Autumn Joy Sedum

Sedum 'Herbstfreude'

Nature Hills Nursery

Blooms Transform from Pink to Burgundy Red Throughout Fall for Extended Garden Color
Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 3-9
Grows 1-2 ft Tall and Wide
Drought Tolerant, Heat Tolerant
Great Choice for Border or Small groups

$16⁹⁹

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Plant Size

Quart Container #1 Container

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Plant your Autumn Joy Sedum where it will receive at least 6 hours of full, direct sun daily. While it can survive in partial shade, too little sun causes the stems to become leggy and flop over, and the flower heads won't be as vibrant or dense.
Soil: These plants thrive in poor to average, well-draining soil and actually struggle in rich, heavy mixes. If you have clay soil, amend it heavily with grit or perlite to improve drainage, as "wet feet" is the quickest way to kill this succulent-like perennial.

Watering Requirements

During the first growing season, water deeply once a week to help the root system establish, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Once established, Autumn Joy is highly drought-tolerant and rarely needs supplemental water unless you are experiencing an extended dry spell. Overwatering is more dangerous than underwatering, often leading to rot or weak, floppy stems that can't support the heavy flower heads.

Pruning Tips

This perennial blooms on new wood, so you can prune it back in late spring to control height and encourage bushier growth. Many gardeners perform the "Chelsea Chop" in late May or early June by cutting the stems back by half; this delays blooming slightly but results in shorter, sturdier plants that are less likely to split open in the center. You can leave the dried flower heads on the plant through winter for visual interest, cutting them back to the ground in early spring before new growth emerges.

Fertilizer Needs

Autumn Joy Sedum generally does not require fertilizer and often performs better without it. If your soil is extremely poor, you can apply a light layer of compost in the spring, but avoid synthetic fertilizers, especially those high in nitrogen. Excess nitrogen promotes rapid, weak growth that makes the plant flop open and become unsightly.

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Cold hardy, Low Maintenance, Flowering, Deer-resistant, Heat Tolerant, Drought resistant, Attracts pollinators, Container Friendly, Non-invasive
Hardiness Zone	3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
Sunlight	Full sun
Height	1-2 ft
Width	1-2 ft
Watering Needs	Low
Preferred Soil	Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy
Growth Rate	Fast
Growth Habit	Spreading, Upright
Blooms In	Summer, Fall
Flower Color	Red, Pink
Foliage Color	Green
Suitable Space	Outdoors
Botanical Name	Sedum 'Herbstfreude'
Species	hybrid
Cultivar	Herbstfreude
Class	Saxifragales
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

Fall is one of the best times to get outside and enjoy your garden. Experienced landscapers know how important it is to plan around the end of the growing season. After all, it's not so darn hot out, and you'll love having family and friends over for get-togethers.

One of the very best plants to use for end-of-season interest is definitely Autumn Joy Sedum (Sedum spectabile 'Autumn Joy', also known as Sedum 'Herbstfreude' and Hylotelephium 'Herbstfreude'). You'll make a big statement with this dramatic perennial.

Now, between you and I... this is one of the easiest plants in the world to grow. One of the common names for this plant is "Stonecrop". Does that give you a big hint? Don't worry, it can be our secret how completely easy this plant is.

Autumn Joy is just the right name for this great variety. It's a super hardy succulent, with substantially thick, grayish-green leaves. This plant gives you a big presence with a clean, polished look.

The plant shoots emerge from the ground in spring in a nice formal rounded clump. Leaves emerge in early summer. The shoots elongate and by early July, form flat-topped flower bud clusters on the tips of each branch. The flowers open to a light pink and continue to darken as the season progresses. By late fall, those plate-like flower heads have turned a deep, dark garnet color.

Bees and butterflies, such as the Monarch, really love this plant, too. The large, flat flowers make perfect landing pads for them to land on and feast on the nectar. They'll "fill up" at this flower buffet, then continue on their long migration. Once the flowers open, there will rarely be a time when the butterflies aren't feasting on top of those flowers...not ever! It's one of nature's great shows.

Hardy perennial Sedums like Autumn Joy, also known as Herbstfreude Sedum, thrive throughout USDA growing zones 3 to 9 and handle sun, drought, heat, and chill!

