The term “Edward Plant” is not a recognized botanical name, often causing confusion. This article clarifies its likely identity and provides comprehensive cultivation guidance.
What is the “Edward Plant”?
While “Edward Plant” is a colloquial name, it most often refers to Hylotelephium spectabile ‘Autumn Joy’, formerly Sedum spectabile ‘Autumn Joy’. This perennial is valued for its hardiness and late-season blooms. Though botanical understanding reclassified it, many still use the older Sedum designation. This popular hybrid, a cross between Sedum telephium and Hylotelephium spectabile, is adaptable and visually appealing.
Identifying the “Edward Plant”
This plant forms an upright, clumping habit, reaching 18 to 24 inches tall and wide. Its sturdy stems support the plant throughout the season. Its leaves are gray-green, rounded, and succulent-like, storing water for drought tolerance. The most striking characteristic is its flowering display, beginning late summer to early fall. Flower clusters emerge as dense, broccoli-like buds, opening into tiny, star-shaped pink flowers that transition through shades of deep rose to coppery-rust, providing sustained visual interest into autumn.
Caring for the “Edward Plant”
Proper care ensures Hylotelephium spectabile ‘Autumn Joy’ thrives. Understanding its needs for light, soil, water, temperature, nutrition, and pruning contributes to a healthy plant.
Light
This plant thrives in full sun, requiring at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Full sun encourages stronger stems and prevents leggy growth. While it tolerates some partial shade, especially in hotter climates, too much shade leads to weak growth and reduced flowering.
Soil
Well-draining soil is essential for this plant, which tolerates sandy to gravelly types. It adapts to average or poor fertility. However, waterlogged or overly rich soil is detrimental, causing root rot or weak, floppy growth. Incorporating gravel or sand improves drainage in heavier soils.
Watering
Once established, this plant is drought-tolerant due to its water-storing succulent leaves. Infrequent, deep watering is sufficient, especially during dry periods. Avoid overwatering, as consistently soggy soil leads to root rot and fungal problems. Allow the soil to dry completely between waterings.
Temperature and Humidity
This plant tolerates a wide temperature range, thriving in USDA Hardiness Zones 3 through 9 or 10. It withstands extreme heat and remains appealing until hard frosts, when it dies back for winter dormancy. Humidity is generally not an issue, provided the plant is in well-draining soil.
Fertilizing
This plant requires minimal fertilization, performing well in lean soil. Over-fertilizing, especially with high-nitrogen formulas, can cause leggy growth and reduced flowering. If growth is poor, a light spring application of balanced fertilizer or compost can provide a nutrient boost.
Pruning
Pruning helps maintain the plant’s shape and prevents flopping. The “Chelsea chop,” performed in late spring or early summer, involves cutting stems back by one-half to one-third. This encourages bushier, more compact growth, though it may slightly delay bloom time. Stems can also be cut back in late fall after flowering, or left for winter interest and removed in early spring.
Common Problems
While generally robust, Hylotelephium spectabile ‘Autumn Joy’ can face common issues related to environmental conditions or pests. Pests like aphids, slugs, and mealybugs may affect the plant. Aphids and mealybugs are managed with water sprays, insecticidal soap, or neem oil. Slugs are deterred by keeping the area clear and avoiding mulch against stems. Deer may browse, though the plant is somewhat resistant.
Fungal diseases like root rot, powdery mildew, and rust can occur, especially with overwatering or poor air circulation. Root rot is linked to wet soil, highlighting the need for good drainage. Powdery mildew appears in humid conditions; adequate spacing improves air circulation. Flopping, where stems fall over, is often caused by too much shade or overly rich soil, promoting weak growth. Insufficient sunlight typically causes a lack of flowering.
Propagating the “Edward Plant”
Propagating Hylotelephium spectabile ‘Autumn Joy’ is straightforward, allowing gardeners to expand their collection. Division and stem cuttings are the most common and effective methods, yielding new plants genetically identical to the parent.
Division is best performed in spring as new growth emerges. Carefully dig up the clump and separate sections with roots and shoots. Replant each section, keeping new divisions watered until established. This method also rejuvenates older, overgrown plants.
Stem cuttings are another simple and effective way to propagate. Take 2 to 6-inch cuttings from actively growing stems in spring or early summer, removing lower leaves to expose a node. Insert these into a well-draining potting mix; they typically root within weeks. Leaf cuttings are also possible, though less common for this variety.