Succulents are frequently cultivated for their year-round vivid colors and intriguing textures, but their blooms may also add seasonal interest! By selecting plants for their flowering season, you may enjoy year-round blooms in your succulent landscape with a little advance planning. Genus diversity is the key.
No matter where you reside on the planet, most succulents and cacti bloom around the same time of year, although depending on your climate, they can bloom at different periods.
Spring
Dudleya flowers bloom from early spring through late summer (see below). In the rock garden, their beautiful pink peduncle (inflorescence stalk) steals the show. Yellow flowers are adored by bees! Because Dudleya are simple to cultivate from seed, be sure to keep their flowers.
In any setting, Delosperma ‘Garnet’ adds a vivid, dense mat of flowers (see below).
Oscularia deltoides is a ground cover that grows quickly and flowers numerous times per year (see below). We adore it because of the lavender flowers and purple stalks that contrast with the silvery-blue leaves.
The most coveted feature of Sedum pachyclados is its scalloped borders, which resemble small cabbages. This little clumping Sedum’s white flowers make them a lovely addition to container gardening.
Sedum dasyphyllum ‘Fuzzy Wuzzy’ (below) puts on a show of small, delicate flowers that hang a few inches off the plant and create a lovely white halo.
Early spring through the summer sees aeonium blossom, giving pollinators a supply of pollen for several months. Aeonium canariense and A. undulatum both produce huge, up to 4-foot-tall yellow inflorescences, while A. nobile has a pink inflorescence that lasts very long. Because the blossoms are monocarpic, plants only produce one bloom before withering away. You might see additional rosettes emerging from the plant’s base during the plant’s bloom, which will eventually close the space left by the flowering rosette.
Depending on the species, echeveria will bloom in the spring through the fall. From the 4 ft tall Echeveria gigantea inflorescence to the 4 inch Echeveria ‘Lola’ blooms, there is a great deal of variety in Echeveria flowers. Hummingbirds and other pollinators will be drawn to all of them! Flowers keep well in arrangements for weeks and work nicely in dry arrangements as well.
Summer
The cactus family is responsible for the largest and transitory flower in the garden. The San Pedro Cactus, which produces a succession of flowers for weeks, is our favorite repeat bloomer. The majority of cacti’s blossoms, however, only last for a single day. Pollinators will notice cacti flowers because they are typically quite colorful in a desolate, devoid of color setting. Some species flower at night and are pollinated by bats or moths, while others open during the day to draw bees and butterflies.
Fall
Several of the succulents in our yard consistently bloom in the fall. A handful of our favorites are listed below.
The dark foliage of Cremnosedum ‘Little Gem’ contrasts beautifully with its yellow flowers (see below). Although this cultivar blooms several times a year, the fall months are when it is most colorful. This plant is most pleasurable in container gardening!
Winter
In order to draw hummingbirds and other pollinators to your succulent garden and to give your winter landscape some color, aloe flowers are a crucial plant. These flowers are often referred to as “Torch” flowers because, if you come across them on a gloomy winter day, they appear to practically glow with vitality.
Aloe plicatilis, sometimes known as “Fan Aloe,” blooms from late November to early January, with a few blooms continuing into early spring (see photo below). Sunbirds pollinate their red, tubular blooms, which are nectar-rich.
(Below) The Aloe africana’s magnificent inflorescence stands out against the gloomy winter days. These lovely orange/red tubular flower columns are produced on 5–6 stalks per plant.
(Below) From early winter through early spring, crassula produce consistently beautiful winter blooms. They give a lot of charm to a winter environment with their delicate terminal clusters of star-shaped flowers in white or pink. Below is an illustration of the “Jade Plant,” or Crassula ovata.
Money Maker, a variety of Crassula swaziensis, displaying its golden buds on a stalk of vibrant pink flowers. Pollinators adore these swaying infloresences because they attract them!
Additional Winter Blooms
Senecio rowleyanus ‘String of Pearls’ transports flowers indoors with its delicious cinnamon-clover scent, which is especially potent in a room that receives direct sunlight.
In the winter, Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi blooms with a ring of coral, bell-shaped flowers.
Repeat Bloomers:
Cistanthe grandiflora can bloom multiple times a year by being severely pruned once a year after blossoming, followed by the removal of wasted blooms.
Plectranthus neochilus is well known for its lavender-like blossoms and has a potent aroma. For a longer bloom time, prune spent blooms and lanky growth.
