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Sedum 'Autumn Fire'
Autumn Fire Stonecrop
Garden hybrid; {Hylotelephium} parentage; improved sport or seedling of 'Autumn Joy'
Overview
Sedum × 'Autumn Fire' (now often classified as Hylotelephium 'Autumn Fire') is an improved version of the legendary 'Autumn Joy', growing 18–24 inches (45–60 cm) tall and wide. The primary improvement: stronger, thicker stems that resist the midsummer flopping that plagues 'Autumn Joy' — 'Autumn Fire' stands upright through rain and wind without the stem splitting that 'Autumn Joy' is notorious for. Large flat-topped flower clusters 5–6 inches (13–15 cm) across progress from green buds (July) through soft pink (August) to rose (September) to russet-red (October) to russet-brown (winter) — a five-stage color progression over 4+ months. The aging dried heads persist through winter for structural silhouette. Gray-green large succulent leaves. Same butterfly attraction, drought tolerance, and cultural needs as 'Autumn Joy'. Lean, well-drained soil in full sun is essential — rich or shaded conditions cause the flopping that the improved stems are designed to resist. Deer avoid the succulent foliage.
Native Range
Sedum × 'Autumn Fire' is a garden hybrid, an improved sport or seedling of 'Autumn Joy' with stronger stems.Suggested Uses
Used in perennial borders, butterfly gardens, and as a four-season structural plant. The improved replacement for 'Autumn Joy' — choose 'Autumn Fire' for the same look with better stem strength. Container culture (5 gallons / 19 liters).How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1'6" - 2'
Width/Spread1'6" - 2'
Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years
Colors
Bloom Information
Flower heads develop from July through October in a five-stage color progression: green buds → soft pink → rose → russet-red → russet-brown. The dried heads persist through winter. Total display approximately 8+ weeks of color change.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Soft pink aging to russet-red, in large flat-topped clustersFoliage Description
Gray-green, large, succulent, thick, roundedGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Plant in full sun. Lean, well-drained soil. Do not fertilize — lean conditions produce the sturdiest stems. Leave standing through winter. Cut to ground in early spring.Pruning
Cut all stems to ground in late February–March. Leave standing through fall and winter for the color progression and structural silhouette.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
early spring
Maintenance Level
very lowContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 5 gallons