Product Field NotesCompanion Plants
Back in Black Stonecrop: Dark Leaves All Summer, Cream Flowers in Fall
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Back in Black stonecrop is an upright sedum with thick, glossy, near-black purple leaves that stay dark all summer. In early September, domed clusters 3 to 5 inches wide open with creamy white petals around deep garnet-red centers, so each head looks speckled cream and red against the dark foliage. The sturdy clump grows 20 to 24 inches tall and up to about 30 inches wide, big enough to stand in for a small shrub.
Back in Black at a glance
| Trait | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Botanical name | Hylotelephium 'Back in Black' |
| Foliage | Near-black purple, glossy, fleshy |
| Flowers | Cream petals with garnet-red centers, in heads 3 to 5 inches wide |
| Size | 20 to 24 inches tall, 26 to 30 inches wide |
| Bloom | Starts early September, peaks mid-September |
| Hardiness | USDA zones 3 to 9 |
| Light | Full sun |
| Wildlife | Excellent for pollinators; rabbits leave it alone; moderately deer resistant |
A dark anchor in a silver bed
A lavender bed is a sea of silver and soft purple, which is lovely but can blur together from a distance. A few clumps of Back in Black give the eye somewhere to land. The near-black leaves make lavender's foliage look brighter, and they hold their dark color all summer rather than greening up. Its cream-and-garnet flowers wait until September, so they arrive long after lavender has been harvested, keeping bees and butterflies busy at the end of the season.
It shares lavender's preferences for sun, lean soil and dry feet. It has performed well in trials across several regions, including Michigan. Place it in the middle of a border or between lavender groups, and try a gold or chartreuse neighbor nearby for even more contrast. Sketch it in the Companion Plant Planner.
Care through the year
- Soil: average to poor and well drained. Rich soil makes stems stretch and flop.
- Water: regular water until established, then very drought tolerant. It rots in wet, heavy ground.
- Fall and winter: leave stems and seed heads standing for structure and bird food.
- Early spring: cut old stems back as new growth appears.
- Watch for: aphids and sedum weevil; occasional leaf spot or mildew.
Cut and dried
Back in Black rates well fresh and dried. The cream-and-red heads are unusual in a vase, and the dried seed heads add a dark, graphic note to fall arrangements with dried lavender.
Plug tray or bare root
It is offered as a 72-cell plug tray for growers and mass plantings, and as a bare root plant for a few clumps in a border. See each product page for current availability.
Frequently asked questions
Does the foliage stay black all summer?
Yes, that is one of its strengths. Full sun keeps it darkest.
How is it different from After Dark?
Both are dark-leaved upright sedums. Back in Black is a bit larger with cream-and-garnet flowers, while After Dark is more compact with garnet-red flowers from black buds.
Is it hardy in Michigan?
Yes, fully hardy. Good drainage matters more than mulch.
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