Sedum Autumn Joy
Hylotelephium spectabile 'Autumn Joy'
A hardy perennial succulent that transforms through the seasons, starting with pale green flower buds in summer that gradually deepen to rich pink, then bronze-red in fall, finally turning russet-brown for winter interest. This reliable garden workhorse forms sturdy clumps of thick, blue-green leaves and is beloved by butterflies and bees when in bloom. Its architectural form and seasonal color changes make it a cornerstone plant in both succulent gardens and traditional perennial borders.
Harvest
N/Ad
Days to harvest
Sun
White-Tailed Deer
Zones
4–9
USDA hardiness
Height
12-24 inches
Complete Growing Guide
Light: White-Tailed Deer. Soil: Clay, Loam (Silt), Sand, Shallow Rocky. Soil pH: Acid (<6.0), Alkaline (>8.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Occasionally Dry. Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 1 ft. 0 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: 12 inches-3 feet. Growth rate: Medium. Maintenance: 'Autumn Fire'bluish-green foliage with dusky pink flowers 'Autumn Joy' Bright pink flowers 'Brillant' Grouppale grayish-green foliage with tiny star-like carmine flowers 'Carl'rosettes of bluish-green foliage, tiny pink flowers 'Hot Stuff'pale green leaves with bright purplish-pink flowers 'Iceberg'pale green leaves with bright white flowers 'Meteor'Deep rose flowers and gray-green foliage 'Neon'light green foliage with rosy-magenta flowers 'Rosenteller'Light green foliage, pink flowers, 'Autumn Fire', 'Autumn Joy', 'Brillant' Group, 'Carl', 'Hot Stuff', 'Iceberg', 'Meteor', 'Neon', 'Rosenteller'. Propagation: Stem Cutting. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.
Harvesting
Seed heads can be left on for winter interest.
Type: Capsule. Length: < 1 inch. Width: < 1 inch.
Harvest time: Fall, Winter
Bloom time: Fall, Summer
Edibility: Stems and leaves, when very young and tender, may be eaten raw. Later, until they flower, they may be briefly cooked. Flavor is bland.
History & Origin
Origin: China and Korea
Advantages
- +Disease resistance: Drought, Rabbits, Salt
- +Wildlife value: Attracts butterflies
- +Edible: Stems and leaves, when very young and tender, may be eaten raw. Later, until they flower, they may be briefly cooked. Flavor is bland.
- +Low maintenance
Considerations
- -Toxic (Flowers, Leaves, Stems): Low severity
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Lavender
Similar drought tolerance and well-draining soil needs, repels pests
Echinacea
Similar sun and drainage requirements, attracts beneficial pollinators
Ornamental Grasses
Complementary textures, similar water requirements, provides winter interest
Russian Sage
Drought tolerant, similar soil preferences, extends bloom season
Black-eyed Susan
Compatible water needs, attracts pollinators that benefit sedum
Catmint
Repels aphids and ants, similar low-water requirements
Ornamental Alliums
Repels slugs and aphids, complementary bloom times and textures
Yarrow
Drought tolerant, attracts beneficial insects, similar soil preferences
Keep Apart
Hostas
Requires moist, rich soil and shade - opposite growing conditions
Impatiens
High water needs and shade preference conflict with sedum requirements
Astilbe
Needs consistently moist soil and partial shade, incompatible conditions
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Excellent disease resistance
Common Pests
Aphids, scale insects, slugs (occasionally)
Diseases
Crown rot in poorly draining soils, rarely affected by diseases