Sedum are staples of the garden--especially the fall garden.  There are many great species and varieties, from the tall favorite, 'Autumn Joy', to smaller, ground covering types.  All are easy to grow in full sun and well-drained soil, and all attract butterflies.

My new favorite sedums are the ones with leaves so dark that they look black from even a short distance.  Two years ago I installed 'Black Jack', which is tall, like 'Autumn Joy', but sports fleshy, dark purple stems and nearly black leaves.  The blooms are rose-pink and lovely, but it is the black foliage that really generates excitement in the garden.  'Black Jack' stands out in the sea of green and catches your eye.

'Purple Emperor' is another black-leafed sedum that is more compact than 'Black Jack' (fifteen inches tall versus twenty four inches).  Well suited to container culture, 'Purple Emporor' also has vibrant pink flowerheads that are great for drying. 

So try planting a clump of black-leafed sedum, either on their own, or mixed among the green-leafed varieties.  Either way, they add spice to the garden mix.