How to Grow September Glow
September Glow
Sedum × 'September Glow'
shrubSeptember Glow is a compact, deciduous sedum cultivar known for its brilliant red-orange foliage that intensifies as temperatures cool in autumn. This low-growing succulent produces clusters of pink flowers in late summer and fall, making it an excellent choice for containers, borders, and rock gardens. It's prized for its stunning color transformation and minimal maintenance requirements.
When should you plant September Glow in your zone?
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Example September Glow timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant September Glow
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 Glow
Around Apr 19≈ 2 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact September Glow dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Zones 3-9; thrives best in cooler climates where fall color is most dramatic
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Establishment
6-8 weeksYoung plants are compact with green to reddish foliage and shallow root systems
Water moderately during first season to establish roots. Avoid overwatering. Place in full sun location.
Vegetative Growth
Spring through mid-summer (3-4 months)Plant expands horizontally, producing dense, low mounding foliage; foliage transitions from green to pink-tinged
Minimal watering needed. No fertilizer required; avoid nitrogen-rich fertilizers. Deadhead spent flowers if desired.
Flowering
Late August through October (6-8 weeks)Dense clusters of small pink flowers appear at stem tips; foliage begins color intensification
Continue drought-tolerant watering. Flowers attract pollinators. Leave spent flowers for winter interest if desired.
Fall Color Peak
October through November (4-6 weeks)Foliage transforms to brilliant red-orange, deepening in cold nights; flowers fade to rust-brown seed heads
Reduce watering further; plant is nearly dormant. Do not prune; leave dead foliage for winter structure and insulation.
Dormancy
December through March (4 months)Plant enters winter rest with reddish-brown, dried foliage that persists on stems
No watering needed in most climates. Remove dead foliage in late winter (February-March) before new growth emerges. Provide excellent drainage to prevent ice damage.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; improve air circulation; remove heavily infested stems
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Increase humidity in containers; spray with water; use miticide if severe
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and
Handpick at night; use diatomaceous earth; copper barriers; remove debris where they hide
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Prevent with excellent drainage; do not overwater; remove affected plants; repot in fresh, dry soil
Uses
Fall Color Accent
OrnamentalSeptember Glow's dramatic red-orange autumn foliage provides vibrant seasonal color in gardens, containers, and rock gardens when many other plants are fading. The color intensifies as temperatures drop, creating stunning displays from September through November. [source]
Container and Patio Planting
HouseholdIts compact, mounding habit and low maintenance make it ideal for pots, raised beds, green roofs, and container gardens. September Glow works beautifully in mixed succulent containers and standalone specimen pots. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeThe clusters of pink flowers in late summer attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators during a season when food sources are becoming scarce. The persistent seed heads also provide food for birds and insects in fall. [source]
Cut Flowers and Dried Arrangements
CraftThe colorful stems and dried flower clusters can be cut and used in autumn floral arrangements or dried arrangements that last through winter. The unusual color and texture add visual interest to craft projects. [source]
Not Edible
CulinarySeptember Glow is ornamental only and not recommended for consumption. While some sedum species have culinary uses, this hybrid cultivar has not been evaluated for edibility. [source]
Harvest Tips
Not harvested like edible plants. Deadhead spent flower clusters after blooming for tidier appearance (optional). Cut back dried foliage to 1-2 inches in early spring before new growth. Propagate from leaf or stem cuttings in spring or fall.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 September Glow is a hybrid sedum, likely a cross between Sedum telephium and another parent species, developed to combine hardiness with spectacular fall color.
- 🌱 The brilliant red-orange pigmentation is caused by anthocyanins (the same compounds that make apples red), which develop as a response to cool autumn temperatures and increased light exposure.
- 🌱 September Glow is nearly indestructible once established and can survive months without water, making it perfect for forgetful gardeners, green roofs, and xeriscaping projects.
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