Autumn Joy is a clump-forming perennial that features masses of tiny, star-like flowers which emerge pink, gradually change to deep rose-red and then coppery-rust in autumn as they die. Flowers appear in large, 3-6" across, flattened heads (cymes) atop stems of grayish-green, fleshy, rounded, succulent-like leaves growing in upright to slightly spreading clumps, typically to 2' tall. Commonly called stonecrop in reference to the frequent sighting of the genus in the wild growing on rocks or stony ledges.Â
How to grow
Easily grown in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils in full sun. Thrives in sandy to gravelly soils of moderate to low fertility. Tolerates some light part shade in hot summer climates, but will produce weak floppy growth when grown in too much shade or in overly rich soils. Needs good soil drainage to perform well. Drought tolerant. Propagate by divisions in spring or stem cuttings in summer. Detached leaves can be rooted in soil to form new plants. Plants may be cut back in late spring to control height.