How to Grow September Beauty
Wikimedia Commons
September Beauty
Sedum × 'September Beauty'
succulentSeptember Beauty is a hybrid sedum cultivar known for its stunning late-season blooms and attractive foliage that transitions through multiple colors. This compact, mat-forming succulent produces delicate pink to red flowers in late summer and fall, making it a standout choice for late-season garden color. It's a low-maintenance perennial that thrives in well-drained conditions and requires minimal care once established.
When should you plant September Beauty in your zone?
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Example September Beauty timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant September Beauty
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 September Beauty
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact September Beauty dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 5-9, with best performance in zones 6-8
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Establishment
4-6 weeksYoung plants develop small, compact rosettes with blue-green to gray foliage
Plant in spring or early fall. Water lightly until roots establish (2-3 weeks). Protect from excessive moisture during this period.
Vegetative Growth
Spring through early summerFoliage expands and spreads, forming dense mats. Leaves may show hints of purple or burgundy coloring
Minimal watering needed. Allow plant to spread naturally. No fertilizer required; poor soil actually encourages better coloring.
Flowering
8-12 weeks (September through November)Delicate pink to rose-red star-shaped flowers bloom in flat clusters (cymes). Foliage darkens to burgundy or bronze tones
Maintain dry conditions. Flowers attract pollinators and can be left on plant for extended interest. Peak bloom is September-October.
Dormancy
November through MarchFoliage remains attractive through winter with deep burgundy coloring. Growth slows significantly
Minimal to no watering in cold climates. Dead flowers can remain for winter interest. In spring, remove any dead foliage.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with strong water stream or insecticidal soap. Beneficial insects often control populations naturally.
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Remove with rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab. Improve air circulation to prevent infestations.
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Increase humidity slightly, spray with water, or use miticide if severe. Usually not a major concern in well-maintained gardens.
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Remove by hand, use copper tape barriers, or apply slug baits. Less problematic in well-drained sites.
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Prevent through excellent drainage and minimal winter watering. Remove affected plants and improve soil drainage before replanting.
Uses
Pollinator and Beneficial Insect Support
WildlifeThe late-season flowers provide valuable nectar and pollen for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators when other food sources are scarce. The dense foliage offers shelter for beneficial insects and overwintering pollinators. [source]
Rock and Alpine Gardens
HouseholdPerfect for rock gardens, alpine troughs, and rocky hillsides where water drainage is excellent. Its compact, spreading habit makes it ideal for filling spaces between rocks and hardscaping. [source]
Container and Mixed Planting
HouseholdExcellent for pots, containers, and mixed succulent arrangements. Can be combined with other sedums, sempervivums, or complementary perennials for layered interest throughout the seasons. [source]
Late Season Color Interest
HouseholdProvides stunning fall and early winter interest when most gardens are fading. The combination of burgundy foliage and pink-red flowers extends garden appeal into November and beyond. [source]
Dried Flower Arrangements
CraftFlower clusters dry beautifully and retain color well, making them suitable for dried arrangements and crafts. Cut stems as flowers fade and hang dry in a cool location. [source]
Harvest Tips
September Beauty is not harvested for food. For propagation, collect rosettes or leaves in late spring or summer for vegetative propagation. Leaves root readily when placed on moist soil. Established plants can be divided in spring.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 September Beauty is a hybrid sedum, likely derived from Sedum spectabile or related species, carefully selected for its exceptionally late and abundant blooming habit.
- 🌱 The foliage coloring is temperature-dependent: cooler fall and winter temperatures intensify the burgundy and bronze hues, creating a dramatic color show from August through November.
- 🌱 Sedums are sometimes called 'stonecrops' because they can grow in rocky areas with minimal soil; September Beauty's hardy nature reflects its alpine succulent ancestry.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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