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Sedum x 'Autumn Joy' 'Autumn Joy' Sedum

Edward F. Gilman, Terry Delvalle, Ryan W. Klein, and Gail Hansen

Introduction

Sedum x 'Autumn Joy' is probably a cross between telephium and spectabilis. It has been deemed by some to be one of the best perennials available to the gardener. This 1.5 to 3 foot tall, clumping plant has fleshy, gray-green leaves that are oblong to ovate-oblong in shape. These toothed leaves reach a length of 2 to 3 inches, with a width that is half as wide. Dense clusters of pink terminal flowers emerge in late summer. These pink flowers will age to a coppery pink and then to a rust color in the fall.

Flower - Sedum x 'Autumn Joy': 'Autumn Joy' Sedum
Figure 1. Flower - Sedum x 'Autumn Joy': 'Autumn Joy' sedum.
Credit: Edward F. Gilman, UF/IFAS

 

Flower - Sedum x 'Autumn Joy': 'Autumn Joy' Sedum
Figure 2. Flower - Sedum x 'Autumn Joy': 'Autumn Joy' sedum.
Credit: Edward F. Gilman, UF/IFAS

General Information

Scientific name: Sedum x 'Autumn Joy'

Pronunciation: SEE-dum

Common name(s): 'Autumn Joy' sedum

Family: Crassulaceae

Plant type: herbaceous

USDA hardiness zones: 5 through 9 (Figure 3)

Planting month for zone 7: year-round

Planting month for zone 8: year-round

Planting month for zone 9: year-round

Origin: not native to North America

Uses: cut flowers; accent; border; edging; mass planting; attracts butterflies

Availability: somewhat available, may have to go out of the region to find the plant

Shaded area represents potential planting range.
Figure 3. Shaded area represents potential planting range.
Credit:

Description

Height: 1 to 1.5 feet

Spread: 2 to 3 feet

Plant habit: round

Plant density: dense

Growth rate: moderate

Texture: medium

Foliage

Leaf arrangement: opposite/subopposite

Leaf type: simple

Leaf margin: dentate

Leaf shape: oblanceolate; obovate

Leaf venation: pinnate

Leaf type and persistence: deciduous

Leaf blade length: 2 to 4 inches

Leaf color: green

Fall color: no fall color change

Fall characteristic: not showy

Flower

Flower color: pink

Flower characteristic: summer flowering; fall flower

Fruit

Fruit shape: unknown

Fruit length: unknown

Fruit cover: unknown

Fruit color: unknown

Fruit characteristic: inconspicuous and not showy

Trunk and Branches

Trunk/bark/branches: typically multi-trunked or clumping stems

Current year stem/twig color: not applicable

Current year stem/twig thickness:

Culture

Light requirement: plant grows in full sun

Soil tolerances: acidic; slightly alkaline; sand; loam; clay

Drought tolerance: high

Soil salt tolerances: unknown

Plant spacing: 12 to 18 inches

Other

Roots: not applicable

Winter interest: no special winter interest

Outstanding plant: plant has outstanding ornamental features and could be planted more

Pest resistance: long-term health usually not affected by pests

Use and Management

They attract bees and butterflies when planted in the garden and are also great for dried flower arrangements. Sedum x 'Autumn Joy' presents a nice, massed display and is good in rock gardens. It can be used to border a path or walkway.

Sedum x 'Autumn Joy' will grow best in full sun and in any soil that is well-drained. It will tolerate drought and salt. This perennial will be frozen to the ground in the winter, but regrowth should occur from the roots. It does not spread in the garden or invade surrounding landscapes.

There are many sedum species adapted to southern landscapes. Another one of interest is sedum acre (golden carpet or gold moss).

This perennial is propagated by division or cuttings.

Pests and Diseases

No pests or diseases are of major concern.

Publication #FPS-543

Release Date:January 23, 2024

Related Collections

Part of Shrubs Fact Sheets

Related Topics

  • Critical Issue: Agricultural and Food Systems
Organism ID

About this Publication

This document is FPS-543, one of a series of the Department of Environmental Horticulture, UF/IFAS Extension. Original publication date October 1999. Revised October 2023. Visit the EDIS website at https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu for the currently supported version of this publication.

About the Authors

Edward F. Gilman, professor emeritus; Terry Delvalle, Extension agent; Ryan W. Klein, assistant professor, arboriculture; and Gail Hansen, professor, sustainable landscape design, Department of Environmental Horticulture; UF/IFAS Extension, Gainesville, FL 32611.

Contacts

  • Gail Hansen de Chapman
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