Growing Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’ in Pots: The Complete Guide

Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’ is a popular variety of succulent that thrives when grown in containers. With its attractive foliage and late summer blooms it’s an excellent choice for potted gardens. In this complete guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about successfully growing Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’ in pots.

An Overview of Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’

Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’ is a herbaceous perennial that forms a dense mound 18-24 inches tall and wide. Its thick, fleshy leaves are bluish-green to grayish-green in color. In late summer, broccoli-like flower buds emerge, starting out pale green before turning pink, then finally deepening to a rich rusty-pink or rusty-bronze. The blooms are long-lasting, remaining attractive into fall. Once established, this sedum is drought tolerant and requires little maintenance.

One of the key benefits of growing Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’ is that it thrives in pots and containers. The plants are shallow rooted and don’t require much space for their roots to spread. Their ability to store water in their leaves also reduces their water requirements making them ideal for pot culture. Let’s look at how to grow them successfully.

Choosing the Right Pot

When selecting a container for Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’ consider the following factors:

• Drainage – Excellent drainage is crucial, so choose pots with drainage holes. Self-watering pots are not recommended.

• Size – Pick a pot that’s 2-4 inches wider than the plant’s root ball This allows some room for growth but doesn’t leave too much extra room.

• Material – Terracotta, ceramic and resin pots are good choices. Avoid non-porous materials like plastic that may trap moisture.

For a full, upright shape, use a pot that’s wider than it is tall. Shallow pots work well for smaller sedum plants or those used as groundcovers. Bowl-shaped containers also make attractive displays. Make sure any pot you select has drainage holes.

The Best Soil Mix

Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’ grows best in porous, quick-draining soil. Here are a few mixes to try:

• Equal parts potting mix, perlite, and sand. The perlite improves drainage while the sand provides weight and stability.

• Cactus potting mix. These mixes contain sand and perlite for excellent drainage.

• Commercial succulent mix. Tailored for succulents, these are often blended with sand or perlite.

• Equal parts potting mix, compost, and pumice. The compost supplies nutrients while the pumice creates air pockets for drainage.

Whichever soil you use, make sure it drains rapidly and doesn’t stay overly wet. Test drainage by watering the mix, letting it drain, then checking if the excess flows out the bottom within a few minutes.

Planting Your Sedum

Spring is the best time to plant sedum in pots. Follow these tips for successful planting:

• Lightly moisten the root ball before removing it from its nursery pot.

• Gently loosen any circled roots on the root ball perimeter.

• Place the root ball into the pot, positioning it slightly above soil level.

• Backfill around the root ball with your prepared soil mix.

• Water thoroughly until water drains from the pot’s bottom.

• Allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings for the first few weeks as your sedum establishes.

Caring for Your Potted Sedum

Caring for Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’ in pots is easy thanks to its drought-tolerant nature. Use these care tips:

• Sunlight: Provide at least 6 hours of direct sun daily. Morning sun is ideal.

• Watering: Wait until the top inch of soil is dry before watering. Water deeply, then let excess drain.

• Fertilizer: Use a balanced liquid fertilizer at half strength once a month during spring and summer.

• Pruning: Prune lightly in spring to encourage thick, upright growth if needed. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage reblooming.

• Overwintering: Keep pots outdoors until frost threatens, then bring indoors to a sunny window. Water minimally over winter.

Proper drainage is vital for healthy potted sedums. Check that excess water can flow out of the pot’s drainage holes after watering. If pools of water collect in the saucer, empty the excess promptly.

Tips for Growing Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’

Here are some additional tips to help your potted Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’ thrive:

• Plant multiples together for fuller pots with greater impact. Space plants 8-12 inches apart.

• Mix sedum with other drought-tolerant succulents like echeveria, sempervivum, and aeonium in container gardens.

• Shelter pots from excessive rain and moisture outdoors. Place under overhangs or covers.

• Consider using gravel, sand, or pebbles as a mulch topdressing to prevent soil compaction.

• Rotate pots occasionally to encourage even sunlight exposure and upright, symmetrical growth.

• Propagate new plants from leaf cuttings taken in early summer for an easy way to get more plants.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Growing sedum in pots is relatively trouble-free, but here are some potential issues and solutions:

• Leggy growth: This indicates insufficient sunlight. Move pots to a sunnier location.

• Leaf drop: Overwatering is usually the culprit. Allow soil to dry between waterings.

• Root rot: Caused by wet soil. Repot in fresh, well-draining mix. Discard any rotten roots.

• No flowers: Can result from overfertilization or insufficient sunlight. Address both factors.

• Insect pests: Aphids, mealybugs and scale may appear. Control with neem oil or insecticidal soap sprays.

Excellent Varieties for Containers

While ‘Autumn Joy’ is one of the most popular varieties, here are some other excellent sedums for growing in pots:

• Sedum spurium ‘Dragon’s Blood’ – Red foliage with pink blooms
• Sedum rupestre ‘Angelina’ – Bright yellow needle-like leaves
• Sedum tetractinum (Coral Reef Stonecrop) – Coral-red starry flowers
• Sedum makinoi ‘Ogon’ – Lime green foliage turns bronze in cold weather
• Sedum album Athoum – Tight mounds of gray-green leaves, pink flowers

With the right growing conditions and proper care, Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’ is sure to thrive in pots on your patio, balcony or entryway. Let this easy-care succulent add long-lasting color to your container garden!