For inground planting, it is hard to beat Sedum telephium 'Autumn Joy. I've had this plant in both my shade and my sunny gardens for the past 10 years. My first clump was started from 3 tiny plants and spread to a clump 18" in diameter. This cultivar grows about 18" tall in Michigan. The flower heads begin to show their deep pink color in late July or early August and continue until late September. I leave the deep reddish brown seed heads to add winter interest to my garden. Last year's stems are cut down in early spring when the new growth begins to show or during a winter thaw when I can't resist the urge to work in the garden any longer. Autumn Joy's blue green leaves makes it attractive all summer. Another of the tall sedums is Sedum spectabile. The leaves of Sedum spectabile are more yellowish-green. It can be difficult to separate the two varieties. These varieties seem especially attractive to bees and butterflies.
Numerous ground cover Sedums exist. These are generally low growing plants that sprawl. The have colorful flowers during the summer. Sedum spurium ' Dragons Blood' has bright red flowers, and spreads easily. It is often available at discount prices from your local garden center. Another easily available Sedum is Sedum album murale. I was given this species this summer and use it as a ground cover surrounding some miniature roses. The white flowers seem to brighten up the roses. If you like a bluish-gray cast to the leaves, then Sedum sieboldii would meet the need. Sedum acre is another easily obtainable plant with bright yellow flowers.
The leaf color can range from deep green to bluish greens. Some have red edging while others turn red in full sun and are green in the shade. Some sedums have flat, succulent like leaves while others have "jellybean" style leaves. Try each species in your location and see what it does for you. Remember the leaves can take on different colors depending on growing conditions.
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