Autumn Joy Stonecrop Hylotelephium (Herbstfreude Group) 'Lajos' (v)
ABOUT
Hylotelephium 'Herbstfreude', also commonly known as Autumn Joy stonecrop, is a robust, clumping perennial plant that boasts fleshy, succulent leaves. The foliage typically has a blue-green to gray-green hue and is arranged in whorls around thick, upright stems. The leaves are oblong to spoon-shaped, and the texture can be described as somewhat waxy with a slightly leathery feel. As the common name suggests, Autumn Joy stonecrop is renowned for its late-season blooms. The flowers emerge in dense, flat-topped clusters at the tips of the stems. These flower heads start as a light pink and gradually deepen to a rich coppery-red hue as they mature through the season. The flowers are small and star-shaped, tightly packed together to form an almost cauliflower-like appearance when in full bloom. Autumn Joy stonecrop is notable for its ability to bring vibrant color to the garden at a time when many other plants have finished flowering. It also provides a stark contrast to the softer textures and shapes commonly found in the garden with its rigid, upright structure and fleshy leaves. Additionally, the plant is valued for its attractiveness to pollinators such as bees and butterflies, who are drawn to its nectar-rich flowers.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Crassulaceae
Synonyms
Autumn Joy Stonecrop, Autumn Charm Stonecrop
Common names
Sedum spectabile 'Lajos', Sedum telephium 'Lajos', Hylotelephium spectabile (Boreau) H. Ohba 'Lajos'.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant known as Autumn Joy Stonecrop is generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, ingestion of any part of the plant is not advisable and may cause minor gastrointestinal upset in some individuals due to the plant's natural compounds. If large quantities are ingested, one might experience symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. In case of such symptoms following ingestion, it is recommended to consult a medical professional.
To pets
Autumn Joy Stonecrop is generally recognized as safe for pets and is not known to be toxic to cats or dogs. However, as with any non-food plant, ingestion of the leaves or stems could potentially cause mild gastrointestinal irritation, resulting in symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea in some animals. If a pet shows signs of distress after consuming parts of the plant, it is advisable to contact a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Succulent
Hardiness zones
3-9
Native area
Hybrid
Benefits
General Benefits- Low Maintenance: Autumn Joy stonecrop requires minimal care once established, making it a great option for busy gardeners or those looking for low-maintenance landscapes.
- Drought Tolerance: This plant is highly drought-tolerant, ideal for xeriscaping or regions with limited rainfall.
- Attracts Pollinators: Flowers of the Autumn Joy stonecrop attract butterflies, bees, and other beneficial pollinators, enhancing biodiversity.
- Year-Round Interest: With succulent foliage and long-lasting blooms that change color through the seasons, it provides visual interest throughout the year.
- Easy to Propagate: The plant can be easily propagated from cuttings or division, allowing gardeners to expand their plantings without additional cost.
- Soil Adaptability: It can thrive in a variety of soil types, even in poor or rocky soils.
- Pest Resistance: Resistant to most pests, reducing the need for chemical treatments and maintenance.
- Color Variety: The blossoms offer a range of colors from pinks to rusty reds, contributing to the color scheme of the garden.
- Hardiness: It is winter hardy and can endure cold temperatures, making it suitable for gardens in cooler climates.
- Edging and Borders: The clump-forming habit makes it excellent for use in edging and border planting in garden designs.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Crafting decorative wreaths: The dried flower heads of Autumn Joy Sedum can be used to create ornate and natural-looking wreaths for home decor, bringing a rustic charm to your living space.
- Natural dye: The leaves and stems of Autumn Joy Sedum may be boiled to extract a subtle dye for coloring textiles or art projects, providing a unique shade of green or brown.
- Photography: With its vibrant colors and intricate flower clusters, Autumn Joy Sedum can serve as an excellent subject for botanical photography, enhancing portfolios and galleries.
- Education: Autumn Joy Sedum can be included in educational kits for children to teach them about plant life cycles and pollination, as it is an attractive flower to many bees and butterflies.
- Model landscaping: Miniature garden enthusiasts can use Autumn Joy Sedum to fashion realistic landscapes in model train sets or architectural displays due to its small scale and durability.
- Green roofs: Due to its hardiness and drought resistance, Autumn Joy Sedum can be used as a low-maintenance plant for green roof projects, contributing to insulation and biodiversity.
- Garden borders: Autumn Joy Sedum can help create clear and beautiful natural borders in gardens that can withstand foot traffic and serve as a decorative edge.
- Pressing and framing: The leaves and flowers of Autumn Joy Sedum can be pressed and framed as a botanical artwork, preserving the beauty of the plant for indoor display.
