How to Grow Autumn Fire
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Autumn Fire
Sedum autumn fire (Sedum × 'Autumn Fire')
succulentAutumn Fire is a hardy perennial succulent known for its stunning color transformation from green to deep red and burgundy in fall. This low-maintenance groundcover produces clusters of pink flowers in late summer and maintains colorful foliage year-round. It is extremely drought-tolerant and perfect for rock gardens, containers, and xeriscape landscapes.
When should you plant Autumn Fire in your zone?
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Example Autumn Fire timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Autumn Fire
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Autumn Fire
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Autumn Fire dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-9, with most vibrant fall color in cooler zones 3-7
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Get my Autumn Fire timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
4-8 weeksYoung plant with green foliage, compact rosette formation. Little to no flower production.
Water lightly upon transplanting, then reduce. Avoid overwatering. Ensure excellent drainage. Protect from heavy rain in first month.
Vegetative Growth
Spring through early summer, 8-12 weeksPlant fills out with dense green foliage, growing outward to fill allotted space. Stems elongate moderately.
Maintain dry conditions. No fertilizer needed; poor soil actually enhances later color. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage branching.
Flowering
Late July through September, 6-8 weeksFlat clusters (cymes) of small pink to red flowers appear at stem tips. Flowers are star-shaped and attractive to pollinators.
Continue low watering. Flowers can be left for color or deadheaded. No deadheading needed; flowers will transition to seed heads.
Color Transition
September through November, 8-10 weeksFoliage gradually shifts from green to brilliant orange-red, then deep burgundy and wine-red tones. Peak color occurs during cooler fall nights.
Reduce water further. No fertilizer. Cold temperatures trigger pigment production; avoid frost cloth unless zone 2. Colder zones show more dramatic color.
Winter Dormancy
December through February, 12-14 weeksFoliage darkens to deep burgundy or nearly black. Plant becomes largely dormant. Some foliage may persist or fade to copper tones.
Provide no water. Ensure excellent drainage to prevent root rot during dormancy. Remove any accumulated leaves or debris. Hardy to zone 3.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Prevent by ensuring excellent drainage and reducing water in dormancy. Remove affected plants if necessary; do not replant in same wet location.
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Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil if infestation occurs. Rarely a problem in well-draining, low-stress conditions.
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Spray with water or insecticidal soap. Use neem oil as preventive if needed. Seldom severe.
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Hand-pick or use slug bait. Copper tape around pots or raised beds deters them. Less problematic in dry conditions.
Uses
Ornamental Groundcover & Xeriscape
HouseholdAutumn Fire is ideal for creating low-maintenance, drought-resistant landscaping that requires minimal water and care. Its stunning fall color transformation makes it a focal point in rock gardens, containers, and mixed succulent beds. [source]
Container & Patio Design
HouseholdThe compact growth habit and year-round color make it perfect for pots, troughs, and alpine troughs. Combines beautifully with other sedums and alpine plants in mixed containers. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeThe late-summer pink flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects at a time when other flowers may be scarce. Provides valuable nectar resources in late season. [source]
Seasonal Color Display
HouseholdAutumn Fire provides dramatic ornamental value through its natural pigment changes (anthocyanins) that intensify during cool fall nights. Creates striking visual interest when combined with late fall bloomers or evergreens. [source]
Propagation & Plant Division
CraftAutumn Fire is extremely easy to propagate from leaves, making it an excellent project plant for gardeners and educators. Each fallen leaf can generate a new plant, perfect for sharing or filling large areas. [source]
Harvest Tips
Autumn Fire is primarily an ornamental; it is not harvested for consumption. Enjoy the foliage color display from September through winter. For propagation, collect leaves in spring/summer and allow to dry 1-2 days before placing on moist soil—leaves will root and form new rosettes within 3-4 weeks. Cut back dead stems in early spring if desired.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Autumn Fire is a hybrid sedum (Sedum × autumn fire) believed to be a cross between Sedum maximum and Sedum × 'Autumn Charm'; its exact parentage is not fully documented.
- 🌱 The deep red and burgundy fall colors are produced by anthocyanin pigments that accumulate in response to cool nights and bright sunlight—essentially a natural anti-freeze mechanism that protects the plant from frost damage.
- 🌱 A single Autumn Fire leaf can be propagated to produce an entirely new plant in as little as 3-4 weeks, making it one of the easiest succulents to propagate and share with friends.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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