Flaming Carpet™ Merlot Sedum

Sedum 'Flaming Carpet Merlot'

Plants that Work®

Deep Merlot Foliage Intensifies in Cool Weather for Year-Round Jewel-Toned Color
Thrives in Zones 3-9
Grows 1 ft Tall, 1-2 ft Wide
Drought Tolerant, Heat Tolerant
Ideal for Border or Small groups

$32⁶³

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Plant Size

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Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: This Sedum thrives in full sun, needing at least 6 to 8 hours of direct light daily to maintain its rich, deep burgundy color. While it can tolerate partial shade, the foliage will often revert to a duller green and the stems may become "leggy" as they reach for more light.
Soil: It prefers lean, gritty soil that drains rapidly, making it perfect for rock gardens or slopes. If you have heavy clay, mix in a few handfuls of pea gravel or coarse sand at planting time to ensure the roots never sit in stagnant water.

Watering Requirements

During the first growing season, water your Merlot Sedum once a week to help the root system reach deep into the soil. Once established, this plant is exceptionally drought tolerant and usually relies only on natural rainfall. Overwatering or inconsistent moisture can lead to root rot or soft, floppy growth that loses its compact carpet-like form.

Pruning Tips

Flaming Carpet™ Merlot Sedum requires very little maintenance, but you can "deadhead" the spent flower clusters in late summer to keep the foliage looking tidy. Since it grows from the ground up each year, you should leave the dried foliage in place over winter to protect the crown and then trim it back to the ground in early spring before new buds appear. This annual cleanup makes room for fresh, vibrant growth and prevents the center of the plant from becoming woody.

Fertilizer Needs

This plant performs best with a single application of a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring as the new growth emerges. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer, as this encourages tender new growth that won't have time to harden off before the first frost. Think of it like a light snack rather than a heavy meal; too much food actually makes the stems weak and less resilient to winter weather.

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Cold hardy, Low Maintenance, Compact/Dwarf, Evergreen, Flowering, Groundcover, Slopes/Erosion Control, Deer-resistant, Heat Tolerant, Drought resistant, Attracts pollinators, Container Friendly, Non-invasive
Hardiness Zone	3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
Sunlight	Full sun
Height	1 ft
Width	1-2 ft
Watering Needs	Low
Preferred Soil	Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy
Growth Rate	Moderate
Growth Habit	Spreading, Upright
Plant Life Cycle	Perennial
Blooms In	Summer, Fall
Flower Color	Red
Suitable Space	Outdoors
Botanical Name	Sedum 'Flaming Carpet Merlot'
Species	hybrid
Cultivar	Flaming Carpet Merlot
Class	Saxifragales
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

Looking for a rich splash of color that carpets your garden in style? Meet Flaming Carpet™ Merlot Sedum (Sedum 'Flaming Carpet Merlot'), a bold perennial groundcover with deep burgundy-purple, merlot-like foliage. This broad-leaved evergreen (in mild winter climates) grows just 6 inches tall and spreads 1-2 feet wide, making it a superb choice for filling spaces with texture and flair. In summer, clusters of red starry flowers burst above the foliage, creating a dazzling jewel-toned display.

This Sedum plant's foliage is its claim to fame! A lush tapestry of burgundy and purple hues that intensify with the season. Its low-growing, spreading habit forms dense mats that thrive in hot, sunny spots where other plants struggle. The brilliant contrast of red blooms against the rich foliage adds depth and warmth, especially in rock gardens or along borders.

Native to Europe and Asia, Sedums have long been admired for their resilience and ornamental value. This selection is part of the beloved Crassulaceae family, which includes many drought-tolerant plants treasured by gardeners for their low-maintenance beauty and seasonal drama! Learn more about Sedum in the landscape.

Key Features

Rich burgundy to purple merlot-colored foliage
Clusters of bold red flowers in summer
Low-growing, spreading groundcover (6 inches tall, 1-2 feet wide)
Broadleaved evergreen in mild climates
Drought-tolerant, sun-loving perennial

Landscaping Uses

This colorful Sedum is perfect for sunny, dry spots where you need lasting groundcover and vibrant foliage.

