Perennial of the week series: In the Spotlight, Autumn Joy Sedum. #Gardening #Autumnjoysedum

Welcome back to the Perennial of the Week series. Today, we are talking about a true garden workhorse, the Autumn Joy Sedum. If you're a beginner gardener, or just someone who's tired of a heap of plants that die the moment you stop looking at them, then this one is for you. It's one of those plants you can plant and forget. Let's take a look at the resume for this plant, because it's quite impressive. It's hardy in zones three through nine. It's a tiny two feet tall and two feet wide, it's a vigorous grower that reaches a mature size in just two to three years, and the best part is it's drought tolerant, pest resistant, and it's a diverse pollinator magnet. So how do you keep it happy? It's actually harder to keep it unhappy. Autumn Joy Sedum loves full sun, and when it comes to soil, don't overthink it. It actually prefers poor soil conditions. You don't need to fertilize, and in fact, too much rich soil or fertilizer can make it leggy and floppy. When it's newly planted, give it consistent moisture to establish those roots. But once it's established, it's highly drought tolerant. Only give it a drink during those long, dry summer spells. Just make sure the soil dries out completely between waterings to prevent root rot. Autumn Joy earns its name in the late season. It starts blooming in mid-summer with green, broccoli-like heads, which turn pink and then deepen into a beautiful copper red by late fall. This plant is deciduous, meaning the foliage will die back in the winter, but don't cut it down just yet. The dried burgundy flower heads stay standing all winter long. They provide amazing structural interest in a snowy garden and even offer a little snack for the birds. If you live in zone seven or higher, just wait until late winter to cut it back to make room for spring growth. Here is why this plant is a budget-friendly favorite. Once you buy one, you basically have an infinite supply. They are incredibly easy to divide and propagate. And if you're wondering what to plant next to your sedum for a stunning look, try one of these drought-tolerant favorites. Tone Flowers, Black-Eyed Susan, Salvia, or Lamb's Ear for color and texture contrast, and Ornamental Grasses to really glean into that late season movement. So overall, I am giving this one a 10 out of 10. It's hearty, it's beautiful, and it asks for almost nothing in return. If you're looking for other varieties, there are a ton of sedums out there, from ground covers to dark purple foliage. So check those out to see which fits your style best. If you've enjoyed this spotlight, make sure to subscribe for a new perennial recommendation every week. Thanks for watching, and I'll see you for next week's pick.