascade 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 →
Sedum (Stonecrop) in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Sedum (Stonecrop) in Cascade County, MT?
Cascade County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 19. Plan your Sedum (Stonecrop) planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Cascade County, MT?
Cascade County, Montana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 19 and first fall frost is September 21.
When should I plant Sedum (Stonecrop) in Cascade County, MT?
In Cascade County, MT, plant Sedum (Stonecrop) after the last frost (around May 19) and before the first frost (around September 21). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Cascade County, MT for Sedum (Stonecrop)?
Cascade County sits in USDA Zone 4b. Sedum (Stonecrop) grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Sedum (Stonecrop) grow in Cascade County's climate?
Yes — Sedum (Stonecrop) grows well in Cascade County's temperate climate. Cascade County averages a 125-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 19 and first frost around September 21.
Your Cascade County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Cascade County (Zone 4b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.