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Key characteristics

Family: Crassulaceae
Height: 18–24 inches
Width: 18–24 inches
Flower color: Clusters of star-shaped flowers that start pale pink and gradually darken to deep rose-red, eventually turning coppery-brown as they age
Foliage color: Fleshy gray-green leaves with coarsely toothed margins
Bloom time: Late summer to fall
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Water: Drought-tolerant
Maintenance: Low; leave seed heads for birds to eat in winter
Growing zone: USDA zones 3–9
Wildlife: Attracts butterflies and birds

Perennials

Hylotelephium spectabile 'Autumn Joy'

Autumn Joy Sedum

Hylotelephium spectabile 'Autumn Joy' is a versatile perennial known for its succulent, gray-green leaves and dense, flat-topped clusters of flowers. These bloom from late summer into fall, initially appearing as soft pink buds, then deepening to mauve and rich reddish hues as the season progresses. Native to North America, it thrives in a variety of garden settings, from borders to rock gardens.

What makes 'Autumn Joy' unique is its color transformation, which extends the plant's visual interest into the fall months.

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Water

Drought-tolerant

Bloom time

Late summer to fall

Find this plant

Works well in

Borders
Cottage Gardens
Pollinator Gardens
Bird Gardens
Waterwise Gardens

Companion plants

Ferns · Astilbes · Foxgloves · Bergenias · Columbines · Lungworts

Design tip

Late flowers extend the season, so set it behind or beside plants that finish in midsummer. Because it is easy about light, use it to carry a planting from a sunny end of the bed into the shadier side.

Printable plant sheet (PDF)