Some of our personal favorite blooms and bloomers are included here! Every succulent blooms once or twice during its lifetime. Make sure your succulents are receiving enough sunlight and frequent fertilization throughout their growing season if you are having trouble getting them to bloom.
Are succulents winter-resistant?
Yes, it is the answer. Although certain succulents can withstand frost, they are frequently thought of as drought-tolerant plants. They flourish in chilly, snowy conditions, and the extreme cold even brings out their magnificent, vivid colors. They are referred to as “Hard Succulents.” Sempervivum, Sedum, and Euphorbias genera contain some of the most hardy succulents. You may plant such succulents outside all year round because the majority of them can withstand temperatures as low as -20F (Hardiness Zone 5).
“Soft Succulents” are another group of succulents that are more susceptible to frost. When the weather drops below freezing, they must be winterized inside.
Succulents: do they reappear annually?
Succulents can be divided into three groups: winter-growing, partially dormant, and entirely dormant. In the winter, most varieties go into at least partial dormancy. They don’t grow much either, but their appearance won’t change significantly either. Don’t fertilize them over the winter and give them less water more frequently.
A few varieties lose their leaves like deciduous trees and enter a deeper slumber. some (such as
The die-back of Sedum kamtschaticum and Orostachys species occurs entirely above ground. However, their root systems continue to exist and each spring produce new growth.
The cultivars that grow during the cooler months, such as those listed below, are at the other extreme of the spectrum.
Haworthia, aeonium, and aloe The start of their growing season is signaled by shorter days and cooler temperatures. With these types, the best time to fertilize is throughout the winter.
Do succulents survive the entire year indoors?
Even when they are cultivated indoors, succulents are regarded as low-maintenance plants. As a form of adaptation for growing in arid regions, the leaves and stems retain water. These plants have peculiar morphologies, textures, and shapes. They make suitable indoor plants to flourish all year long. To protect succulent species that are susceptible to cold temperatures, outdoor potted plants can be brought inside for the winter.
Are succulents ever in bloom?
Different periods of the year see the blooming of succulents. Some can bloom in the fall and winter as well as from early spring to late summer. It depends on the species of succulents you have and the conditions their surroundings provides.
Can I move my succulents from outside inside for the winter?
Before you even plant your succulent in your yard, this is the easiest way to find out if it will survive the winter in your region. The USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map is referenced on the labels of the majority of plants that are sold in retailers. The label will indicate whether or not the plant will survive the winter depending on the zone you live in. The zones are separated by a difference of 5 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit in their lowest annual temperature. There is minimal likelihood that it will survive the winter in that area if your zone is lower than the recommended zone on the label.
Tip #2: Bring Them Indoors
Bring your succulent indoors during the winter even if it is in the right climate zone. Even though sudden temperature dips are uncommon, one chilly night is all it takes to harm your plants. They can be kept in your garage if the temperature there doesn’t fall below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Don’t forget to give them three to four hours of indirect sunshine each day. Checking for insects like mealybugs and aphids is a crucial factor. Spray the leaves with a mixture of 1 part water and 3 parts rubbing alcohol to kill the bugs because you don’t want them inside your house.
Although it’s frequently overlooked, preparing your put for indoor play is crucial as well. Your succulents’ containers are probably a little muddy if they have been playing hard outside. To prevent them from spreading around your home when you transfer things inside, first clear the pot of any dead leaves and other debris. Second, clean off any extra dirt from your pot; you want a clean transition from the inside to the outside! Lastly, look for bugs. Creepy crawlies taking over your house is the last thing you need. You should be well on your way to your indoor succulents thriving after following those three steps.
Tip #3: Reduce Watering in the Late Fall
Winter is the period when succulents go dormant, so watering is even less necessary. So once the weather becomes colder and the days get shorter, stop watering them. Reduce it to once a month, but you should also check the soil’s moisture content first before watering. When the ground is entirely dry, only do it. It only takes a good five minutes to water. To prevent succulents from dying from moist roots, check that the soil has excellent drainage. Sand or organic matter with good drainage should be added to the soil for indoor plants. Mulch shouldn’t be used near the base of outside plants since it can trap moisture.
Before you fully stop watering your succulents, here’s a short tip: identify them! Winter is when most succulents go dormant, however some are winter growers. The plants that don’t go dormant will require more water than the others. Keep an eye on things at least to prevent your freshly indoor succulents from becoming overly dry. (Succulents will dry out more quickly than others if they are close to vents or heaters.