Rock gardens and gravel beds
Borders and edging plants along walkways
Container gardening and troughs
Groundcover for eroding slopes or hard-to-grow areas
Companion to ornamental grasses and other succulents

Care & Maintenance

Flaming Carpet Merlot Sedum thrives in USDA zones 3-9. It is an herbaceous perennial that can act as a broad-leaved evergreen in mild climates. Tough as nails, drought-tolerant, and heat-loving, it's a fantastic low-maintenance choice for busy gardeners.

Planting Time: Spring or early fall
Sun Requirements: Full sun for best color and blooms
Soil Requirements: Prefers well-drained, sandy, or rocky soil - avoids wet, poorly drained sites
Moisture Needs: Low - use the Finger Test; water regularly the first year until established
Mulch: Apply a 3-4 inch layer of mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds
Fertilization Needs: Light feeding in spring with compost or slow-release fertilizer
Pruning Info: Shear lightly after blooms fade to maintain form; deadheading encourages tidiness
Division Info: Divide every 3-4 years in spring to rejuvenate and expand plantings
Special Perks: Deer and rabbit resistant, drought-tolerant, heat and humidity friendly, pollinator-friendly blooms

Don't forget to order your Nature Hills Root Booster for strong, lasting root support.

Sip on the Beauty of Merlot

With its rich, wine-toned foliage and striking red blooms, Flaming Carpet Merlot Sedum is a true garden treasure. Easy-going yet dramatic, it's the perfect plant to add color, texture, and pollinator appeal to your sunny spots.

Order your Flaming Carpet Merlot Sedum and enjoy this lush groundcover's vibrant tapestry today from NatureHills.com!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What USDA hardiness zones is Flaming Carpet™ Merlot Sedum suitable for?

Flaming Carpet™ Merlot Sedum thrives in USDA hardiness zones 3-9. This hardy perennial acts as a broadleaved evergreen in milder climates within its range. Plant it in full sun with well-draining soil for best performance.

Does Flaming Carpet™ Merlot Sedum need full sun or can it tolerate partial shade?

Flaming Carpet™ Merlot Sedum requires full sun for best performance and deepest burgundy color. It's specifically described as sun-loving and thrives in hot, sunny spots where other plants struggle. For optimal foliage color and flowering, plant in the sunniest location available at naturehills.com.

How often should I water my newly planted Flaming Carpet™ Merlot Sedum?

Water newly planted Flaming Carpet™ Merlot Sedum every 2-3 days for the first 2-3 weeks until established. This drought-tolerant perennial needs consistent moisture initially but avoid overwatering. Once roots settle in, reduce to weekly watering or less.

How fast does Flaming Carpet™ Merlot Sedum spread and fill in an area?

Flaming Carpet™ Merlot Sedum spreads 1-2 feet wide at maturity, forming dense mats over 2-3 growing seasons. This low-maintenance groundcover fills in faster in sunny, well-draining conditions. Plant 12-18 inches apart for quicker coverage in zones 3-9.

Is Flaming Carpet™ Merlot Sedum deer and rabbit resistant?

Yes, Flaming Carpet™ Merlot Sedum is naturally deer and rabbit resistant due to its succulent leaves and bitter taste. Most sedums are avoided by browsing animals, making this burgundy groundcover reliable for zones 3-9. Plant it confidently in exposed areas where deer frequent, available at naturehills.com.

What are good companion plants to pair with Flaming Carpet™ Merlot Sedum?

Ornamental grasses and other succulents make ideal companions for this burgundy groundcover. The contrasting textures highlight the sedum's rich foliage, while shared drought tolerance ensures easy care. Plant taller grasses behind the 6-inch sedum for layered interest in sunny, dry spots.

Does this sedum require any special fertilizer or feeding schedule?

Flaming Carpet™ Merlot Sedum needs no special fertilizer or feeding schedule. This drought-tolerant perennial thrives in poor soils and actually performs better without rich conditions. Avoid fertilizing to maintain the intense burgundy foliage color and compact growth habit.

Flaming Carpet™ Merlot Sedum

Sedum 'Flaming Carpet Merlot'