As the autumn season draws near, the spotlight falls on a distinctive succulent known as Autumn Joy. While its flowering commences in summer, what sets it apart from other succulents is its enduring bloom that carries through the fall months. This Sedum hybrid boasts domed clusters of flowers in shades of pink, burnt orange, or red, with diameters reaching up to six inches. Complementing these vibrant blooms are its circular, blue-green leaves, creating an alluring contrast. As the winter sets in, the flowers gracefully transition to an attractive dark brown hue, retaining their elegant structure.
Autumn Joy finds its place within the stonecrop or Crassulaceae family. This botanical family, including Sedums, gained its name from its ability to thrive even in rocky or stony terrains. Moreover, its name is rooted in the Latin term “Crassula,” signifying its characteristic thick and water-resistant foliage. These plants have evolved with metabolic adaptations common to arid climates, enabling them to endure prolonged periods without water.
Diverging from the norm of most plants that open their leaf pores, or stomata, during daylight hours, stonecrops have adopted a distinctive strategy of keeping these pores closed during the day and unveiling them at night. This specialized mechanism aids in water conservation and resilience during droughts. By confining the opening of leaf pores to nighttime, stonecrops effectively minimize water loss compared to their counterparts with open stomata during daylight hours.
Photosynthesis, the vital process through which plants produce sustenance, necessitates the opening of leaf pores to absorb carbon dioxide. Yet, this action concurrently leads to water loss, particularly in arid conditions. In the absence of light, plants are unable to split water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen, crucial components for synthesizing carbohydrates, the principal energy source for plants. This process also releases oxygen, serving as the primary oxygen source for our environment.
Fertilizers, often termed “plant food,” encompass essential minerals like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, pivotal for the photosynthetic machinery. These minerals contribute to pigments and enzymes essential for the biochemical reactions underlying photosynthesis.
Succulents, Autumn Joy included, hold a special place in the hearts of countless gardeners. Their ease of cultivation and propagation make them an ideal choice for beginners or those with time and resource constraints. While some might view them as slow growers or having brief flowering periods, exposure to expansive and diverse succulent showcases, such as those at The Huntington’s botanical gardens in San Marino, can reshape perceptions of these plants.
Exploring other stonecrop genera, like Sedum, Kalanchoe, Echeveria, or Aeonium, can elevate your garden or container arrangement. Each species offers distinct characteristics and visual pleasures. For instance, Sedum confusum thrives as a ground cover, outcompeting weeds while projecting a tranquil green presence. Kalanchoe thyrsiflora/luciae, known as the flapjack or paddle plant, showcases leaves with a distinctive red-green interplay. Echeveria ‘Afterglow’ presents lavender-hued foliage accented with hints of pink, blue, violet, and gray. Aeonium ‘Sunburst’ features wide, spatulate green leaves adorned with golden yellow bands.
Embark on a journey into the realm of succulents, and unveil the myriad of beauty and diversity they hold.
