What's the buzz on perennials that bring joy in autumn? 

Peter Dowdall highlights the benefits penstemons and sedums offer your garden at this time of year

Sedums like this are a real favourite of bees and butterflies. Picture: iStock

PENSTEMONS  and sedums, two beauties of the late summer and early autumn garden. As much of the summer colour begins to come to an end over the next few weeks, these two will continue for a good while yet.

Sedum spectabile, which will grow to about 50cm in height, also commonly referred to as the ice plant, is, for me, “the” perennial for September. The variety ‘Autumn Joy’ is probably the most commonly grown form and it is no wonder, for the flowers which start off a pale pink in colour during July are at their brilliant deep-pink best right now.