Sedum Autumn Joy
Sedum Autumn Joy, also known as Stonecrop and Hylotelephium telephium Herbstfreude, is a popular perennial succulent that brings year-round interest to the garden. This hardy plant features fleshy, blue-green leaves and large, flat-topped clusters of tiny star-shaped flowers. The flowers start as pale pink in late summer, gradually darkening to a rich, deep rosy-red through autumn and eventually turning a coppery-bronze as they age, providing a dynamic display of color changes.
Ideal for mixed borders, rock gardens, and as a ground cover, Sedum Autumn Joy thrives in gardens designed with a cottage, contemporary, or naturalistic style. It is also excellent for container planting, making it a versatile choice for patios and balconies. This sedum prefers full sun and well-draining soil, showing excellent drought tolerance once established. It attracts pollinators, including bees and butterflies, adding ecological value to your garden.
For optimal growth, plant Sedum Autumn Joy in a sunny location with well-draining soil. Regular watering during dry periods will help maintain its health, but it can handle dry spells thanks to its succulent nature. Minimal maintenance is required; simply remove spent flower heads to tidy the plant and promote new growth. Sedum Autumn Joy also benefits from division every few years to maintain its vigor and spread. This sedum typically matures to a height and spread of about 45 to 60 cm, forming a dense, upright clump.
Trimming: Cut back Sedum Autumn Joy in early spring to remove old flower stalks and encourage new growth. Trim spent flowers in late autumn to maintain a tidy appearance.
Fertilising: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertiliser in spring. Avoid over-fertilising, as this can lead to weak, floppy stems.
Watering: Water regularly during the establishment phase and in extremely dry periods. Sedum Autumn Joy is drought-tolerant once established but benefits from occasional deep watering.
Pest Control: Monitor for aphids, which can be removed with a strong jet of water or treated with insecticidal soap. Keep an eye out for slugs and snails, especially in damp conditions.
Disease Management: Watch for powdery mildew, a common issue in humid conditions. Ensure good air circulation around the plants and treat affected areas with a fungicide if necessary. Regularly inspect for root rot, especially in poorly drained soils, and improve drainage if this becomes a problem.
Enjoy complimentary delivery anywhere in mainland New Zealand when you purchase plants worth $250 or more*.
For orders below $250, the following flat-rate delivery charges are applicable:
- Urban delivery within mainland New Zealand: $19.95
- Rural delivery within mainland New Zealand: $39.95
- Waiheke, Chatham and Great Barrier Islands: Please contact us for shipping options.
We aim to have all orders shipped within 14 days from the order date, unless a different shipping date is specified alongside a product.
