One of the more versatile and architecturally appealing sedums is Autumn Joy. The Autumn Joy sedum variety has numerous seasons of appeal, starting with its sweet rosettes of new growth in late winter to early spring. The flower is also persistent, often lasting well into winter, providing a unique landscape. This is an easy plant to grow and divide. Growing Autumn Joy sedums will enhance the garden while bestowing you with plenty more of these amazing plants over time.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Sedum Autumn Joy plants (Sedum x ‘Autumn Joy’) are not garden divas. They thrive in conditions that other plants might consider rude. Once established, they are drought tolerant, but they also flourish in rainy regions. The key is well-draining soil and plenty of sunshine. Provide these circumstances and your plant will not only bloom and grow quickly but can be separated to produce many more of these un-fussy beauties.
The Autumn Joy sedum variety is a cross between S. spectabile and S. telephium and hardy in United States Department of Agriculture zones 3 to 10. You may find the plant under various names for this reason. Hylotelephium telephium ‘Autumn Joy’ or Sedum spectabile ‘Autumn Joy’ or even Hylotelephium ‘Herbstfreude.’
The succulent leaves emerge early as rosettes and march up stems that develop soon after. In summer, pink puffs of flower clusters adorn the tops of the stems. These are especially attractive to bees and butterflies, but an occasional hummingbird may also investigate them. As the flowers become spent, the whole head becomes dried and tan but retains its form, adding an interesting touch to the fall garden. The plants attain a height of 1 ½ feet (46 cm.) with a 2 foot (61 cm.) spread.
II. How to Grow and Care
Sunlight
Autumn Joy prefers to grow in full sunlight, meaning at least six hours of direct light on most days. Shady conditions can make the plant leggy and reduce flower production. But in very hot summer climates, your plants might appreciate some shade in the mid-afternoon.
Temperature and Humidity
Tolerant to various temperature conditions, ‘Autumn Joy’ survives in extreme heat and winter frosts. While this plant thrives in heat and humidity, as a fall plant, it continues to bloom through the initial frosts before going dormant for the season. Humidity levels only impact plants in areas that retain too much moisture. Grow in well-draining, rocky environments in regions with high humidity.
Watering
As a drought-tolerant succulent, ‘Autumn Joy’ requires infrequent watering in most climates. Stonecrops need light watering every one to two weeks during the summer unless they grow in arid climates. Increase watering in dry climates. Make sure to grow in an area with excellent drainage and only water after completely drained. Wet roots lead to rot.
Soil
This plant thrives in sandy or gravelly soil with sharp drainage. But it will tolerate loamy soil provided it is well-drained and not allowed to remain constantly damp.
Fertilizing
‘Autumn Joy’ does not require fertilizer unless growing in soil that needs amending. These plants grow leggy in soil too rich in nutrients, so only add a balanced fertilizer during the spring if necessary.
Pruning
Autumn Joy stonecrop might benefit from tip pruning in the spring to promote better growth, but in most cases, simply let the plant thrive on its own and you’ll be rewarded with copious blossoms. If you wish, you can cut back the stems in the late spring to limit their height and promote thicker, fuller growth. Some gardeners cut down the stems in the fall after the foliage begins to depreciate, but the stems can also be left to provide winter interest and cut down in the spring before new growth starts. Birds will feed on the dried flower heads over winter.
Propagation
Autumn Joy stonecrop is extremely easy to propagate through stem cuttings, even if they are simply stuck into the ground. Even individual leaves fallen on the ground will sometimes take root and grow into full plants. You can also take cuttings from new growth after watering in the morning or early evening. This is how it’s done:
- Using clean, sharp pruners or a knife, cut a 4- to 6-inch healthy stem.
- Remove the bottom leaves and insert the cutting in a 4-inch pot filled with soilless potting mix. Water it well and keep it evenly moist.
- Check for roots after a few weeks by very gently tugging on the plant. Once you feel resistance, you’ll know it has taken root and you can plant it in the garden.
You also can divide sedum plants to propagate them. Spring is the best time to divide plants:
- In the spring, cut the stems down to about 6 inches. Water the plant well for a couple of days before dividing.
- Lift the entire clump with a garden spade. Cut it into individual sections with a trowel, or, if the clump is small, simply pull it apart with your fingers.
- Replant the sections in a new location at the same depth as the original plant. Water thoroughly and keep the soil moist at all times until you see new growth.
How To Grow From Seed
Growing ‘Autumn Joy’ from seed is not recommended as it will not yield identical results as the parent plant. Use existing plants to propagate new plants. If purchasing new plants, here is how to grow ‘Autumn Joy’ from seed:
- After the last spring frost, plant seeds in a shallow container or seed-starting tray—aim to sow seeds about four to six weeks before the last frost.
- Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil and place the container in indirect sunlight or use a garden lamp.
- Keep soil temperatures high, around 70°F to 80°F, while seeds germinate. Maintain moist, well-draining soil.
- Thin plants into different containers after seeds start to establish, allowing enough room to expand, at least 6 inches to 2 feet apart.
- Transplant outside after the threat of frost passes.
Potting and Repotting
Because ‘Autumn Joy’ does well with little water, it can thrive in containers. The plants tolerate heat and store water in their leaves for long periods of time. They don’t require much care as long as they have well-drained soil and get full sun. They prefer dry conditions over wet. Plant in spring after the last frost. Use a pot that is 1 or 2 inches wider than the size of the plant with drainage holes. A porous pot, such as terracotta or ceramic, will help with drainage. Add well-draining soil mixed with slow-release fertilizer. They can be brought indoors before the first frost.
Overwintering
‘Autumn Joy’ Stonecrops do not require a lot of winter care. As a relatively cold-hardy succulent plant, the ‘Autumn Joy’ tolerates winter weather until dying back for the season.
If growing in containers, keep plants guarded against strong winds and water more frequently. These plants are better when experiencing a dormant period, so be mindful of fluctuating temperatures as new growth emerges in the spring. Pruning is optional during this time, but reduce water unless the soil is extremely dry. Too much water will cause root rot.
Pests and Diseases
Autumn Joy stonecrop is remarkably free of most common garden pests and disease problems, though the fleshy leaves can be susceptible to damage from aphids, slugs, and mealybugs.1 These can largely be controlled by keeping the ground free of debris, including mulch. You also may use neem oil on a severe infestation if necessary. Furthermore, occasionally you might see deer nibbling on the fleshy leaves of the plants.
The plant is prone to fungal problems such as blight, powdery mildew, rust, and root rot, especially if it is overwatered. Less fertilizer and adding drainage to the soil can help treat and prevent these problems, as well as plenty of sun exposure.
III. Uses and Benefits
‘Autumn Joy’ is the perfect herbaceous perennial for lining walkways, mixed border plantings, rock gardens, containers, and low-maintenance mass plantings with prairie plants. It is very affordable, easy to grow, and looks beautiful throughout its lifecycle.
