Plant Profile: Pink Bomb & Autumn Joy Sedum

I was first induced to Pink Bomb Sedum several years ago when a local gardener posted on Facebook that she was selling sedum starts for Mother’s Day. So my Mom and I got into the car for a Mother’s Day treat. At that time we had never heard of sedum let alone tried growing it. That first year was such a success we could not wait for her sale the next year.

The Pink Bomb Sedum turned out to be a nearly hassle free, drought tolerant plant. It resembles a succulent and had rewarded us with bubble gum pink, star shaped flower clusters in the fall. The plants do die back in the winter but come back beautifully in the spring.

After a few years of growing the Pink Bomb Sedum I noticed that Lowes started carrying Autumn Joy Sedum. Of course I had to purchase it and give it a try. I was pleasantly surprised that Autumn Joy was very similar to Pink Bomb. The main difference between the two is that their leaf shape is slightly different and their flower color is different. Pink Bomb is a very bright pink while Autumn Joy is more of a bronze or rust color. I mixed a pot with both and last fall the two colors were stunning together.

Plant Characteristics:

Here are a few things that I have learned after growing sedum for approximately 7 years. Sedum is a stonecrop. What are stonecrops you might ask? Stonecrops are a group of succulents that have fleshy leaves with star shaped flower clusters that grow among rocks and walls. The stonecrops that typically grow among rock and walls are the creeping varieties, Autumn Joy and Pink Bomb are upright varieties. They are an attractive rounded plant that will grow between 1-3 feet in height and width.

Since stonecrops grow so well among rocks and walls, this makes them a very hardy drought-tolerant plant that handles poor soil. They prefer well-draining soil and like to dry out between watering. They can be prone to root rot if over-watered, so just make sure your soil is not overly wet.

Sedum grows well in part shade, full sun and even full shade. I have some of mine in full afternoon sun and they continue to thrive in the 100 plus degree weather. In the extreme heat some of their leaves have burned around the edges a little but that has not affected the health of the plant or their ability to bloom in the fall.

They grow well in pots and in the ground making them extremely dependable and adaptable. I love that they are not fussy and stay green all through the hot, dry summer and produce beautiful large flower clusters in the fall. These flower clusters attract butterflies, bees and hummingbirds. If you love having plants in your garden for pollinators, I highly recommend making room for Pink Bomb or Autumn Joy sedum in your garden. 

I like to trim the plants back in the winter but that is not necessary. I have read that some people enjoy the look of the dried flowers and will trim their plants in early spring. Some have even left the flower clusters for the birds in winter. When the sedum is trimmed you will see the little green nods that will turn into the new stems that will fully emerge in early spring.

The only pest problem myself and my mom have come across with sedum is that some of the plants are prone to aphid infestations. The odd thing is that it appears to be the same plant year after year; the others do not seem to be bothered with aphids.

Overall I would say that my sedum plants are the most hassle free plants I have in the garden. They handle the type of care I am able to give them, they handle the heat, the cold and provide beautiful flowers at the time of year when all the other plants are left looking tired after the long, hot summer. The sedum are almost celebrating the end of summer with a burst of color. Their flowers also provide food for bees, migrating butterflies and hummingbirds.

Quick Facts:

Let’s Propagate!

Propagating sedum could not be any easier or less complicated.

Wait a few weeks and gently tug on the stem. If you have resistance then your plant has taken root.

Now you have a new sedum plant!

I hope this blog post has helped you learn about growing, taking care of and propagating sedum. Give it a try, you just might really enjoy having sedum in your garden!