Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’

 

• Zones 1-24, 29-43 • Full sun or partial shade • Moderate to little watering This plant is a deservedly popular for the year-round interest it brings to the garden. It starts the growing season with fresh green foliage. Dense, dome-shaped, 6-inch-wide clusters of pale pink flowers appear in late summer; in autumn, they turn coppery pink, then rosy rust. The spent flower heads can be left in place for winter decoration and cut back when new growth emerges in spring. Upright or slightly spreading stems reach 1 1/2 feet tall and are evenly covered with 3-inch, roundish, slightly succulent leaves in pale blue green. Flowers appear at the stem tips. This plant grows best with full sun and fairly dry soil, but it will also take partial shade and some additional water. Clumps gradually increase in size to 2 feet across; divide them every 2 to 3 years, or center stalks will begin to dry up and fall off when flower clusters emerge.