When the weather becomes colder, this hen and chick turns a deep crimson color that lasts all year. Because of the white growth that resembles a spider web on its leaves, this plant is also known as a cobweb sempervivum. Rosettes spread by sending stalks of baby rosettes out from the mother plant, growing two inches tall and twelve inches wide. Place them in a pot or a rock garden. zone 3 to zone 8.
Which succulents can endure extreme cold?
Not only warm climes are suitable for a succulent garden outside! Check out what you can accomplish with succulents planted in the ground in four-season regions.
We may receive a commission when you buy something after clicking on one of our links, at no additional cost to you. This enables us to offer you free content.
In contrast to southern California’s sunny environment, where there are many beautiful succulent gardens, Utah’s four-season climate makes it more difficult to find outdoor succulent gardens.
The two main types of succulents that can withstand freezing temperatures are Stonecrop Sedums and Sempervivums, also known as hens and chicks. Most animals can survive at temperatures as low as –20 °F.
In order to maintain a stunning outdoor succulent garden year-round, even when there is snow on the ground, I have been developing a variety of arrangements using only cold-hardy succulents.
You’ll see affiliate connections to Mountain Crest Gardens for the many succulents I utilized for these projects all throughout this post.
I received a lot of succulents for free, but my favorite succulents are from Mountain Crest, and I wholeheartedly suggest them to everyone! Nowhere else will you find a finer collection of resilient succulents.
In the movies below, you’ll see a wide variety of succulent collections and items, but I wanted to make it simple for you to see them all at once, so here is a list of the things I used to produce these succulent landscapes:
Are any 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.
Can you leave succulents outside in the winter?
There are many succulents that can endure the winter outside, even in extremely cold locations. These
Succulents that are hardy thrive in chilly, snowy winters. Sempervivum heuffelii, which maintains vivid colors for Winter Interest, is one of our favorites. The frost-hardy Sedum cultivars are especially recommended since they create excellent ground covers in practically all regions.
What succulent is the hardiest?
A sizable genus of succulents is called agave. Their pointed leaves and rosette formations serve as identifying characteristics. There are many different agave species; some are small plants that don’t reach heights of more than 10 feet, while others are enormous. They can be grown in the ground or in pots and other containers. They don’t need much maintenance and can survive in a variety of environments, including full hot sun and mild shade. Some species are cold-hardy as well. These plants are excellent for anyone searching for a low-maintenance, simple plant. They are resilient and challenging to kill.
A big and well-known genus called Aloe contains small dwarf species and giant tree-like species that can reach heights of up to 30 feet (10m). They feature large, fleshy leaves that range in color from green to bluish green. On the stem surfaces of some kinds, there are white flecks. The dwarf species are excellent choices for potted or containerized indoor plants. The majority of larger aloe species can be grown outdoors as landscaping plants or in sizable containers and thrive in full light. Some large species may withstand light frost with minimal or no plant harm. These plants require very little care and attention and are low maintenance.
A sizable genus of succulent plants is called Crassula. Crassula ovata, popularly known as the jade plant, is one of the most popular (also known as money tree, lucky plant, or friendship tree). They are indigenous to Mozambique and South Africa. There are evergreen jade plants. These plants are distinguished by their opposite-pair, thick, meaty, shiny, smooth leaves. Dark jade green in the shade to scarlet on the edges when exposed to direct or full sunshine, are the colors of the leaves. Some variants (known as Crassula Ovata or Hummel’s Sunset) have leaves with a bright yellow-green tint. With time, their branches become thicker.
Jade plants are adaptable and require little upkeep. They can survive in a variety of lighting situations. Once adapted, they may thrive in direct sunlight. When exposed to direct sunlight, their leaves take on a scarlet hue, especially near the tips.
