Sedum 'Autumn Joy' syn 'Herbstfreude'

Description: Well known easy to grow herbaceous perennial which looks good throughout much of the year.  Early rosettes of fleshy green leaves then large heads of green buds develop. in late summer these turn into long lasting rich pink flower heads which are loved by bees and butterflies. Finally brown seed heads remain of interest throughout autumn and winter.

Uses: Good in any sunny borders whether herbaceous or mixed.  Also good with late flowering perennials and grasses.  Suitable for a dry garden as no watering required.

Climate/Position: Full sun, drought resistant.

Height/Spread: 60 cm x 45 cm.

Soil Requirements: Well drained soil.

Pruning: Leave dead heads on until spring before removal then cut to ground level.  Try the Chelsea chop! End of May (ie the week of Chelsea Flower Show) reduce the stems by half. this will encourage shorter more sturdy stems and more prolific flowers

Special Requirements: Best if clump divided and replanted after several years to refresh as the center of the plant will become depleted and stems long and more likely to collapse.

Additional Interest: A hybrid of the species S. spectable x H. telephium raised in Germany and so correctly known as Sedum (Herbstfreude Group) 'Herbstfreude' ie translates from German into the English name of Autumn Joy.