Penthorum sedoides.
Ditch Stonecrop, also known as Stone Fruit or Virginia Stonecrop, is a perennial plant native to the eastern United States where it can often be found growing in marches, along shorelines, and even in ditches!
This unique looking plant grows to about 2 feet in height and produces clusters of small, greenish-yellow flowers that bloom from June through September.
Flowers and stems turn a rusty red-orange toward the end of the season, providing a lovely display for early autumn.
Typically blooms in the second year.
Ditch Stonecrop
Growth Chart
Hardiness Zones: 2 to 9 Light Requirement: Full to partial sun Soil Type: Clay, loam, sand, wet to moist Sow Depth: Surface Plant Spacing: 12 to 18 inches Germination Note: Cold stratification required Stratification Time: 60 days Bloom Time: June through September Growing Tips
Direct sow in late fall by lightly pressing the seeds into the soil's surface. For spring planting, mix seeds with moist sand and store in the refrigerator for 60 days (cold stratification) before sowing.
A Note on Cold Stratification
These seeds require cold, moist stratification. To naturally stratify the seeds, plant outdoors late fall on a weed-free site and allow seeds to overwinter.
To artificially stratify the seeds, place the seeds and a moist medium (such as a damp paper towel, coffee filter, sand, or vermiculite) in a labeled, sealed plastic bag and store in a refrigerator (33-40°F) for the amount of time noted on the growth chart before sowing.