Tip #4: Sunlight
When putting your succulents indoors, sunlight is absolutely crucial! Making sure they receive adequate sunlight in the winter is challenging. To get the most indirect light, place your succulents close to your home’s brightest window. Try to provide succulents with at least 6 hours of sunshine each day for the healthiest results. They’ll begin to slant toward the window if you’re not providing them with adequate sunshine. Simply turn them the other way to straighten them out.
Tip #5: Cover Up Your Succulents
If you are unable to bring the plants inside due to impending cold weather, you can cover them with various forms of protection. Snow covers are beneficial because they provide protection from snow, frost, and strong winds. You can buy them from your neighborhood garden supply store or online. Bushel baskets can be used to cover and safeguard succulents if you have any lying about. Just be cautious not to leave them covered for an extended period of time. The plants require ample sunlight and clean airflow.
These straightforward suggestions can help you keep your succulents happy and healthy throughout the winter. Give your friends and neighbors the information so they can preserve their succulent plants as well!
What should I do with my succulent plants outside in the winter?
Succulents can be grown year-round indoors, but they will benefit from spending at least some of the summer outdoors. Here is a checklist to ensure that the transition from the outside to the inside is as easy as possible:
Water Outside
Water succulents one final time outside because watering them indoors can be difficult (having to carry them all to the sink, waiting for them to stop leaking, etc.).
Aim to water them for two to three days before bringing them indoors. This enables them to begin drying out and soaking up the water they require. Once the succulents are inside, your shelf or table stays lovely and dry.
Well Draining Soil
Additionally, if they aren’t already, make sure your succulents are in a pot with a drainage hole and well-draining soil. If they are planted in the proper soil and container, succulents grown indoors will fare much better.
I’ve been using this Bonsai Jack succulent soil mix and adore it if you don’t want to mix your own succulent soil. The recipe is the same as the one I used to prepare it myself, but I no longer have to spend hours laboring over it. Your succulent plants will undoubtedly appreciate you for giving them the proper soil.
Prep the Pot for Inside
When the time comes, make sure the container is prepared to put your succulents inside. Wipe the pot’s exterior to get rid of any dust, leaves, or cobwebs that have attached themselves to the pot.
Additionally, make sure to clean the area around and between your succulents of any debris, such as dead leaves. Your succulents could quickly decay or get sick if they come into contact with dead organic material.
I adore my little tool kit for this technique. You can add or replace the top dressing after you’ve taken out everything extraneous to make the arrangement look even more tidy.
Check for Bugs
When you bring your succulents indoors, you don’t want any guests. The most frequent pest of succulents, mealybugs, should be closely inspected.
Search the area around your plants for any additional tiny insects. I am aware that ants and potato bugs enjoy congregating in my plants at home. I also frequently notice spiders.
To keep your indoor succulents healthier, try to get rid of these small pests as much as you can.
Refresh the arrangement
Your succulent will begin to lose leaves as it grows. Keeping your succulents well-pruned and maintained is always a smart idea. Before taking succulents inside for the winter, it is extremely crucial to do this.
Remove as many of the dead leaves as you can using your fingers or the tweezers from the small gardening tool box. This will lessen the likelihood of your succulent decaying indoors.
Now is an excellent time to fill in the holes if any of your succulents died over the summer. With the exception of one monocarpic succulent, the arrangement below remained attractive throughout the summer. It left a significant hole once it blossomed.
With a few succulent cuttings I filled in the hole, making it appear whole once more! Since it was lacking top dressing, I also added some.
Winter Watering for Succulents
In the winter, many succulents go dormant, so they won’t require as much water. Some, however, are expanding rapidly and will require greater care.
Your succulents will probably require more frequent watering if they are winter growers. Over the winter, my Aeonium ‘Zwartkop’ (a winter grower) always seems to be a water hog.
However, generally speaking, you should only water your plants when the soil is fully dried out. Don’t water them for a few days, or perhaps a week or two.
Without the right soil, it’s highly probable that your succulents will stay moist for an extended period of time because the ventilation inside is less than it is outdoors. The quickest method to kill your succulent is to overwater it.
You should be aware that succulents next to a heating vent may require more frequent watering. Warmer temperatures and direct air can hasten the drying process.