Rock 'N Grow® Back in Black Sedum

Sedum x 'Back in Black'

Proven Winners®

Nearly Black Foliage Creates Dramatic Garden Contrast with Stunning Red and Pink Flowers
Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 3-9
Grows 1-2 ft Tall and Wide
Drought Tolerant, Heat Tolerant
Perfect for Border or Small groups

$16⁹⁹

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Plant Size

Quart Container #1 Container

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Give this plant full sun, meaning at least 6 hours of direct light daily. This is crucial because shade causes the stems to flop over and fades that signature black foliage to a muddy green.
Soil: Excellent drainage is non-negotiable for Sedum to prevent root rot. If you have heavy clay, plant in a raised bed or mix in plenty of gravel to ensure water moves away from the roots quickly.

Watering Requirements

Water consistently during the first year to help the roots establish, checking that the soil drains well after every soak. Once established, this plant is incredibly drought tolerant and prefers to dry out completely between drinks to avoid mushy stems.

Pruning Tips

Leave the dried flower heads standing through winter to provide visual structure and food for birds. Cut the old stems down to the ground in early spring, just as you see new green growth emerging at the soil line to keep the plant tidy.

Fertilizer Needs

Skip the heavy chemical fertilizers, as Sedum actually prefers lean soil. A thin layer of compost in the spring is all it needs; high-nitrogen fertilizers will force rapid, weak growth that causes the plant to split open.

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, Flowering, Deer-resistant, Heat Tolerant, Drought resistant, Attracts pollinators, Container Friendly, Non-invasive, Fragrant
Hardiness Zone	3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
Sunlight	Full sun, Partial shade
Height	1-2 ft
Width	1-2 ft
Watering Needs	Low
Preferred Soil	Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy
Growth Rate	Moderate
Growth Habit	Spreading, Upright
Blooms In	Summer, Fall
Flower Color	Red, Pink, White
Foliage Color	Green
Suitable Space	Outdoors, Indoors
Botanical Name	Sedum x 'Back in Black'
Species	x
Cultivar	Back in Black
Class	Saxifragales
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

Black tie ready, the Rock 'N Grow® Back in Black Sedum (Sedum x 'Back in Black') from Proven Winners® are fantastic standout plants with incredibly dramatic, near-black foliage and stems! Deep dark-purple fleshy leaves and succulent stems are covered in a waxy glaucous film. Lightly toothed, they add incredible depth and drama to any landscape!

A perfect backdrop for the red, pink, and creamy-white flower heads with garnet-red centers. In autumn, you will enjoy the purple fall color and birds enjoy the seed heads! Plus, these are persistent once dried and look great in dried floral décor and winter interest.

Hardy throughout chilly USDA growing zones 3 through steamy 9, there's little that fazes these easy-to-grow perennial Sedums! Creating a rounded and upright growing 20-24 inch tall mound that spreads 26-30 inches wide, this dramatic dark Stonecdrop is a high-impact perennial.

Planting and Application:

Sedum are at home in sunny borders, they handle drought and heat beautifully! Stonecrop are fast-growing and performs beautifully in the most difficult of Xeric growing conditions while looking good doing it. Plus Sedum are on Firewise landscaping plants and can be used in defensible spaces around your home!

Imagine a mass planting of mysterious dark Rock 'N Grow® color fills that roadside 'hell strip' or welcoming visitors along your pathways! Add mystery to Rock Gardens, Perennial Gardens, and Cottage borders, and have traffic slow down as they pass your sidewalk or mailbox.

Great erosion control for hard-to-mow slopes! Your planters receive the black-tie treatment and your butterfly gardens will be buzzing! These smaller perennials do well in sunny porch pots and patio container gardens, adding drama to seating areas, and front porch décor.

Use Back in Black Sedum in dramatic mass plantings for a bold statement and a lasting impact on the overall look of your landscaping! You won't be able to take your eyes off of the endless beauty!

