9-2-08: Sedum spectabile 'Autumn Joy'

Sedum spectabile 'Autumn Joy' Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’ was introduced in 1955. It is a reliable standby, (I’m not going to say old because it’s my age). This is a very respectable plant in the garden, keeping to its own space yet complimenting those around it, such as salvias, asters, agastache and penstemon.

It’s also happy to be around lavenders and ornamental grasses as they share the same lean (on water and fertility) requirements. ‘Autumn Joy’ is yet another perennial that has an agreeable sense about it throughout the seasons. In spring a group of tiny light green buds poke out of the ground, a hopeful sight in the gloom of late winter. The plant begins to put on substantial leaves of a matte finished green blue leaves, at this point one could tip them back for a shorter, wider plant. Autumn Joy blooms start, as the name suggests, late summer (August) and continue on through November. If broccoli were candy this is what it would look like. Starting out a light bright green then rosy-pink and then salmon and finally a deep rust are the rainbow spectrum of colors of this sedum’s flowers. This late bloom time is a much needed source of nectar for bees and butterflies. The rusty spent flower heads may be left on until spring. This provides some structure in the garden as well as a sturdy resting place for birds. Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’ can be container grown or in a sunny spot in the garden. Large swaths create great drama. Plant two feet apart and then divide every 3 years or so.

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