Sedum 'Autumn Joy' (Autumn Joy Stonecrop) — Matforming

Overview

Sedum 'Autumn Joy' is a matforming perennial in the genus Sedum, part of the Crassulaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Sedum 'Autumn Joy' grows best in full sun, and tolerates well-drained and sandy or gravelly soil soils and neutral to slightly alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include borders, rock gardens, ground cover and container planting.

About

Sedum 'Autumn Joy' is a perennial in the Crassulaceae prized for its extended flowering from June to September. It favours full sun on south-facing sites and needs well-drained, sandy or gravelly soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. It tolerates dry to medium soil moisture and can be grown in sheltered or exposed locations. Classified H5, it is hardy in UK gardens and suits borders, rock gardens, ground cover and containers.

About the genus

Sedum is a large genus of flowering plants in the family Crassulaceae, members of which are commonly known as stonecrops. The genus has been described as containing up to 600 species, subsequently reduced to 400–500. They are leaf succulents found primarily in the Northern Hemisphere, but extending into the southern hemisphere in Africa and South America.

Wikipedia contributors, "Sedum", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Sedum

In the garden

A perennial in the Sedum genus (family Crassulaceae), Sedum 'Autumn Joy' is commonly called Autumn Joy Stonecrop. It produces flowers between June and September, giving a long season of interest through summer and into early autumn. Give it a sunny, south-facing spot and ensure very good drainage: sandy or gravelly soils with neutral to slightly alkaline pH are ideal. Soil moisture should be on the dry to medium side; avoid positions where water sits around the roots. Plants will tolerate a range of exposures from sheltered courtyards to more open sites. As H5 on the UK hardiness scale, it is classed as hardy and can be left outdoors through normal winter conditions. Use Sedum 'Autumn Joy' in mixed herbaceous borders, rock gardens, as low ground cover or in containers where drainage can be controlled. Its long flowering period from June to September makes it useful for extending the season of blooms in sunny, well-drained parts of the garden.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Sedum

Sunlight: Full sun
Soil type: Well-drained, sandy or gravelly soil
Soil pH: Neutral to slightly alkaline
Soil moisture: Dry to medium
Aspect: South-facing
Exposure: Sheltered to exposed
UK hardiness: H5

Plant details

Sedum 'Autumn Joy' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Habit: Matforming
Foliage: Evergreen
Suggested uses: Borders, rock gardens, ground cover, container planting

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Sedum 'Autumn Joy'

Cultivation: Easy to grow; drought tolerant once established; avoid waterlogged soil
Pruning: Cut back old flower stems in late winter or early spring
Propagation: Division, cuttings, seed
Pest resistance: Slugs, Snails, Vine weevil grubs, Scale insects, Mealybugs
Disease resistance: Fungal and bacterial crown and root rots

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Sedum 'Autumn Joy'?

Easy to grow; drought tolerant once established; avoid waterlogged soil.

Where is the best place to plant Sedum 'Autumn Joy'?

Sedum 'Autumn Joy' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered to exposed positions.

What soil does Sedum 'Autumn Joy' need?

Sedum 'Autumn Joy' grows best in well-drained and sandy or gravelly soil soil. It prefers neutral to slightly alkaline soil. Aim for soil that stays dry to medium.

How do I prune Sedum 'Autumn Joy'?

Cut back old flower stems in late winter or early spring.

Is Sedum 'Autumn Joy' hardy in the UK?

Sedum 'Autumn Joy' has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.

How do I propagate Sedum 'Autumn Joy'?

Division, cuttings, seed.

More in the Sedum genus

Browse all Sedum →