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Publication #FPS-543

 

Sedum x 'Autumn Joy' 'Autumn Joy' Sedum1

Edward F. Gilman, Terry Delvalle2

Introduction

Sedum x 'Autumn Joy' is probably a cross between telephium and spectabilis (Fig. 1). It has been deemed by some to be one of the best perennials available to the gardener. This 1 1/2- 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.

General Information

Scientific name: Sedum x 'Autumn Joy'
Pronunciation: SEE-dum
Common name(s): 'Autumn Joy' sedum
Family: Crassulaceae
Figure 1. 

'Autumn Joy' sedum


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Plant type: herbaceous
USDA hardiness zones: 5 through 9 (Fig. 2)
Figure 2. 

Shaded area represents potential planting range.


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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

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
Invasive potential: not known to be invasive
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.

Footnotes

1.

This document is FPS-543, one of a series of the Environmental Horticulture, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida. Original publication date October 1999. Revised September 2007. Reviewed June 2011. Visit the EDIS website at http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu.

2.

Edward F. Gilman, professor, Environmental Horticulture Department, Terry Delvalle, extension agent, Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, 32611.

The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) is an Equal Opportunity Institution authorized to provide research, educational information and other services only to individuals and institutions that function with non-discrimination with respect to race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, political opinions or affiliations. For more information on obtaining other extension publications, contact your county Cooperative Extension service.

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension Service, University of Florida, IFAS, Florida A. & M. University Cooperative Extension Program, and Boards of County Commissioners Cooperating. Nick T. Place, Dean.