A favorite fall-blooming perennial, Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’ is attractive at all growing stages, offering year-round interest.

Also known as Stonecrop, its stems appear in early spring as a rosette/clump, with its attractive green succulent foliage developing beautiful flowers during late summer and fall.

Even the dried flower heads are lovely during the colder months.

The dry blossoms at top of plants are not only pretty, but they also provide food/cover for birds.

And, if they survive the winter snowstorms, they really don’t have to be trimmed back until late winter, before the new spring growth appears.

The wide flat flowerheads age in color from pink to burgundy, and sometimes even to a deep copper. They tend to be top-heavy especially when they have survived drenching rains.

For that reason, it’s good to encourage thick stem growth by selective pruning through the end of June.

Speaking of pruning, it is good to note that Sedum cuttings can be rooted directly into the garden soil (if there’s space available) without having to rely on containers.

We are told that a botanical name change is in the works, and it’s more than a bit annoying, especially to some writers and editors. But there’s nothing that they can do about it.

When writing a column or updating information, it’s always good to double- check the name. Supposedly Sedums will now be classified as Hylotelephiums.

Many believe that “Sedums” sounds so much better!