Sedum telephium 'Autumn Fire'
Best low-maintenance perennial for gardeners seeking reliable, drought-tolerant seasonal color.
The Sedum telephium 'Autumn Fire', also known as Tall Stonecrop 'Autumn Fire', is an improved cultivar offering robust, sturdier growth and denser foliage compared to 'Autumn Joy'. It boasts bigger, bolder rosy-pink flowers that bloom from mid-summer to mid-fall, extending the season of interest. This long-lived perennial thrives in full sun to part shade and tolerates a variety of soil types, including clay, sandy, rocky, and shallow soils, provided they are well-drained. It requires average moisture to medium-dry conditions and is known for its drought tolerance and low maintenance needs.
$8.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
864
/ 3268
#864 in Landscaping & Garden Plants
Price vs Category Average
-67%
Below average
Height
2430
/ - inches
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking vibrant color during the late-season lull
- Busy homeowners needing low-maintenance, water-wise landscaping solutions
- Eco-conscious gardeners looking to support local bee and butterfly populations
Who should skip it
- Gardeners with nutrient-rich soil or limited sun exposure
- Impatient gardeners wanting immediate, full-sized landscape impact
- Gardeners managing areas with heavy, poorly draining soil
Performance breakdown
Structural Integrity
Sturdier growth habit eliminates the common flopping issues of older cultivars.
Drought Resilience
Thrives in dry conditions with minimal supplemental watering once established.
Pollinator Appeal
Rosy-pink blooms act as a reliable magnet for local butterflies.
Maintenance Ease
A low-effort perennial that demands very little from the gardener.
Pest Resistance
Naturally discourages deer and rabbits from grazing on the foliage.
Seasonal Longevity
Extended flowering window provides consistent color from mid-summer through fall.
Key Specs
Height
24-30 inches
Spread
18-24 inches
Hardiness Zones
3-9
Soil
Average garden soil, drier clay, sandy, rocky or shallow soil
Sun Exposure
Sun, half shade
Water Needs
Average moisture to medium-dry soil
Pot Size
Square 3.5" x 4" deep perennial pot
Features
- Improved cultivar with sturdier, denser growth and no flopping
- Larger, bolder rosy-pink flowers
- Extended flowering season from mid-summer to mid-fall
- Attracts butterflies and bees
- Tolerant of black walnut trees
- Drought tolerant and low maintenance
- Resistant to deer and rabbits
What customers say
Customers consistently praise Sedum 'Autumn Fire' for its remarkable ease of care and stunning visual impact. Gardeners frequently highlight its robust nature, thriving with minimal effort and proving highly reliable year after year. The plant's vibrant autumn color is a particular standout, often described as a spectacular display that truly enhances garden aesthetics. Many appreciate its ability to attract pollinators, adding further value. This sedum is celebrated as a dependable, beautiful choice for both novice and experienced gardeners seeking a low maintenance yet high impact perennial.
Know before you buy
The 'Autumn Fire' is an improved cultivar specifically bred for sturdier, more upright growth. It features denser foliage and larger, more vibrant rosy-pink flower heads that are less prone to flopping over as the season progresses.
Yes, 'Autumn Fire' is highly adaptable and thrives in a variety of challenging soil types, including sandy, rocky, and clay soils. The primary requirement is that the soil must be well-drained to prevent root rot.
It is a very low-maintenance perennial. Once established, it is drought-tolerant and only requires average moisture, making it an excellent choice for hands-off gardening.
While no plant is 100% immune to hungry wildlife, 'Autumn Fire' is widely considered resistant to deer and rabbits. Its succulent, fleshy leaves are generally not a preferred food source for them.
Yes, this cultivar is tolerant of black walnut trees. It is a great option for gardeners struggling to find plants that can withstand the juglone produced by these trees.
You can expect an extended season of interest, as the flowers bloom from mid-summer through mid-fall. The flower heads often remain attractive even as they fade into a deep, rusty bronze color late in the season.
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