Hylotelephium (Herbstfreude Group) 'Herbstfreude'
stonecrop ( syn. Sedum Autumn Joy )
This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.
- Position: full sun
- Soil: moderately fertile, well-drained, neutral to slightly alkaline soil
- Rate of growth: average to fast-growing
- Flowering period: August to September
- Hardiness: fully hardy
Flat-topped flowerheads, which can grow up to 20cm across, are made up of greenish white buds that open to pale pink, star-shaped flowers. These quickly turn rich pink and later fade to brown as they mature in late summer and autumn. - Garden care: The flowerheads look great left during the winter to add shape and texture to your border. In February and March cut back the old flowerheads and apply a generous 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted garden compost or manure around the base of the plant. Once established, sedums can have a tendency to flop leaving an open and unsightly centre, especially in fertile soil. One technique to help prevent this is the 'Chelsea chop'. During the last week of May (Chelsea Flower Show week), cut one in every three stems back to the ground. This will produce plants that are less lush and flower slightly later.