SunSparkler Lime Zinger Sedum - 1 Gallon

The defining characteristic of SunSparkler Lime Zinger Sedum is its extraordinary foliage — small, plump, rounded, tightly packed succulent leaves in vivid lime-green with a dramatic cherry-red picotee edge around each leaf. This two-tone color combination holds well throughout the growing season, particularly in cooler weather when the red margins intensify most vividly. The lime-green center of each leaf provides a striking luminous quality that makes the plant appear to glow in the landscape, while the cherry-red edges create crisp, colorful definition that makes this one of the most visually distinctive groundcover sedums available anywhere.

SunSparkler Lime Zinger forms a low, dense, ground-hugging mat of succulent foliage that reaches just 4 to 6 inches in height while spreading fairly rapidly to 18 inches or more in width. The dense, interlocking stems and foliage create a weed-suppressing carpet that is ideal for groundcover applications. The plant spreads at a medium rate via side shoots from the main clump, gradually filling in an area without becoming invasive. Space plants 12 to 18 inches apart for groundcover use, or closer for faster fill. In containers, the trailing habit creates a beautiful "spiller" effect as stems cascade over the container edges.

SunSparkler Lime Zinger Sedum performs best in full sun with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Full sun promotes the most compact, densely branched growth habit and the most vibrant, saturated red coloration on the leaf margins — the cherry-red edge intensifies most dramatically under high light intensity and cooler temperatures. In partial shade, the plant remains healthy and attractive but may develop slightly less intense red coloring and a more open, less compact form. In very hot summer climates, some light afternoon shade can reduce heat stress without significantly reducing ornamental performance.

Allow the soil to dry completely between waterings. SunSparkler Lime Zinger Sedum is a true succulent that stores water in its fleshy leaves and is highly susceptible to crown and root rot if kept consistently moist. Water deeply when watering, allow to drain fully, then allow the soil to dry out again before the next application. In the growing season, watering every 1 to 2 weeks is typically sufficient depending on temperatures. In winter, reduce watering significantly or not at all. Overwatering is the most common cause of decline in this plant — when in doubt, wait before watering.

SunSparkler Lime Zinger Sedum thrives in average to very lean, well-drained soils. Excellent drainage is the single most critical soil requirement — this plant absolutely does not tolerate waterlogged, compacted, or poorly draining soils. It actually performs better in leaner, less fertile soils than in rich, amended garden beds. In containers, use a fast-draining cactus or succulent potting mix. In the landscape, amend heavy clay soils with coarse gravel or grit to improve drainage before planting. The plant's adaptability to poor, lean soils makes it particularly valuable in challenging dry planting situations where better-performing soils are unavailable.

• Watering discipline: Allow soil to dry completely between waterings; overwatering is the primary cause of plant failure in sedums.
• Post-bloom cleanup: Remove spent flower clusters after bloom ends to maintain a tidy appearance and direct energy back to foliage.
• Spring cleanup: Cut back any winter-damaged stems in early spring; the plant re-emerges vigorously from the base.
• Fertilizing: Minimal fertilization needed; a light application of balanced fertilizer in early spring is sufficient.
• Winter moisture: Protect from excessive winter moisture, particularly in containers; ensure drainage remains excellent year-round.
• Patent note: Propagation by division or cuttings is subject to U.S. Plant Patent #24,632 restrictions.

SunSparkler Lime Zinger is a versatile and impactful groundcover for a wide range of landscape applications. Use it to edge pathways and garden borders with a vivid band of two-tone color that provides interest across three seasons. Plant on slopes and banks for erosion control with outstanding ornamental value. Use in rock gardens and alpine plantings where its succulent nature and drought tolerance make it an ideal inhabitant. Mass plant for large-scale groundcover that suppresses weeds while providing spectacular foliage color. In containers, use as a cascading "spiller" element in the thriller-filler-spiller design approach. It is also excellent for green roof systems where light weight, drought tolerance, and year-round foliage interest are all important design criteria.

SunSparkler Lime Zinger Sedum is rated for USDA Zones 4 through 9, demonstrating impressive cold hardiness for a succulent groundcover. In Zone 4, it reliably returns each spring from winter lows as cold as -30 degrees Fahrenheit. The cherry-red edge coloration of the foliage actually intensifies most dramatically in cool to cold temperatures, making the plant particularly spectacular in spring and fall in cooler climates. In warmer zones through Zone 9, it performs as a reliable, long-lived herbaceous perennial with outstanding year-round foliage interest and late-summer flowering.

SunSparkler Lime Zinger Sedum was developed by breeder Chris Hansen as one of the first three SunSparkler groundcover hybrids selected from over 4,000 seedlings after several years of intensive hybridizing and evaluation in west Michigan field trials. The SunSparkler series was specifically developed to improve upon older stonecrop groundcovers with superior foliage color that holds well throughout the season, more compact growth, larger flower heads, and brilliant flower color. U.S. Plant Patent #24,632 was issued in July 2014 for this selection. The Sedum genus, which has been recently reclassified by botanists, contains numerous species of succulents native to temperate regions worldwide that have been cultivated as garden plants for centuries for their drought tolerance, ease of propagation, and ornamental foliage qualities.