Which Succulents Can Live Outside

Echeveria grows well in both warm garden beds and containers and is simple to maintain outside. Echeveria plants come in a wide range of colors and types, which provide beautiful textures and tones for mixed beds and containers.

The Echeverias, which are native to Mexico and central and southern America, prefer dry, arid environments, however they can tolerate brief bouts of precipitation as long as they are given time to dry out before receiving additional water. These plants, which typically grow in USDA hardiness zones 9 to 12, thrive on neglect and tolerate drought well.

Echeverias benefit from soil that drains well. Despite being called soft, they are actually quite tough. Plants should be transferred to a frost-free location throughout the winter because they can withstand cold but not damp and cold conditions.

At least four to five hours of bright, direct light each day should be provided for echeverias. Echeverias will grow long and lanky and frequently “stretch” for the nearest source of light if they don’t get enough light. This specific succulent would be the ideal addition to your garden if you enjoy outdoor living space concepts.

Sempervivum (Hens and Chicks)

Sempervivum is a well-liked outdoor succulent because of its renown for withstanding chilly, windy, and dry environments. Zones 4 to 9 of the USDA’s hardiness scale apply to it.

Sand or gravelly soil is necessary for growing Sempervivum in the ground. To add the necessary drainage to clay soils, coarse sand, pumice, or lava rock can be used. To drain moisture away from the crown, you can use mulch with lava rock or other mineral materials.

As long as the pots have drainage holes, plants grown in containers don’t need to worry as much about drainage because moisture doesn’t keep in the pots as long as it does in the ground. Most Sempervivum varieties can withstand frost, but if you’d rather grow one that can’t, plant it in a pot and bring it inside throughout the winter.

Sedum (Stonecrop)

Sedum is a resilient, low-maintenance succulent that can be used in an outdoor garden. Sedum comes in a wide range of species and types, but they may be grouped into two main groups based on how they grow. both upright and crawling sedum.

The height of creeping sedum only increases by a few inches or so as it creeps across the ground. They are therefore perfect for use as ground cover along pathways, in rock gardens, or even between other succulent plants in planters.

Standing sedum frequently forms towering clumps with a compact mass of small blooms. They stand out as a choice for border gardens due to their height and lovely blossoms.

While some strong and creeping species can tolerate some shade, most sedums thrive in full sunlight. It’s important to put sedum in full sunlight to improve overwintering if you’re growing it in a region with lengthy, bitterly cold winters (Zone 5 and colder).

Like the majority of succulents, Sedum needs soil that drains effectively because excessive moisture can cause it to decay. Sedum is hardy in zones 9 to 11 according to the USDA.

Crassula (Pigmyweed)

One of the simplest succulents to grow in a yard or outdoor containers is the crassula. The Crassula ovata species, also known as the Jade Plant, Jade Tree, and Money Tree, is one that is widely available and can be found in most garden outlet stores and neighborhood nurseries. Zones 9 to 12 of the USDA’s hardiness scale apply to it.

Crassula grows well in average to poor soil that is dry, well-drained, rocky or sandy, and receives full sun or partial shade. In full sun, the leaf coloring is at its peak.

Additionally, Crassula can thrive with little to no irrigation and only moderate amounts of rainfall. Root and stem rot will result from excessive moisture, especially if the soil is slow to drain. This succulent can withstand drought.

The plant is therefore perfect for people who frequently forget to water their plants because of its low water requirement. But keep in mind that since the succulent still needs water to survive, you shouldn’t disregard it entirely. Additionally, be aware that Crassula can be easily propagated from cuttings. Given enough time, adding its leaf to potting soil will undoubtedly take root.

Also, keep in mind that even though these plants are beautiful to look at, your dogs and cats should not be exposed to them. Your pet could become really ill or die if they consume any part of the plant.

For rock gardens, coastal gardens, or containers, crassula is ideal. Although it is essentially disease-free, keep an eye out for aphids, mealybugs, and vine weevil.

Agave

The agave plant is great for the garden and looks great in pots. In locations with little to no frost, it can be cultivated outdoors all year round.

Agave plants require a location with full sun to some shade. They can tolerate greater shade as the temperature rises. The majority of agave plants are not frost-resistant, however some, such as Agave parryi, are consistently perennial up to USDA Hardiness Zone 5. Most of them, however, are only resilient in USDA Zones 8 or 9 and above.

Although agave will grow in any well-draining soil, rocky or sandy soil is preferred. The pH of the soil makes no difference to them.

