When to Plant Sedum (Stonecrop) in Frio County, TX
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.
Frio County, Texas is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 26 and the first fall frost is November 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 273 days.
At an elevation of 3,892 feet, Frio County receives approximately 51 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 93°F, providing good warmth for Sedum (Stonecrop) during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Sedum (Stonecrop) root diseases.
Frio County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.4-7.2
Drainage
Well Drained
Monthly Watering Guide for Sedum (Stonecrop)
Sedum (Stonecrop) needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Sedum (Stonecrop) Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 4.3" | 1.9" | 2.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Mar | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 4.3" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 7.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 9.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 6.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 5.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 1.6" | 2.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Dec | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Nov in Frio County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Sedum (Stonecrop) Planting Timeline — Frio County, TX
Sedum (Stonecrop) Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 1 | Jan 1 – Jan 15 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 12 | Feb 12 – Feb 26 |
| Bloom | June 4 | Jun 4 – Aug 13 |
Plant 1" deep · 18" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | Transplant Outdoors |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | Bloom |
| July | Bloom |
| August | Bloom |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| 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 9a
📆 Growing Season
273 days in Frio County
Growing Tips for Frio 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 Frio County, TX?
Frio County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 26. Plan your Sedum (Stonecrop) planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Frio County, TX?
Frio County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 26 and first fall frost is November 26.
Your Frio County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Frio County (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.