The stonecrops (Hylotelephium herbstfreude)like ‘Autumn Joy’ originated from China and Korea.
It stores water inside thick, light green leaves during the growing season.
This plant isdrought-tolerantand seldom needs watering.
It also has few pests other than occasional deer, solved by applying deer repellent.
Plant ‘Autumn Joy’ after the last spring frost, before temperatures get hot.
Flattened clusters of tiny, light pink flowers appear in late summer.
Stonecrop attracts bees as well.
Plant Attributes
‘Autumn Joy’ Stonecrop Care
This plant is easy to grow.
Just give it well-drained soil and full sun or light afternoon shade.
The plants will grow weak and floppy in too much shade or rich soil.
Skip thefertilizersand add a little compost if needed.
Options include salvia, black-eyed Susan, Russian sage, goldenrod, and asters.
Or grow this clumping plant in a rock garden with prairie flowers, fall-blooming grasses, and othersucculents.
If your area has cold winters, the foliage will die back each winter and reappear in the spring.
Cut stems last a long time in water and also dry well.
Or you might leave the dried seed heads in the garden for songbirds and for winter interest.
Light
‘Autumn Joy’ is a drought-tolerant perennial that thrives infull sunlightneeding at least six hours daily.
Soil conditions can vary from clay to sandy and gravelly as long as it has good drainage.
‘Autumn Joy’ grows in rock gardens and prefers not to be constantly wet.
Water
As a drought-tolerant succulent, ‘Autumn Joy’ requiresinfrequent wateringin most climates.
Stonecrops need light watering every one to two weeks during the summer unless they grow in arid climates.
Increase watering in dry climates.
ensure to grow in an area with excellent drainage and only water after completely drained.
Wet roots lead to rot.
Humidity levels only impact plants in areas that retain too much moisture.
Grow in well-draining, rocky environments in regions with high humidity.
Fertilizer
‘Autumn Joy’ does not requirefertilizerunless growing in soil that needs amending.
Keep plants in shape by removing damaged or diseased branches and stems.
Depending on your preferences, prune or leave flower buds on top of the stems from summer through winter.
The flower buds will change from chartreuse to pink and fade to bronze or chestnut brown.
Divide plants after blooming in the fall or before new shoots emerge in the spring.
Despite being relatively drought-resistant once established, new plants need more frequent watering during the first year.
Use existing plants to propagate new plants.
The plants tolerate heat and store water in their leaves for long periods of time.
They dont require much care as long as they have well-drained soil and get full sun.
They prefer dry conditions over wet.
Plant in spring after the last frost.
Use a pot that is 1 or 2 inches wider than the size of the plant with drainage holes.
A porous pot, such as terracotta or ceramic, will help with drainage.
Add well-draining soil mixed with slow-release fertilizer.
They can be brought indoors before the first frost.
Overwintering
‘Autumn Joy’ Stonecrops do not require a lot of winter care.
If growing in containers, keep plants guarded against strong winds and water more frequently.
Pruning is optional during this time, but reduce water unless the soil is extremely dry.
Too much water will cause root rot.
Most pests are present because of a watering imbalance causing rot from poorly drained soils.
As they eat the foliage, rabbits, deer, and birds might be an issue.
Maintaining well-draining soil and plenty of sun exposure helps prevent these diseases.
Growing in nutrient-rich soil and using too much fertilizer can also encourage conditions to form.
Partial shade,too much fertilizer, and wet soil will prevent flowers from blooming.
Adjust your plant care to achieve better flowering results.
Removing spent flowers will encourage new blooms.
This fungus spreads through the soil, so infected areas need removal.
Foliage might have reddish or brown bumps near the plant’s base.
Leaves Turning Yellow
Leaves that have yellow spots might indicate an aphid infestation.
Aphids leave sap along the foliage as they eat it, creating tiny holes throughout the plant.
These pests remove the nutrients and damage the plant tissue by injecting toxins into the leaves.
Most aphid issues resolve by spraying the plants with soap and water, but insecticidal soap is sometimes necessary.
Deer and rabbits tend to avoid it but can sometimes be visitors.
Grow Autumn Joy in containers,flower beds, rock gardens, and mass plantings or as borders.
Though this plant dies back in winter, it will survive cold temperatures and regrow in spring.
Autumn Joy plants can live for several years.
