Hylotelephium telephium Autumn Joy
Best hardy perennial for reliable late season garden color.
Hylotelephium telephium 'Autumn Joy', commonly known as Stonecrop, is a highlight of the late-season garden. This perennial features thick, succulent blue-green leaves and clusters of flowers that change color from rosy pink to rust and finally to rich brown over several weeks, beginning in August. Its blooms are long-lasting in vases and superb when dried. 'Autumn Joy' is a drought-tolerant, low-maintenance plant that thrives in full sun to part shade and well-drained soil. It is also deer-resistant and attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies, making it a valuable addition to any garden border, mass planting, or container.
$15.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
1787
/ 3268
#1787 in Landscaping & Garden Plants
Price vs Category Average
-46%
Below average
Common Name
Stonecrop
/ Stonecrop
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking continuous visual appeal into the cooler months
- Busy individuals or new gardeners desiring a resilient, low-maintenance plant
- Eco-conscious gardeners wanting to support local wildlife and biodiversity
Who should skip it
- Gardeners in areas with heavy rainfall or very fertile soil
- Impatient gardeners expecting immediate, robust garden impact
- Enthusiasts seeking rare or highly unusual plant specimens for their collection
Performance breakdown
Drought Tolerance
Thrives in dry conditions with minimal supplemental watering required.
Pollinator Appeal
Reliably draws bees and butterflies to the late-season garden.
Maintenance Ease
A low-effort perennial that demands very little from the gardener.
Seasonal Longevity
Provides extended visual interest from late summer through winter.
Pest Resistance
Robust foliage effectively deters hungry deer from grazing.
Floral Versatility
Blooms transition beautifully from fresh arrangements to dried displays.
Key Specs
Common Name
Stonecrop
Hardiness Zone
3-8S/10W
Exposure
Sun
Blooms In
Aug-Oct
Mature Height
18-24"
Spacing
18-24"
Ships as
BAREROOT
Features
- Long-lasting blooms with color transition
- Drought tolerant and low maintenance
- Attracts bees and butterflies
- Deer resistant foliage and flowers
- Succulent foliage provides unique texture
- Excellent for dried flower arrangements
- Provides winter interest when left standing
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the exceptional quality and reliability of this plant. Reviewers frequently highlight its robust health upon arrival and its impressive ability to thrive, even in challenging conditions. Many appreciate its consistent autumn bloom, providing vibrant color when other garden plants fade. The plant's hardiness and low maintenance nature contribute significantly to its perceived value, making it a dependable choice for adding lasting beauty to any garden space.
Know before you buy
Plant your bareroot specimen in well-drained soil as soon as possible after arrival. Ensure the crown is level with the soil surface and water it thoroughly to help the roots establish in their new location.
Yes, the flower heads undergo a beautiful transformation. They begin as a soft rosy pink in late summer, gradually deepening into a rich rust-red, and finally maturing into a deep, earthy brown by late autumn.
While no plant is completely deer-proof, 'Autumn Joy' is widely considered deer-resistant. Its succulent, slightly bitter foliage is generally unappealing to deer, making it a reliable choice for gardens in areas with high wildlife pressure.
You can leave the dried flower heads standing through the winter to provide structural interest and food for birds. If you prefer a tidier look, you can cut the stems back to the ground in late winter or early spring before new growth appears.
Absolutely. Because of its drought tolerance and compact size, 'Autumn Joy' performs very well in containers. Just ensure the pot has excellent drainage to prevent the succulent roots from sitting in water.
For the best performance and sturdiest stems, plant it in a location that receives full sun. While it can tolerate partial shade, too little light may cause the stems to become leggy or flop over.
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$15