Planting and Application:

This is one of the most exciting and hardy garden perennials that you can plant in your garden. That's why Autumn Joy has become one of Nature Hills' most popular perennials!

They make fantastic plants edging a formal flower bed or very informally added to a mixed border. But what they have really become is an amazing landscape plant with a solid presence year-round! Fill out a Rock Garden or xeric landscaping area where these plants really shine, like hell strips along the road, sidewalk, and driveway!

Let it take center stage, or use it as a colorful backdrop for other, smaller plants like ground covers. Pair them with other fall-blooming plants, such as Rudbeckias, Asters, and Ornamental Grasses in a fall garden.

For a short, seasonal display, simply pop the growing container directly into your ornamental pots. This makes an easy-peasy change out from your summer look right into an Autumn themed container.

Cut flowers can last for weeks in your flower arrangements. Just cut the sturdy stems down at any stage and they will work beautifully for you. Even the deep, dark dried flower stems are fantastic in dried arrangements or for use in your fall and winter pots or décor!

Large, Dark Pink Flower Heads
Succulent Thick Gray-Green Foliage
Butterfly Magnet!
Xeriscaping & Zone 1 Firescaping Plants
Fall & Winter Interest
Large Planters, Edging, Garden Accents & Pollinators

#ProPlantTips for Care:

Sedum like Autumn Joy needs to be planted in full sun in well-drained soil. This perennial will tolerate most soil types and is very drought resistant. It actually prefers drier soil! In fact, plants that are grown in rich, moist soils may produce heavy, weaker growth that flops as the flower heads develop. If this sounds like your soil, simply plan to snip back the new growth by a few inches. Do this as soon as your stems reach about a foot tall. Don't worry, they'll soon produce new flowers on the shortened stems, but the stems will be much sturdier for you.

Be sure to leave the stems and flowers on the plant standing, even after a frost comes. In the meantime, Autumn Joy Sedum is really wonderful in winter! The seed heads turn a dark brown color and remain rigid and erect to catch and sculpt the snow all winter long. You'll love this fantastic addition to your winter garden. It's easy enough to do a quick cleanup in early spring. Just cut the dried stems down to the ground.

Sun-Loving Hardy Succulent
Thrives in Almost Any Well-Drained Soil - Poor Soil Tolerant
Regular Moisture At First - Drought Tolerant Once Established
Prune Down Early Spring
Low-Maintenance & Easy to Grow

Don't let another year go by without growing Autumn Joy Sedum for an amazing Fall Garden display. You'll adore these expertly grown perennials from Nature Hills. Order today and make your fall garden shine!

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Frequently Asked Questions

How large does Autumn Joy Sedum get at maturity?

Autumn Joy Sedum typically reaches 18-24 inches tall and wide at maturity, forming neat rounded clumps. This hardy succulent maintains its compact, formal shape throughout the growing season in zones 3-9. Space plants 18-24 inches apart for best results.

Does Autumn Joy Sedum tolerate drought well?

Autumn Joy Sedum thrives in drought conditions throughout USDA zones 3-9. This hardy succulent earned the common name "Stonecrop" for good reason - it handles sun, drought, and heat with ease. Shop at Nature Hills for this reliable, low-maintenance perennial.

Will Autumn Joy Sedum grow well in my planting zone (e.g., zone 5 or 9)?

Autumn Joy Sedum thrives in USDA zones 3-9, making it suitable for nearly all North American gardens. This hardy succulent handles extreme cold and heat with ease. Plant it in full sun with well-draining soil for best results.

Does Autumn Joy Sedum need fertilizer, and how much?

Autumn Joy Sedum rarely needs fertilizer due to its hardy, drought-tolerant nature as a succulent perennial. In fact, too much fertilizer can cause the stems to become floppy and reduce flowering. If your soil is extremely poor, apply a light dose of balanced fertilizer in early spring when shoots first emerge.

When will my Autumn Joy Sedum order ship, based on my zone?

Autumn Joy Sedum ships year-round to zones 3-9, with spring being optimal for establishment. This hardy succulent tolerates extreme temperatures and adapts quickly to new locations. Check your specific zone's shipping schedule at naturehills.com for precise timing.

Autumn Joy Sedum

Sedum 'Herbstfreude'