WSU Clark County Extension
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Autumn Joy Stonecrop

Scientific name: Sedum spectabile
Taxonomy
Family:Crassulaceae
Type:Groundcovers Herbaceus
Native:NO
Plant Requirements
Zone:4 to 9
Sun:Full sun
Moisture:Medium
Plant Characteristics
Height:2 ft
Width:2 ft
Bloom:Fall flowers
Bloom Time:August to September
Bloom Color:Red
Additional Characteristics
Trees


Fruit

Leaves


Bark
Wildlife value

Poisonous
Description Autumn Joy stonecrop, best known of the fall flowering stonecrop cultivars, has large bouquets of dark pink flowers which appear in late summer and fall.

  Morphology:
This succulent is classified as a clump forming herbaceous perennial groundcover. During the summer it grows up to 2’ tall and as wide. The upright stems bear fleshy, succulent leaves which are are bluish-green in color, egg shaped, and toothed on the edges. Leaves are arranged both oppositely and whorled on the stems.

As the days shorten in the late summer, this sedum begins to bear flowers which give the impression of a head of silvery green broccoli. As the flowers open they have a light pink cast, but soon take on their characteristic cherry red color when the half-inch, five-petaled blossoms open. The flowering period extends for as long as 8 weeks. Flower clusters can be up to 4” to 6” across at maturity.

  Adaptation:
Showy sedum is easy to cultivate, even in poor, thin soil. It does best however in sandy, well drained soils. While it prefers full sun, it will tolerate some partial shade. While it likes regular watering, it is considered drought tolerant.

  Pests:
None reported.
For assistance, contact Dr. Charles Brun (brunc@wsu.edu), (360) 397-6060 5701
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