Looking for the perfect plant that is easy on the eyes and provides beauty all year round?  Then maybe adding Sedum to your garden or containers is the answer. All gardeners, from beginners to seasoned professionals, can find a place for Sedum in their gardening plans.  This diverse group of plants has many varieties, and even in September and October, Sedums will bring color and interest to any landscape.  

One of the most popular and easiest Sedum to grow is Autumn Joy.  Its dramatic presence can be used in a variety of ways.  Use it as a backdrop for other early blooming perennials or plant it center stage where its beauty will create a pleasing focal point. Autumn Joy’s popularity for use in containers is expanding due to its rich fall color, which is a perfect complement to any autumn themed planter.

Though popular in the fall, this reliable bloomer looks fantastic all year round. In late spring its thick stem starts to appear with a sturdy uniformed look that has a stunning polished appearance.  The flower heads, composed of mini blossoms, appear in early August and can remain vibrant through November.  The bloom’s first color appears in a pale pink and then slowly develops as the weeks progress into a deep shade of copper.    

When other perennials are fading, Autumn Joy hits its stride.   During September and October its large flower heads are in full bloom.  These late bloomers are also a fall favorite for bees and butterflies and help extend the pollen that is available in your garden.

If left standing, Autumn Joy looks exceptional, even after first frost.  By forgoing deadheading, it will provide a good source of food for birds and provide year end interest.  

This easy to care for perennial prefers full sun and well-drained soil.  It is drought tolerant and in fact prefers dryer conditions.  Autumn Joy can be pinched back in the spring to encourage bushier growth and prevent flopping.  

Any variety of Sedum can be a wonderful addition to any gardener’s pallet.  It is easy to grow, extremely hardy and drought tolerant.  Autumn Joy is a favorite of many gardeners for its vibrant fall color.  With so many varieties to choose from, you will be able to find one best suited for you.

Can’t decide?  Plant an entire garden bed of different varieties of Sedum!  It will not disappoint.

Photo credits: Tracey Scurto (1, 2, 3, 4)