Images Depict Mature Plants
Sedum Autumn Joy
Sedum spectabile 'Autumn Joy'
Sedum Autumn Joy is a drought-tolerant, low-maintenance perennial that provides vibrant late-season color with pink-to-bronze flower heads that attract pollinators. Ideal for sunny borders, rock gardens, and xeriscapes, it pairs well with ornamental grasses and other fall-blooming perennials for lasting texture and visual appeal.
Shipping calculated at checkout.
Delay shipping by leaving us a message at Checkout.
Share:
Sedum Autumn Joy Plants for Sale Online
Sedum Autumn Joy (also known as Hylotelephium 'Herbstfreude') is a hardy, sun-loving perennial prized for its long-lasting blooms, drought tolerance, and low-maintenance beauty. This upright stonecrop features succulent, blue-green foliage that forms tidy mounds throughout spring and summer. In late summer to early fall, it produces large, flat-topped clusters of pink flowers that gradually mature into rich bronze and copper tones, adding multi-season interest and texture to the landscape. Autumn Joy is a pollinator favorite, attracting bees and butterflies to the garden during late-season bloom times.
Perfect for sunny borders, rock gardens, and perennial beds, Sedum Autumn Joy thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It reaches 18 to 24 inches in height and spreads 18 inches wide, making it ideal for mass plantings or as a standout specimen in smaller garden spaces. This perennial is deer and rabbit resistant, making it a reliable choice for wildlife-prone landscapes. Its tolerance for poor soil, heat, and drought also makes it an excellent plant for xeriscaping and low-water gardens.
Hardy in USDA Zones 3–9, Sedum Autumn Joy is easy to grow and requires little care once established. It pairs beautifully with ornamental grasses, echinacea, and black-eyed Susans, providing bold color and contrast as the growing season winds down. Whether you’re looking to extend your garden’s seasonal display or create a resilient, low-maintenance planting scheme, Sedum Autumn Joy delivers consistent performance and natural charm year after year.
| Hardiness Zone:: | 3-9 |
|---|---|
| Mature Height: | 1 to 2 feet |
| Mature Width: | 1.5 to 2 feet |
| Classification: | Perennial |
| Sunlight: | Full Sun |
| Habit: | Upright, clump forming |
| Flower Color: | Rose Pink |
| Flowering Season: | Mid-June through frost |
| Foliage: | Green |
| Soil Condition: | Prefers dry, average to sandy soil, wont tolerate wet soil in winter |
| Water Requirements: | Water well until established. |
| Uses: | Extremely attractive when used as a focal point in the mixed border, mass planting. Attracts pollinators and hummingbirds. |
How to Care for Sedum Autumn Joy
Be sure to read our planting instructions to ensure a healthy and happy Sedum Autumn Joy plant for years to come!
-v1744391173850.png?92x91){kind=icon}
How Do I Plant A Sedum Autumn Joy Plant?
Planting a Sedum Autumn Joy begins with choosing a location that receives full sun, as this perennial thrives with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. It prefers well-drained soil and performs exceptionally well in sandy or gravelly conditions, making it a great choice for rock gardens, borders, and drought-prone areas. To plant, dig a hole twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball. Gently remove the plant from its container, loosen any encircling roots, and place it in the hole so that the crown is level with the soil surface. Backfill with native soil and water thoroughly to settle the roots. For best results, space Sedum Autumn Joy plants 18–24 inches apart to allow for mature spread and airflow between plants, which helps prevent mildew and rot. Mulching lightly around the base can help retain moisture and suppress weeds, but avoid piling mulch directly against the stems. Since this sedum is drought tolerant, it does not require frequent watering once established, making it ideal for low-maintenance or xeriscape gardens. With the right planting technique and location, Sedum Autumn Joy will flourish with beautiful foliage in spring and summer, followed by a vibrant floral display in late summer and fall.
-v1744391184169.png?89x84){kind=icon}
How Do I water A Sedum Autumn Joy Plant?
Watering Sedum Autumn Joy correctly is essential for establishing strong roots and maintaining healthy, vibrant growth. During the first growing season after planting, water deeply once or twice a week to keep the soil evenly moist, especially during dry spells or high heat. Be sure the soil drains well—Sedum Autumn Joy is a succulent and prone to root rot if left in soggy conditions. Water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to fungal issues, particularly in humid climates. Once established, Sedum Autumn Joy is highly drought tolerant and requires minimal watering. In most climates, occasional deep watering every couple of weeks is sufficient, especially during prolonged periods of drought. Overwatering is one of the most common mistakes with this low-maintenance perennial, so it’s best to let the soil dry out between waterings. Ideal for xeriscaping and water-wise gardens, this sedum thrives on neglect and will reward you with dense foliage and show-stopping blooms from late summer through fall.
-v1744391194752.png?90x89){kind=icon}
How Do I Fertilize A Sedum Autumn Joy Plant?
Fertilizing Sedum Autumn Joy should be done sparingly, as this low-maintenance perennial thrives in lean, well-drained soils with minimal supplemental nutrients. In early spring, as new growth begins to emerge, apply a light dose of balanced, slow-release fertilizer—such as a 10-10-10 formula—around the base of the plant, avoiding direct contact with the stems. Water thoroughly after fertilizing to help the nutrients reach the root zone. Over-fertilization can cause the stems to become weak or leggy, leading to flopping, so it's important to apply only what’s needed to support healthy, compact growth. If you prefer an organic approach, amend the soil with a thin layer of compost or aged manure in the spring to provide gentle, natural nutrition. Because Sedum Autumn Joy stores water and nutrients in its succulent leaves and stems, it doesn't require repeated feedings like more demanding perennials. A single spring application is usually sufficient for the entire growing season. With proper fertilization, your Sedum Autumn Joy will develop strong stems, lush foliage, and a vibrant display of pink to copper blooms that brighten the garden from late summer into fall.
How and When Do I Prune A Sedum Autumn Joy Plant?
Pruning Sedum Autumn Joy is essential for keeping the plant tidy, encouraging new growth, and preventing flopping stems. The best time to prune is in early spring, just as new shoots begin to emerge from the base of the plant. At this time, cut back the dried flower stalks and any remaining old foliage from the previous season to just above the new growth. This helps promote a fuller, more compact habit and allows sunlight to reach the young shoots. Use clean, sharp pruners to make clean cuts and avoid damaging tender new stems. You can also perform a light summer pruning if the plant becomes leggy or begins to sprawl, especially in nutrient-rich soils where stems may grow too tall and flop under the weight of blooms. To encourage bushier growth, you can pinch back the top few inches of the stems in early to mid-June before flower buds form. This technique may slightly delay blooming but will result in a sturdier, more upright plant. Allowing the dried flower heads to remain through fall and winter adds seasonal interest and provides structure to the garden, with the option to prune them back in early spring.
