Companion Plants for Sedum

Autumn Joy sedum is the workhorse of the late summer and fall garden. It's a moderately drought tolerant succulent that thrives in both full sun and partial shade. While it's not too choosy about its soil, it does like good drainage. Choose one of these plants to plant alongside or as a border in front of your Autumn Joy sedums.

Asters and Chrysanthemums

Asters and chrysanthemums are hardy perennials that bloom in the fall. Like the sedum, they grow in most any soil and need little water. Asters' small, star-like flowers come in various colors. Chrysanthemum's full, colorful blooms mimic Autumn Joy's broccoli-like buds. Choose a vivid yellow, orange or white that will stand out from Autumn Joy's dark-red flowers.

Blue Fescue

The spiky, blue-gray foliage of blue fescue contrasts nicely with Autumn Joy's soft green stems and leaves. Like the sedum, it requires well-drained soil and can handle full sun or partial shade.

Dianthus

Low mounds of colorful dianthus make a good choice to plant in front of Autumn Joy. They like full sun and well-drained soil. Like sedum, they require little maintenance. Most flower in late spring, but their showy leaves remain to frame your sedum.

Hostas

If your Autumn Joy is planted in partial shade, consider adding hostas to the bed. They have the same light and water requirements as the sedum. Hostas' tall, spiky flower stalks will complement Autumn Joy's blooms.

Purple Coneflower

The purple coneflower, also called Echinacea, is a tall perennial that would look good behind your Autumn Joy. Its bright, daisy-like blooms attract butterflies, and the spiky seedheads will tower behind your sedum all through the fall. It grows easily in partial shade, but will require more frequent watering in full sun.