Hylotelephium (Sedum) Autumn Joy ='Herbstfreude'

Common name: Ice Plant Autumn Joy

Description: This outstanding late-season perennial provides exceptional value with its long period of interest from summer through to winter. The succulent, fleshy grey-green leaves form attractive clumps that remain tidy throughout the growing season. In late summer, flat-topped flower heads emerge in pale green, gradually deepening through shades of pink to rich salmon-pink and finally to coppery-red as autumn progresses. The architectural flower heads, measuring up to 15cm across, remain attractive even after flowering, turning russet-brown and providing winter structure and interest. 'Autumn Joy' is invaluable for extending the flowering season when many other perennials have finished, and the nectar-rich blooms attract masses of butterflies and bees. The sturdy stems rarely require staking.

Other benefits: long season of interest (July to December), architectural seed heads provide winter structure, excellent cut and dried flowers, drought tolerant, deer resistant

Wildlife attraction: bees, butterflies, other pollinators; seed heads attract finches and other birds in winter

Height & spread (approx.) at 10 years: 0.6m x 0.6m

Position: best in full sun; flowers most prolifically with good light

Soil pH: adaptable to most soils; performs well in neutral to slightly alkaline conditions

Moisture: low to moderate watering requirements; very drought tolerant once established; prefers well-drained soil

Winter hardiness: fully hardy to -20°C