Agaves are common beside swimming pools and patios in warm areas. They maintain their beauty all year long and their leaves don’t frequently turn brown and drop. Around busy areas, a spineless type like the Foxtail Agave (Agave attenuata) is a good choice.

Agaves are rarely in trouble. The plant will eventually fall over as the agave snout weevil burrows into its center to lay its eggs. Sadly, you won’t likely realize this until it’s too late. To see if there are any grubs still present, remove the plant.

Haworthia

Haworthias are more tolerant of shade than many of the other succulents on this list, but they still require some sunlight for the production of their vibrant foliage. Make sure to keep a close check on them to prevent sunburn. Some animals can need to dwell in some shade since they can’t stand the full sun. They typically grow in their natural habitat behind bushes and rock overhangs.

Haworthia grows well on ordinary to poor soils that are dry, well-drained, rocky or sandy. Haworthia are little and develop relatively slowly, typically staying between 3 and 5 inches tall. Instead of being planted in the ground, they are frequently grown outside in compact clusters in large, shallow containers.

The USDA hardiness zone in which Haworthia is found is 11. Remember that growing these succulents is not difficult. Like other plants, they are at risk from receiving too much water because if they do, they would decay. You may put these tiny plants in adorable containers like teacups because of their size. However, you must make sure the trash can has enough drainage.

Let’s say it lacks one. To decrease dirt wicking on top, it is preferable to first remove the plant from the pot and then place some gravel beneath the container.

Aeonium

Aeonium loves soil that is well-drained, sunny, and between 40 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit in temperature (4C to 38C). Light shade may be required in desert and hot summer climates. Aeonium is hardy in zones 9 to 11 according to the USDA.

Heat and dryness are not good for aeoniums. They may go dormant in the summer and don’t need water unless it’s extremely dry out. To reduce excessive water loss in the heat, their leaves will curl.

Remember that Aeonium have shallow root systems and cannot be let to totally dry out when caring for them outdoors. When growing aeoniums, only the top few inches of soil should be allowed to dry out. Since aeonium require some moisture, a sandy loam or normal potting soil is preferable to a mix made especially for succulents and cacti.

When grown in pots as opposed to the ground, aeonium needs more frequent watering. Aeonium in containers should be fertilized once a year in the spring when new growth starts. Fertilizer is rarely necessary for in-ground plants, however a thin layer of mulch placed directly around the plant’s base may be advantageous.

Aeoniums are rarely bothered by pests. Slugs can cause some harm, and occasionally a bird might get a bite.

Senecio

There are approximately 100 delicious Senecios. Though many are tiny, trailing plants or spreading ground coverings, there are some huge shrub forms.

Full sun is ideal for senecio plant growth. Senecio, like the majority of succulents, requires sandy, well-drained soil and is vulnerable to rot in wet environments.

Senecio can withstand heat. Only a few Senecio species can resist prolonged exposure to cold or moisture; they will become mushy. Senecio is hardy in zones 9 to 11 according to the USDA.

Senecios can be used as ground cover and rock garden plants in warmer areas. In containers, either together or separately, they thrive. Growing them in pots will enable you to bring them inside as houseplants throughout the winter in cooler locations.

Senecio plants require fertilizer replenishment because they thrive on sandy soil. Annual fertilization should be minimal. Overfertilization can result in excessive leggy growth.

Senecio plants are rarely bothered by pests, however scale and mealybugs can occasionally cause problems. If this occurs, try using neem oil or a soap solution containing antibacterial agents.

It should be noted that many Senecio species are poisonous, therefore plant them away from animals and young children. When working with senecio plants, wear gloves because the sap can seriously irritate the skin.

Dudleya

Dudleya’s popular name, “Liveforever,” tells volumes about this succulent genus that survives on neglect and is one of its common names. According to legend, certain species can live for fifty to one hundred years.

There are two different varieties of dudleyas: branching and unbranching. Both kinds are perfect for rock and succulent gardening. Unbranched species only create a single rosette, while branching species generate many rosettes that group together to form low, tufted colonies. The single rosettes make great container specimens and focal points in beds, but the colony formers are valuable groundcovers at the front of a border.

When cultivated inland or in a sunny location close to the ocean, these soft succulents need afternoon shade. The dudleya plant prefers a cool environment but is sensitive to frost. Stretching and mushy leaves are quickly signs of inadequate lighting.

Dudleya is hardy in zones 9 to 12 according to the USDA. As with other succulents, Dudleya succulent care should involve planting in a fast-draining, gritty planting media. It thrives best in temperatures above the low 40F (4C).

