Autumn Joy is a fleshy leafed sedum that grows to a height of 16"-24." The Latin name is Hylotelephium 'Herbstfreude.'  When planning the fall flower garden Autumn Joy is a must for its large flower cluster heads that measure 2"-6" across. The clusters begin to appear in July as green as the foliage and resemble broccoli. By September they begin to turn pink and continue to darken up to deep burgundy as fall progresses.

The fall flower bed will benefit from the addition of Autumn Joy as the plant provides year round interest. Early spring shows the emergence of little green fleshy florets in a mound. Florets will continue to grow larger compacting the mound. By July, the flower stem will appear with nice green bud heads. These heads will begin to take on color in September as each one of the tiny buds opens into a star shaped flower. As fall progresses, the flower color intensifies.

If that isn't enough for you, the Autumn Joy provides nectar for the late season pollinators, butterflies and hummingbirds. There is a flurry of activity to draw interest to the garden. Even during winter, the flower heads will provide food for your local wild birds. Yet, the rabbits and deer will not be nibbling your Autumn Joy. 

Forego instant gratification planting and save yourself some cash. Choose smaller healthy Autumn Joy plants from your favorite nursery, home improvement warehouse, or grocery/department store. Enjoy their fast growth in your garden bed. Allow for their height. Choose a spot like the back of a border garden or the center area of a free standing bed.

Autumn Joy will not tolerate wet feet. Pick an area in full sun that has good drainage or build up an area to create good drainage. Amend soil with organic matter like compost or peat moss. Plant no deeper than it is in its pot. Water it well to promote deep root growth.

Once established in your fall garden bed, Autumn Joy happily adapts to soil conditions. As with other sedum, it is drought tolerant. An all purpose 5-5-5 fertilizer applied in the spring is recommended. Autumn Joy is carefree.

Maintenance is nothing more than removing dead stems in the spring to enjoy the emergence of the new floret growth. Every couple of years you should dig up the mound and divide it. This keeps your Autumn Joy invigorated and supplies you with new plants for your garden or to share with gardening friends and family. Autumn Joy makes a great cut flower green to burgundy to add to table centerpieces or other flower arrangements. Dry flower heads can be spray painted for holiday crafts and decor. Your fall garden bed should include Autumn Joy.