You’ve probably seen Sedum Autumn Joy in bloom and admired its cheerful, orange flowers. This succulent is an excellent choice for a sunny garden spot, with beautiful flowers that last well into fall, with thin, tiny stems that are green in color. Its oval-shaped leaves, also green, grow in whorls around the stem. This plant blooms flowers during the early fall. It reaches full maturity with a moderate growth rate and will grow up to 24 inches tall. A perfect addition to any garden, Sedum Autumn Joy also thrives as a companion plant.
Because of its hardiness, ease of care, and long bloom period, Sedum Autumn Joy is becoming a more popular choice for gardeners. But what plants grow well with Sedum Autumn Joy?
Caring for Sedum Autumn Joy
The best companion plants usually thrive in the same conditions as the plant they’re paired with. This means that for us to be able to understand what makes a great companion plant for sedum autumn joy, we need to understand the conditions this plant likes.
Sedum Autumn Joy is a type of succulent, which means it likes dry soil and full sun. It does not like wet soil, so make sure your pot has good drainage. If you live in a cold climate, be sure to plant your sedum autumn joy in a sunny spot. It has the ability to winter over, but it will die back if temperatures drop below -10 degrees Fahrenheit.
Sedum Autumn Joy Companion Plants
Now that we know a little bit more about Sedum Autumn Joy let’s take a look at some plants that make great companion plants.
Sedum Acre
One great companion plant for Sedum Autumn Joy is sedum acre. This succulent has small, star-shaped leaves and grows in mounds up to 12 inches tall. It blooms pink flowers in the late spring and early summer. Most sedum acre plants are evergreen, but some may lose their leaves in cold weather. Additionally, sedum acre is tolerant of various conditions, including drought and poor soil. Ensuring your sedum acre plant has good drainage is essential, as is providing it with plenty of sunlight.
Achillea Millefolium
Another great companion plant for Sedum Autumn Joy is Achillea millefolium or yarrow. This perennial herb has feathery leaves and grows up to 36 inches tall. It blooms white and typically lasts from late spring to early summer. Its characteristics make it a great pollinator plant. Achillea millefolium loves the sun and does well in dry soil.
Purple Coneflower
Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) is a hardy perennial that grows in USDA zones 3-10, thrives in full sun, and requires little water. It has beautiful purple flowers that bloom from early summer to late fall, attracting beneficial pollinators like butterflies and bees to your garden. The leaves and stems of purple coneflower are also hairy, which helps to repel pests. One of the most common problems with Sedum Autumn Joy is aphids, so adding a few purple coneflowers to your garden can help control this pest. Additionally, purple coneflower is known for its medicinal properties and has been used for centuries to treat a variety of ailments.
New England Aster
This plant blooms in late summer and early fall, providing a burst of color to your garden amid the autumn colors. It has showy purple flowers and grows up to 5 feet tall. The majority of new England aster plants are perennial, but some may die back in cold weather. This plant loves the sun and does well in moist soil. New England aster is also a great pollinator plant.
Lavender
Everybody loves lavender! This perennial shrub has fragrant purple flowers that bloom in the summer. While it may not be a succulent type, just like the other plants mentioned above, lavender shares some of the same characteristics as sedum autumn joy, such as its love of dry soil and full sun. Additionally, lavender is known for its relaxing properties and has been used for centuries in aromatherapy and other medicinal treatments.
Planting lavender near your sedum autumn joy can help to attract pollinators and add a touch of color and fragrance to your garden in the summer. Take note, however, that lavender plants don’t like to be overcrowded, so give them plenty of room to grow.
Is Sedum Autumn Joy the Right Plant for You?
Now that you know a little bit more about Sedum Autumn Joy and some of its companion plants, you can decide if this succulent is the right plant for your garden. With its easy care requirements and a long period of bloom, it’s an excellent choice for anyone looking for a low-maintenance perennial. You don’t have to have a green thumb to keep Sedum Autumn Joy looking beautiful all season long!