Sedum 'Autumn Joy': Year-Round Garden Interest

Zones: 1-24, 29-43. Exposure: Full sun or partial shade. Water: Moderate to little.

A deservedly popular plant for year-round interest. Fresh green foliage emerges in spring. Dense, dome-shaped, 6-inch clusters of pale pink flowers appear in late summer, turning coppery pink, then rosy rust in autumn. Spent heads can stay for winter decoration and be cut back when new growth appears in spring.

Upright to slightly spreading stems reach 1½ feet tall with 3-inch, roundish, pale blue-green leaves. Best in full sun and dry soil, but tolerates partial shade and some extra water. Clumps spread to 2 feet; divide every 2–3 years to prevent center stalks from dying out.