How to Grow Autumn Fire Stonecrop
Wikimedia Commons
Autumn Fire Stonecrop
Sedum 'Autumn Fire'
flowerAutumn Fire is a deciduous sedum cultivar prized for its dramatic seasonal color transformation from green to burgundy-red in fall. This hardy succulent forms attractive mounds of fleshy foliage topped with pink flowers that deepen to russet-red. It's an excellent choice for rock gardens, borders, and containers due to its low maintenance requirements and stunning autumn display.
When should you plant Autumn Fire Stonecrop in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Autumn Fire Stonecrop timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Autumn Fire Stonecrop
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
First Autumn Fire Stonecrop blooms
Mid-to-late summerBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Autumn Fire Stonecrop dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-9, with best performance in zones 4-8
Sign up free to see if Autumn Fire Stonecrop grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Autumn Fire Stonecrop timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
First 4-6 weeksYoung plants with small rosettes of green foliage, minimal height
Keep soil lightly moist (not wet) until roots establish. Protect from excessive moisture. Plant in spring for best establishment.
Vegetative Growth
Spring through mid-summerPlants develop fuller mounds of green, fleshy leaves; height increases to 12-18 inches
Minimal watering needed. Ensure excellent drainage. Can pinch back in early summer to encourage bushier growth.
Flowering
Late summer into fall (August-October)Terminal clusters of small pink flowers appear on branch tips; flowers gradually deepen in color
Flowers attract pollinators. Do not deadhead if you want seeds; leave for winter interest.
Color Change & Dormancy
October-MarchFoliage transforms from green to deep burgundy-red; flowers age to russet-brown; plant enters dormancy
This is the showstopping phase. Reduce watering significantly. Leave seedheads and dried foliage for winter structure and wildlife benefit.
Early Spring
March-AprilNew green growth emerges from dormant crown; dried foliage gradually shed
Cut back dead foliage in early spring (late March/early April) once new growth appears. Do not cut too early.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Ensure perfect drainage; avoid overwatering; improve air circulation; remove affected plants if rot develops
-
Inspect regularly; remove with rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab; improve air circulation; use neem oil if severe
-
Increase humidity slightly; spray foliage with water in dry conditions; use miticides if infestation is severe
-
and
Hand-pick in early morning; use copper barriers or slug bait; encourage ground beetles and other predators
Uses
Fall Garden Display & Ornament
HouseholdAutumn Fire is prized for its dramatic color transformation in fall, providing interest when many perennials have declined. The russet flowers and burgundy foliage create stunning visual appeal in gardens and can be cut for autumn arrangements. [source]
Pollinator & Beneficial Insect Support
WildlifeThe abundant pink flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators in late summer and early fall. Leaving seedheads through winter provides food for birds and shelter for beneficial insects. [source]
Cut Flowers & Dried Arrangements
CraftFlower clusters can be cut fresh or dried for floral arrangements. The aged, russet-colored flowers are particularly striking in autumn arrangements and dried bouquets. [source]
Low-Maintenance Container & Rock Garden Specimen
HouseholdIts drought tolerance, compact size, and striking appearance make it ideal for containers, rock gardens, alpine troughs, and green roofs. Requires minimal fertilizer or maintenance once established. [source]
Traditional Herbal Use
MedicinalSedums have a long history in traditional herbalism, though Autumn Fire is grown primarily for ornament. Some sedum species contain compounds studied for anti-inflammatory properties. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Autumn Fire stonecrop is ornamental; 'harvest' by enjoying the visual display September-November. Cut back dried stems in early spring after new growth emerges. Collect seeds from dried flower clusters in late winter if desired for propagation.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Autumn Fire undergoes one of the most dramatic color transformations of any hardy perennial, shifting from green to deep burgundy-red solely due to temperature drops and shorter day length—no fertilizer or special treatment needed.
- 🌱 The name 'Autumn Fire' perfectly captures its essence: it truly looks like the plant is on fire as it transitions into fall, making it a focal point in autumn gardens when most other plants are fading.
- 🌱 Sedums are succulents that can store water in their fleshy leaves and survive extended droughts, making them excellent choices for water-wise landscapes and climate-resilient gardens.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Autumn Fire Stonecrop planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Autumn Fire Stonecrop seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Autumn Fire Stonecrop timeline →