Gardeners seeking low-maintenance, sun-loving tough plants with long-term seasonal appeal are smitten with the performance of the perennial Sedum 'Autumn Joy.'
The plant endures and thrives in formidable garden conditions. It tolerates clay and poor dry soils. It blooms throughout summer heat and the succulent leaves store water for sustenance during drought. Few pests or diseases are known to threaten and it resists the advances of deer and rabbits. For environments where salt may reach plant material, Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’ has been found to be moderately salt tolerant. Sedum’s rugged constitution can lead to its revival if tossed upon the compost pile
Plant Profile
The plant brings a succession of floral color to the garden wardrobe. The star-shaped tightly clustered flowers start summer wearing light green. They change to pink before becoming a cherry rose and, eventually, garnet in fall. In winter, copper and mahogany seed heads glisten in the frost.
The large succulent leaves are grey-green or blue-green in color. The leaf margin has rounded teeth.
The upright clump forming plant grows to a height of 18-24 inches with a spread of 12-18 inches. When planting, space plants 12-18 inches apart.
The USDA plant hardiness zones for Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’ are 3 through 9.
Propagation
Multiply the plant by stem and leaf cuttings and root division. Clumps may be divided in fall or early spring.
Care
A sunny location is the preferred home for ‘Joy,’ but the plant can tolerate light shade, especially in a long hot spell. A well-drained soil is a must for sedum to prevent root rot. Fertilizing once in spring with a 5-10-10 supplies enough food for the growing season. Too much nitrogen is not tolerated. Mulching is not required in the growing season. One may apply a light winter mulch.
Uses
At home as an accent plant, in borders or as edging, or in mass plantings, Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’ attracts butterflies and bees to the garden. The grey-green foliage and hues of pink flowers are spectacular in front of ornamental grasses like fountain grass. Foliage and flower colors also mix well in perennial beds with artemisia and lavender. Often the dry seedheads are left in the garden for winter interest or brought indoors for dried arrangements. In summer flowers serve well in floral bouquets.
The Man Behind the ‘Joy’
German nurseryman and sedum breeder Georg Arends (1863-1952) crossed Sedum ‘spectabile’ and Sedum ‘telephium’ to produce Sedum ‘Herbstfreude’ or, as known in the nursery trade today, Sedum ‘Autumn Joy.’ The plant was first offered in retail nurseries in 1955. Arends is credited with introducing many other perennials that are mainstays in the 21st century garden.
The nursery which he founded in 1888 continues today under the direction of his great-granddaughter, Anja Maubach.
Cultivar Cousins
Plant breeders continue to refine sedums. New cultivars following in the footsteps of ‘Autumn Joy’ are now on the market and include: ‘Carmen,’ ‘Autumn Glow,’ ‘Autumn Fire,’ ‘Sunset Cloud,’ and ‘Strawberries and Cream.’
With the addition of the foolproof 'Autumn Joy' and its cultivar cousins to your garden, perennial success is guaranteed.
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