This little pine tree-like succulent, which is native to South Africa, has thin, elongated green leaves and brown stems and bark that can reach a height of three feet. They develop into shrubs and eventually resemble trees. At the tips of the shrub, they produce little white blooms. They should be shielded from the full sun’s glare since they are susceptible to sunburn. These are among the simplest plants to grow from stem cuttings and require very little upkeep. I have many of these plants in various planters that were grown from stem cuttings. My initial plant, which is a few years old, is still alive and well.
This resilient, low-maintenance plant is indigenous to South Africa and is very simple to grow. They can grow up to 20 feet tall and are a source of food for elephants in their natural habitat. They feature glossy green leaves and begin as tiny bushes before becoming tree-like in size. As the plant becomes older, the stem thickens.
I was initially drawn to this plant since I mistakenly believed I was purchasing a miniature jade plant. It has no connection to the actual jade plant, yet it is occasionally referred to as “Dwarf Jade” or “Miniature Jade.” These plants may survive in a variety of environments and are relatively simple to maintain. I have this plant thriving in many planters thanks to stem cuttings I utilized. This plant frequently serves as filler in many arrangements. My original plant is several years old and has endured situations such as neglect.
A hybrid aeonium called “Blushing Beauty” was created by mating two distinct aeoniums. I have discovered that this aeonium is incredibly simple to cultivate and spread. I have a few of these plants that are all stem cuttings that are growing quickly.
Aeoniums are tough, cold-tolerant plants. They thrive in either full sun or little shade. In extremely hot and dry weather, aeoniums go dormant. To reduce excessive water loss, their leaves will curl and fall. The winter or spring is when they experience their true growth. Both containers and the ground can be used to grow them.
These succulents, which are native to Madagascar, are very adaptable to many growth conditions. They can reach heights of up to two feet and are prized for the typically red, pink, or white flowers they produce. These plants have half-inch-long, vicious thorns all over them. The plant is known by the moniker “Crown of Thorns,” which is derived from the biblical account of Christ’s crucifixion and refers to the fake crown that was put on Jesus’ head during the crucifixion. They can be cultivated in either full sun or shade. These are hardy plants that are difficult to eradicate.
This plant, which is indigenous to South Africa, initially has an aloe plant appearance. In reality, they belong to the same subfamily. They have thick, pointy leaves with white stripes that resemble zebra stripes and look warty. They can endure various lighting conditions and can be cultivated indoors or outdoors.
At initially, they grow slowly, but once established, they can develop quickly and produce pups and offsets. I’ve been cultivating mine outside all year. It is one of the easiest plants to care for and has generated a lot of pups and offshoots. Variegated zebra plants have white ridges and horizontal bands of yellow and green hue on their leaves.
These fascinating and unusual-looking plants, also known as Bryophyllum Daigremontianum (also known as Mother of Thousands, Alligator Plant, and Mexican Hat Plant), have enormous green leaves that develop into baby plantlets along the edges. Because of their quick growth and propensity to spread wherever they land, these plantlets have earned the moniker “Mother of Thousands.” They can also be challenging to eradicate.
Once established, these plants are hardy and able to withstand extreme heat. This is the kind of plant to attempt if you’re seeking for one that spreads readily. They can easily spiral out of control, so use caution. Some people find these plants to be bothersome, and some places consider them to be invasive weeds. Grow them in pots or other containers and apart from other plants or the ground to restrict their development.
In the winter, should you cover succulents?
If you have a variety of succulents that can survive the winter outside, you might wish to do so. Your plump outdoor greens still require adequate care, though, otherwise the frost risked damaging them.
Not to mention that your plant’s roots could decay due to the winter’s damp soil. Additionally, if your region gets too much rain during the cold season, the succulents’ cells will swell. Additionally, the plant cell walls may rupture as a result of the frost. As a result, it is crucial to take precautions to safeguard your plant from all of these harmful situations.
Although some varieties of succulents can withstand below-freezing conditions, none of the species prefers frequent watering or excessive humidity throughout the year. Succulents prefer healthy soil that drains well, good airflow, and bright sunlight. Here are some precautions you should take to ensure your in-ground plants are taken care of over the winter.