Mealybugs, aphids, snails, slugs, and fungi like powdery mildew and Alternaria are just a few of the diseases and pests that affect dudleyas. To prevent the majority of infections, avoid overwatering and give plants plenty of air circulation.

Dudleyas should be planted at a small slope to let water drain away more quickly because they are particularly prone to above-ground rot if moisture builds up in the rosette.

Graptopetalum

The full sun or bright dappled shade will make graptopetalums most beautiful. Lack of light will make plants lanky and perhaps cause leaf drop.

Although excessive humidity is a challenge in locations with poorly draining soil, graptopetalums flourish in hot climates. Use planting mixes that are half organic material like peat, coco coir, or commercial potting soil and half grit, gravel, or sand if your garden’s soil is clay. Raised beds that are at least six inches tall should also be used.

Graptopetalum is extremely drought-tolerant, like the majority of succulents. They are hardiness zones 7 to 11 according to the USDA. All around the state, the resilient Graptopetalum can be grown; it can withstand temperatures as low as 5 F. (15 C). The ideal technique to grow these plants for people who reside in regions with harsh winters is in containers.

Kalanchoe

Due to their native range of tropical and subtropical climates, kalanchoes need an outdoor temperature of at least 45F (7C) to survive. Temperatures between 65 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit are ideal for kalanchoe plant growth and bloom (18C to 29C). They are hardiness zones 9 to 12 according to the USDA. The plants must be protected from frost because they are cold-sensitive. Plant them in partial shade to lower the danger of harm from too much direct sunlight.

Outdoor-grown kalanchoe plants don’t require much maintenance. Plants require very little water, therefore you shouldn’t water them until the top inch or two of the soil feels dry. Because of their delicate roots and dislike of wet soil, kalanchoes are susceptible to root rot, which can be fatal to the plants. The plants can withstand brief periods of dryness, but too dry soil might stunt plant growth.

Outside-grown kalanchoes are more vulnerable to pests. The plant may be attacked by nematodes, aphids, spider mites, scale insects, and nematodes. Honeydew on foliage, bitten or torn leaves, and fading leaves are some indications of an insect infestation. Neem oil is a benign insecticide that can be used to treat plants without harming them. In humid environments, the plant may have leaf spotting.

Kalanchoes require short daylight hours and temperatures between 50° and 60° to promote blooming (10C to 15.5C). Kalanchoes grown in areas with midnight lights might not bloom as frequently as those planted in areas with a long period of nighttime darkness.

Euphorbia

There are about 2,000 species of plants in the euphorbia genus, 1,200 of which are succulents.

Euphorbia plants may tolerate little shade, but often prefer a location in full sun. They don’t care much about the soil’s quality; they can even grow in very subpar soils.

Euphorbia, unlike the majority of succulents, struggles to survive extended droughts. During the summer, they require weekly watering. When the soil is dry several inches below the surface, water deeply; nevertheless, avoid letting the plants sit in damp soil.

Most succulent Euphorbias are not tolerant of frost. There are a few evergreen species, including creeping wood spurge (Euphorbia antisphilitica), cushion spurge (Euphorbia polychroma), and donkey-tail spurge (Euphorbia myrsinites; not to be confused with the donkey’s tail succulent), but the majority of Euphorbia species are hardy only in zones 10 and 11.

Generally speaking, euphorbia plants develop without many issues. Few animals find Euphorbias attractive due to the milky sap and the sharp needles. Mealybugs, spider mites, and mildews are just a few of the pests and ailments to watch out for.

Which varieties of succulents may survive outdoors?

Within each plant family, there exists a variety of succulents. There are so many in fact that you might not even be aware that they belong to the same family of succulent plants. Due to the fact that you can add so much variety to the garden without having to significantly alter the care you provide them, planting succulents outside is entertaining.

Take a look at some of these striking outdoor succulents that will flourish in any outdoor area.

  • The perennial succulent favorite “sedums” is hardy enough to be put in the ground, go through a dormant period over the winter, and then grow back larger and self-produce in various areas of the garden for the following year.
  • ‘Hens and Chicks’ can endure some of the coldest winters since they are cold-resistant. When planted in the ground outside, these hardy succulents thrive all year long.
  • Echeveria is simple to maintain outside and does particularly well in pots or cozy garden beds.
  • Agave can be cultivated outside all year long, but if a cold snap is expected, it needs to be protected from the frost. Agave plants do well in both full sun and some shade.
  • ‘Graptopetalum’ does best in direct sunlight with some light shade. They generate florets of hefty leaves and have a high tolerance for drought. These show-stoppers require soil that drains well.