Q: Exactly how and when should I cut back my tall sedum, like ‘Autumn Joy’, so it doesn’t get too tall and fall over?
Cutting back tall sedums (Hylotelephium spp. and hybrids) in summer will help them stay upright better. This midseason haircut encourages growth just above the cuts, which makes a bushier, more compact plant that needs less staking.
Cut back tall sedum in early summer to prevent flopping
In early summer, or when plants are 12 to 15 inches tall, use pruners to cut the stems back by a third to half right above a leaf joint. Flowers are usually smaller but more numerous. And cutting back will delay blooming, but at least you’ll have the flowers up where you can see them instead of lying on the ground. If they have already splayed out this season, try this quick tip from a reader to fix floppy perennials.
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Learn more about ‘Autumn Joy’ tall sedum
The rounded flower clusters of ‘Autumn Joy’ (Hylotelephium 'Herbstfreude') are a huge favorite of butterflies, bees and other pollinators out and about in late summer to fall. Its pink blossoms turn rusty red by frost, drying a russet brown. Leave the dried flower stems until spring for a touch of winter interest.
Type Perennial
Blooms Dusky pink flowers age to rusty red in late summer to fall
Light Full sun
Size 18 to 24 in. tall and wide
Hardiness Cold hardy in USDA zones 3 to 9
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Original question submitted by Anita Polkabla