Build a Greenhouse
The majority of succulents cannot withstand temperatures below 25 F during the winter nights. Bring your succulents into a DIY greenhouse if your area has the same winter temperatures, or if you have a gazebo, cover it with 5mm plastic and move your succulents there. Make sure to securely anchor the plastic, and tape the seams. You can even include a little heater if the temperature falls any lower.
Cover Your Succulents
Cover your outside succulent plants with bed sheets if your region occasionally suffers frost. Row covers and nonwoven fabrics, which are often constructed of spun nylon, are further options. Your plants will be protected when it is 2-4 degrees below freezing if you cover them with such blankets.
Additionally, don’t remove the dried leaves from your plants because they protect them from high temperatures. Move your plants that are sensitive to cold under a tree, deck, or eaves; this will prevent heat from escaping.
Do all sedums tolerate the cold?
Succulent plants called sedums thrive in climate zones 3 to 9. Sedum is one of the toughest succulents available due to the fact that succulents are notorious for storing water in their leaves. Sedums can withstand hot weather, dry soil, and cold temperatures. Sedum won’t need a lot of winter maintenance, unlike most perennials.
Sedums can be neglected when you tidy up and cut your garden space for the winter. Sedums are hardy plants that can withstand cold and temperatures below zero. Sedums that are standing upright will eventually fade back to the ground, but the surviving stalks with spent flowers will still provide color and food for the birds. Pruning the stalks all the way to the ground is an option. The plant and the spring’s fresh growth won’t be harmed.
Can succulents recover after a freeze?
Can a frozen plant still be saved? This truly depends on the kind of plant and how long it was exposed to the cold. On all save the most tropical plants, light freezes are typically something that a plant can recover from.
Remove damaged plant material from woody plants in the spring. In the late winter, you can detect which stems are dead by scratching the bark. The tissue is still alive if the substance is green below. They will lose their leaves as a result of the freezing, but they normally re-leaf in the spring. After all threat of frost has passed, maintain the plants’ moisture and apply a mild fertilizer.
More delicate plants won’t be able to endure the freezing damage and will turn into annuals. Perennial plants that have been frozen-damaged may only have little root damage, in which case you can divide the plant and replant the pieces. The ones that recovered from the root area’s cold did not deal a fatal blow.
Are Echeveria cold-resistant?
- Echeverias and Sempervivums are frequently mistaken (Hens and Chicks). There are significant distinctions between the two despite the fact that they both have lovely meaty rosettes.
- Sempervivums are more cold-hardy than Echeverias. Although they can tolerate frost in most cases, few can endure a prolonged deep freeze. Sempervivums can live in regions with a long winter of snowfall. Sempervivums, on the other hand, do not withstand heat as well as Echeverias do.
- Their blossoms are another difference between them. Bell-shaped echeveria flowers frequently emerge from stalks that arch. On large inflorescences, Sempervivum flowers typically have narrow, aster-like petals. While Sempervivums are monocarpic—they die after flowering—the majority of Echeverias flower annually.
How should succulents be cared for during the winter?
Yes, succulents may survive the winter indoors, but there are some precautions you should take to ensure plant health. Many of these succulent care suggestions are worthwhile to follow all year round.
Verify that your succulent is pest-free before bringing it indoors. If necessary, fix the plant’s health problems.
Clear the plant of any dead, dying, or damaged leaves, and weed the area surrounding the roots of the succulent. It’s not just about appearances; you also don’t want weeds to invade other indoor plants like bugs do.
Make sure the pots have sufficient drainage because although if it is warmer and drier indoors than outside, it is still crucial to prevent the roots of the succulents from sitting in water.
Succulents can be kept just on the wet side of dehydration by watering them very sparingly once the soil has dried out throughout the winter.
Succulents prefer sunlight; therefore, place them in a bright area away from drafts.
Make sure the temperature is suitable; succulents prefer a room temperature between 50 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit.