Sedum spectabile Jose Aubergine - Autumn Stonecrop

The Sedum José Aubergine is a large variety of autumn sedum and is truly fabulous. It is a succulent and fleshy plant with sturdy stems. Above its dark purple-almost violet foliage, very shiny, large flattened dark pink inflorescences bloom where butterflies gather. The flowering period is long and is followed by the formation of decorative seeds that persist in winter. It is a carefree plant, suitable for dry and shallow soils, which requires very little maintenance and adds a lot of charm to the late season.

The autumn Sedum José Aubergine belongs to the Crassulaceae family. It is one of the many cultivars derived from Sedum spectabile native to China and Korea. It forms bushy, upright clumps with a slightly spreading habit reaching 50 cm (20in) in height and spreading over 40 cm (16in), its growth is quite slow. The flowering occurs from September and stops at the first frost. The inflorescences, in flat and dense terminal cymes, reach 15 cm (6in) in diameter. The tiny flowers emerge as coral pink buds, then open up as bright pink and smoky pink flowers. They form false umbels that are intensely nectariferous and melliferous. The deciduous, thick and fleshy foliage is very dark purple-violet and shiny, creating a beautiful harmony with the flowering. The leaves measure 8 cm (3in) in length, they are flat and oval, with dentate edges on the upper half. The very decorative violet-brown seeds serve as food for birds in winter.

A blessing for gardens where the soil is thin, Sedum José Aubergine is primarily a drought-tolerant plant. Pair it with grasses and grey foliage plants that, like Sedum, accept these difficult living conditions. You will create a unique scene by combining it with asters or fuchsias. Magnificent in a pot, it is also an excellent flower for drying or for bouquets.