- Floral arrangements: Fresh or dried, the stems of Autumn Joy Sedum can add texture and interest to floral arrangements, creating an unexpected and long-lasting element.
- Seed collection: Autumn Joy Sedum seeds can be harvested and used for seed swaps or as a gift for gardening enthusiasts looking to diversify their plant collection.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Sedum 'Autumn Joy' is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Sedum 'Autumn Joy' is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Perseverance: This plant, commonly known as Autumn Joy Stonecrop, has succulent leaves that enable it to withstand drought and poor soil, symbolizing resilience and the ability to endure tough conditions.
- Tranquility: With its soft, fleshy foliage and rounded flower heads that bloom from summer to fall, the Autumn Joy Stonecrop is often seen as a symbol for peace and calmness in the garden.
- Abundance: The plentiful star-shaped flowers that cover the Autumn Joy Stonecrop represent an abundance of blessings and prosperity.
- New Beginnings: Since the plant often blooms as the seasons change from summer to autumn, it is associated with the start of a new cycle or phase in life.
- Adaptability: Autumn Joy Stonecrop's ability to thrive in a variety of growing conditions makes it a symbol for versatility and the capacity to adapt to changing environments.
WaterAutumn Joy sedum requires moderate watering, especially during active growth in the spring and summertime. It is a drought-tolerant plant, so be careful not to overwater. The soil should be allowed to dry out between waterings. Generally, watering once weekly with about one gallon of water per plant is sufficient, but this can vary depending on environmental conditions. During hot, dry periods, you may need to water more frequently, while in cooler, rainy weather, you can water less often.
LightAutumn Joy sedum thrives in full sun, where it receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. It can tolerate partial shade, but flowering and overall health are maximized with greater sun exposure. The best spot for this plant would be a south-facing garden bed or a sunny border where it can bask in the sun's rays throughout the day.
TemperatureAutumn Joy sedum performs well in a wide range of temperatures. It's cold hardy and can survive winters with minimal temperatures down to about -30 degrees Fahrenheit, while in the summer, it can tolerate heat well above 90 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal growing temperature for Autumn Joy sedum is between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit during the day.
PruningAutumn Joy sedum should be pruned to remove spent flowers and maintain its shape. Pruning is best done in late fall or early spring. If pruning in spring, it's often recommended to wait until new growth begins to appear so you can easily see which parts are dead and need to be removed. Prune back by about one third to encourage a bushier habit and more blooms.
CleaningAs needed
SoilAutumn Joy Sedum thrives in well-draining, sandy or gravelly soil with a pH range of about 6.0 to 7.5. A mix of two-thirds coarse sand or perlite and one-third peat or compost is ideal, ensuring good aeration and moisture retention while preventing waterlogged conditions.
RepottingAutumn Joy Sedum does not need frequent repotting; it can be done every 2-3 years or when the plant outgrows its container. Spring is the best time to repot these succulents, providing a fresh growing medium to support their growth.
Humidity & MistingAutumn Joy Sedum prefers a drier climate and is quite tolerant of low humidity levels. It does well in average room humidity, making it suitable for typical home environments without the need for additional humidity.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light, minimal water, well-draining soil.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-draining soil, hardy.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleThe Autumn Joy sedum (Hylotelephium 'Herbstfreude' Autumn Joy) begins its life cycle in spring when it emerges from its winter dormancy and starts to produce new shoots and fleshy leaves. As the plant matures through late spring and early summer, it continues to grow, forming a clump of sturdy stems and succulent leaves. By mid to late summer, flower buds develop at the ends of the stems, which turn into large, flat-topped clusters of tiny star-shaped pink flowers that attract pollinators. Heading into autumn, the blooms deepen to a rich bronze then to a coppery-red, providing a long-lasting display of color into late fall. After flowering, the plant's leaves and stems die back with the onset of winter, but the root system remains alive underground. The following spring, the cycle begins anew as the plant regenerates from the rootstock, continuing this perennial cycle year after year.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
The Autumn Joy sedum, known scientifically as Hylotelephium 'Herbstfreude' (Autumn Joy) 'Lajos' (v), is typically propagated by cuttings. The ideal time to take cuttings for propagation is in the late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. To propagate by cuttings, one should select a healthy stem and cut a piece that is about 2-4 inches long (5-10 cm). The lower leaves of the cutting should be removed, and the cut end can be dipped in rooting hormone powder to encourage root growth. The prepared cutting is then placed in a well-draining potting mix, ensuring that at least one set of leaves is above the surface. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged, and the cutting should be placed in indirect sunlight. Roots typically develop within a few weeks, after which the new plants can be transferred to their final location.