Phenomenal Near-Black Leaves & Stems!
Upright Growing Dramatic Rounded Form
Red, Pink & Cream Flowers
Winter Interest, Pollinators & Bird-Friendly
Containers, Mass Plantings, Specimens & Focal Points

#ProPlantTips for Care:

This low-maintenance plant enjoys being in full sun or partial shade with rich well-drained soil for the best growth possible of about 12 inches tall and 20 inches wide! This rugged perennial does best being watered carefully to establish during its first season but once is established, it'll be a low-water usage plant - tolerant of high heat and drought. All plants appreciate a 3-4 inch thick layer of arborist mulch around their roots. Carefully prune and clean up any fallen leaves and last year's seedheads in spring just before the new growth begins to show.

Best Color & Strongest Stems in Full Sun
Moderate to Low Soil Moisture Once Established
Nearly Any Very Well-Drained Soil Type
Prune Back Early Spring
Drought Tolerant & Deer Resistant

Order your own midnight-hued standouts by buying the Proven Winners® Rock 'N Grow® Back in Black Sedum from Nature Hills right away!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the mature height and spread of Rock 'N Grow® Back in Black Sedum?

Rock 'N Grow® Back in Black Sedum reaches 20-24 inches tall and spreads 26-30 inches wide at maturity. This upright, rounded perennial creates substantial presence in the garden. Allow adequate spacing for its full spread when planting.

Does Rock 'N Grow® Back in Black Sedum grow well in my planting zone (e.g., zone 4a or 3-9)?

Rock 'N Grow® Back in Black Sedum thrives in USDA zones 3-9, making it hardy enough for most North American climates. This tough perennial handles both chilly winters and steamy summers with ease. Check your specific zone and shop at Nature Hills for this dramatic dark-foliaged stonecrop.

What are the light requirements for Rock 'N Grow® Back in Black Sedum—full sun or partial shade?

Rock 'N Grow® Back in Black Sedum requires full sun for optimal growth and flowering. This drought-tolerant perennial thrives in sunny borders and handles heat beautifully. Plant in the sunniest spot available for the best dark foliage color and flower production.

What kind of soil does Rock 'N Grow® Back in Black Sedum need, and does it require well-draining soil?

Rock 'N Grow® Back in Black Sedum thrives in well-draining soil and actually prefers poor to average conditions. These drought-tolerant perennials excel in xeric (dry) conditions and can handle challenging sites where other plants struggle. Plant in sandy or rocky soil for best results.

How much watering does Rock 'N Grow® Back in Black Sedum require after establishment?

Once established, Rock 'N Grow® Back in Black Sedum requires minimal watering and thrives in drought conditions. This hardy perennial handles heat and dry spells beautifully across zones 3-9. Water only during extended dry periods, then let soil dry between waterings for best results.

Does Rock 'N Grow® Back in Black Sedum need fertilizer, or is it low-maintenance?

Back in Black Sedum is extremely low-maintenance and doesn't require fertilizer to thrive. This hardy perennial excels in difficult conditions and poor soils across zones 3-9. Skip the fertilizer and simply plant in well-draining soil with full sun for best results.

When does Rock 'N Grow® Back in Black Sedum bloom, and what color are the flowers?

Rock 'N Grow® Back in Black Sedum produces red, pink, and creamy-white flower heads with garnet-red centers, typically blooming in late summer. The colorful blooms create a stunning contrast against the dark purple-black foliage. Plant in full sun for best flowering performance.

How do I prune or care for Rock 'N Grow® Back in Black Sedum in spring or after blooming?

Sedum requires minimal pruning and thrives with neglect in zones 3-9. You can deadhead spent blooms in late summer, but leave seed heads for winter interest and bird food. In early spring, simply cut back any damaged stems to promote the dramatic dark foliage growth.

Is Rock 'N Grow® Back in Black Sedum deer or rabbit resistant?

Sedums are generally deer and rabbit resistant due to their thick, waxy succulent leaves that these pests typically avoid. Back in Black Sedum's glaucous coating adds extra protection against browsing. Plant in sunny, well-draining spots for best resistance.

How does Rock 'N Grow® Back in Black Sedum ship, and is it bare root or potted?

Back in Black Sedum ships as a live plant in a pot, not bare root. This hardy perennial (zones 3-9) establishes quickly and will reach its full 20-24 inch height within the growing season. Plant in full sun for best foliage color and drought tolerance.

Rock 'N Grow® Back in Black Sedum

Sedum x 'Back in Black'