For easy care and spectacular beauty,
try surprisingly diverse sedum.
BY JULIE DRYSDALE
n autumn, the earthy colors of the season—russets,
golds and buffs—signal that cooler temperatures
are on the way. And nothing takes the stage this
time of year like the classic perennial border sedum,
Autumn Joy.
With its garnet-hued flower heads, Autumn Joy
has become something of a sedum poster child. But
it’s by no means the only worthy example of this
broad family of plants. Many charming cousins
offer a surprising variety of flower and foliage colors
sure to capture your imagination and enhance your
garden—and not just in autumn.
Plus, most sedums are just as low-maintenance
as Autumn Joy, asking little more than a sunny spot
in well-draining soil. Because they are technically
succulents, they survive drought or neglect, thanks
to their juicy, moisture-retaining leaves and tough
root systems. And unlike their relatives, jade and
cacti, sedums are cold-hardy in much of the country.
Read on for some of the loveliest, most easy-care and
widely available choices.DISCOV ER
AU T U M N