Stonecrop – Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’ (Hylotelephium 'Herbstfreude')
The flowers, just beginning to open. Photo courtesy Steve Dubik
Autumn Joy Stonecrop is one tough cookie, thriving in average to dry, sandy to gravelly soils in full sun to part shade. Growth will be floppy in too rich soils or too shady situations. The succulent-like green leaves grow in upright clumps. The flowers appear in large, flattened heads that start out looking like broccoli; progressing from green to light pink, then pinkish-red and finally rich burgundy-bronze. Once flowering is over, leave the dried flower heads on the plants for lovely winter interest, especially when it snows.
Other attributes include:
- Perennial, 2’ x 2’.
- Blooms September/October.
- Butterflies also visit the flowers.
- Of all the stonecrop, Peter Lindtner gives this one the highest ranking - three star nectar and pollen source.
Flower color progressing from light pink to deep pinkish-red. Photo courtesy GreatGardenPlants.com
Flowers mature to a deep burgundy-bronze. Photo courtesy GreatGardenPlants.com
-Marie Rojas