How about this for some surprising autumn color?
The bright pink is October Daphne sedum. It is such a cute little thing. We bought 5 small plants in 2007 and planted them amongst our ivy on the berm. I think some were eaten by the ivy, so we moved the sedum to another spot on the berm. Ivy does that. It just keeps on growing and expanding its territory. Most likely, if there is a plant war, ivy will win.
Notice that these plants are raised, and on an angle that will provide excellent drainage. The little green hens and chicks like that same hot and rocky environment. And you are seeing a pear cactus in a stump. The pear cactus is hardy in our zone 5. Placing it in the stump was advantageous for drainage, a must for cactus. I never water any of these plants.
The October Daphne sedum will stay short, about 6”, and it will spread. It won’t be invasive by any means. Another characteristic of sedums is the ease in which you can get more. Usually, just break off a stem and put it in the ground.
Love it!