These are the larger sedums, which produce vigorous stems of fleshy leaves, and then in early autumn they are topped with broad heads of pink flowers, which are a magnet for butterflies. They die back in winter.

Sedum spectabile 'Autumn Joy' should strictly be known by its original German name, 'Herbstfreude'. It is a clump-forming and bushy perennial with blue-green, thick and succulent-like toothed leaves. On a mature plant there will be lots of sturdy stems projecting from the base of the plant and bearing flat broad heads of star-shaped flowers. It is called 'Autumn Joy' because this is when the flower heads are at their best colour - deep pink turning to copper-red/bronze. It is a haven for butterflies! However, the flowers are very appealing from early summer, when they have yet to open their blue-green buds. They make wonderful cut flowers at any time, lasting very well indoors. In winter, when the foliage dies back, the flowering stems still remain with remnants of old flowers. Keep these on for winter interest. By the time February comes along there will be new blue-green buds breaking through again.