Family: Crassulaceae

Common Name: Sedum Autumn Joy

Description

Sedum Autumn Joy (Hylotelephium) is a tough. almost indestructible, landscape perennial. The flowers bloom late in the summer becoming a major contributor to the fall garden. Prefers full sun. Avoid soggy soils, especially during the winter. A very popular plant.

Plant TypePerennials Hardy, Site author's observations
Hardiness Zone4-10
SunlightPrefers full sun. In shaded conditions the plants tend to open up in the center and flop.
Moistureaverage to dry
Soil & Siteaverage to dry, well drained
FlowersThe 6 inch flat topped inflorescence (covexed cyme) start as white, turns to pink and finishes with a deep bronze-red. Starts blooming mid to end of August and can last through October.
LeavesThe 2-3 inch long fleshy succulent leaves are sessile with irregular teeth. Starts out in spring as a mounded plant than the stems stretch to form a small clump.
Dimensions24 inches by 24 inches, space 18-24" on center
MaintenanceIf your plants flop or open up because of the growing conditions I have found that cutting the plants back 50% by the end of May will result in a more compact plant. This does not reduce the flower production. Cutting down the stiff dead stalks in the late fall is a matter of choice. Some people like the dead brown plant for winter interest.
PropagationVery easy from cuttings or divided in the spring. When dividing the plant be careful the new stems are easily damaged.
Native SiteChina
Cultivar OriginGeorge Arhens of Arhens Nursery (Germany) selected this plant in 1955. A cross between S. telephium and S. spectabile
Misc FactsI have heard this plant called by two other nicknames, "Cemetery plant" and "Looks like Broccoli". Many people use this at cemeteries because it is tough. When I ran a Nursery, one of my workers was doing a cemetery restoration project, for his Eagle Scout degree.He asked me if there were any plants I could donate. We dug a couple dozen Sedum out of the stock bed and used them. If this plant has any negatives it is the fact that it does attract bees. AKA: Sedum Herbstfreude
Author's NotesA tried and true tough perennial. Have used it innumerable times.
Notes & Reference#04-Herbaceous Perennial Plants (Allan Armitage), #36-Encyclopedia of Perennials (Christopher Woods), #96-Sedum Cultivated Stone Crop (Ray Stephenson), Horticulture Magazine, October 2000 "Border Sedums", Thomas Fischer)
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