Sedum hakonense 'Chocolate Ball'
Best unique groundcover for low maintenance gardeners.
Sedum hakonense 'Chocolate Ball', commonly known as Stonecrop, is a low-maintenance perennial groundcover prized for its striking burgundy foliage. This sedum variety boasts needle-shaped leaves that create a dense, spreading carpet, making it ideal for borders, containers, edging, and mass plantings. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soils, tolerating heat, drought, and even salt, which makes it a versatile choice for various garden settings, including rock gardens and roof gardens. Its compact size and spreading habit also make it suitable for tucking between stepping stones or spilling over retaining walls, offering long seasonal interest with its unique coloration.
$15.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
986
/ 4677
#986 in Landscaping & Garden Plants
Price vs Category Average
-42%
Below average
Pot Size
5.25
/ Inch Square Pot
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking unusual color accents for their plant arrangements.
- Beginners or busy gardeners desiring a beautiful, low-effort plant.
- Creative landscapers and container gardeners exploring diverse planting options.
Who should skip it
- Enthusiasts expecting consistent deep chocolate hues in all growing conditions.
- Novice succulent growers who tend to water plants frequently.
- Gardeners needing fast-spreading ground cover for immediate impact.
Performance breakdown
Drought Resilience
Thrives in arid conditions with minimal supplemental watering once established.
Visual Impact
Deep burgundy tones provide a sophisticated contrast in any garden bed.
Maintenance Effort
A low-fuss perennial that requires very little pruning or attention.
Pest Resistance
Reliably deters deer and rabbits, protecting your landscape investment.
Versatility
Adapts perfectly to containers, rock gardens, or as a groundcover.
Pollinator Appeal
Actively invites bees and butterflies to enhance your local ecosystem.
Key Specs
Pot Size
5.25 Inch Square Pot
Common Name
Stonecrop
Exposure
Full Sun
Hardiness Zone
5-9
Garden Height
2-4 Inches
Garden Spread
8-12 Inches
Uses
Borders, Containers, Edging, Groundcover, Landscapes, Mass Planting, Rock Gardens, Roof Garden, Flower Beds
Nature Attraction
Bees, Butterflies
Features
- Striking burgundy foliage provides unique color
- Drought, heat, and salt tolerant for easy care
- Spreading growth habit ideal for groundcover
- Attracts bees and butterflies to the garden
- Deer and rabbit resistant
- Offers long seasonal interest
What customers say
Sedum hakonense 'Chocolate Ball' by Romence Gardens consistently receives high praise, primarily for its exceptional quality and striking aesthetic appeal. Customers frequently highlight the plant's robust health upon arrival, noting its vibrant color and well established root systems. Many appreciate its unique dark foliage, which adds a distinctive visual element to gardens and containers. The plant's ease of care is another recurring positive, making it a favored choice for both experienced gardeners and those new to succulents. Its ability to thrive with minimal intervention contributes significantly to overall satisfaction, reinforcing its reputation as a reliable and beautiful addition to diverse landscapes.
Know before you buy
This variety thrives in full sun. Providing at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily is essential to maintain its signature deep burgundy foliage and compact growth habit.
Yes, 'Chocolate Ball' is considered deer and rabbit resistant. While no plant is entirely immune to hungry wildlife, its succulent texture and flavor are generally unappealing to them.
Sedum hakonense is highly drought-tolerant. You should water the soil thoroughly, then allow it to dry out almost completely before watering again to prevent root rot.
Absolutely. Its low-growing, spreading habit and tolerance for foot traffic make it an excellent choice for filling gaps between pavers or stepping stones.
This perennial is hardy in USDA zones 5 through 9. As long as your garden falls within these zones, it is well-equipped to survive the winter months.
It requires well-drained soil to thrive. It performs well in various soil types, including sandy or gravelly conditions, but it will struggle in heavy, waterlogged clay.
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$16