20 cold hardy outdoor succulents

2023-07-22 11:04:11

Benefits of outdoor succulents

Are you looking for robust, attractive and easy-to-maintain plants for your outdoor garden in winter? Look no further than succulents. These unique plants have become very popular in recent years due to their many advantages. Their ability to store water in their fleshy leaves allows them to resist hot and arid climates but also the rigors of the cold season.

Adaptation to external conditions

Fat and succulent plants are true champions of adaptation to difficult external conditions. Their fleshy and resistant foliage allows them to thrive whether in the ground or in pots. Planted in the garden or displayed on the balcony, their colorful and varied foliage will add a touch of elegance to your outdoor space. These plants are perfect for those looking for plants that are easy to maintain and able to withstand bad weather. With their exceptional adaptability, these plants can thrive in sunny, windy environments and even less fertile soils. Add a touch of greenery with these succulent wonders and enjoy their long-lasting beauty all year round.

Read also: 10 natural repellents to keep mosquitoes away from home

Low maintenance required

If you’re looking for low-maintenance plants, these hardy, easy-going plant gems do well in the soil and add a touch of splendor to your outdoor spaces. Imagine their attractive foliage, while boasting beautiful flowers that brighten up your garden. These perennials survive harsh climatic conditions and are content with little water and care. Whether you are active or prefer to spend your time enjoying your garden rather than maintaining it, these succulents are for you. But beware ! Not all succulents can withstand cold or frost, so choose them carefully and grow them in well-drained soil.

Succulent succulents – Source: spm

You want to bring a touch of beauty to your outdoor garden with succulents but you don’t know how to choose them ? You should know that the latter generally flourish in hot and dry environments, but some species are also resistant to frost. Choose varieties suited to your climate to promote their growth. If the climate in your area is harsh, choose succulents that are cold-hardy so they can withstand low temperatures and look great all year round. Next, consider the space available in your garden. Succulents can be grown in pots or on the ground by installing a clump of these succulents. If you have enough space, create captivating combinations by mixing shapes and colors.

20 cold-resistant succulents

Ready to face winter in style? Discover our incredible selection of 20 cold-resistant plants. These hardy plants are ready to defy the freezing temperatures and turn your garden into a dazzling winter oasis. Follow our guide to cold-hardy plants and get ready to create a garden that withstands all weathers.

  1. Red Sedum

red sedum

Red sedum – Source: spm

This intensely hued and captivating succulent adds a touch of warmth and passion to your garden. The fleshy leaves of this Sedum take on a deep red color, creating a striking contrast with the other plants. Additionally, Red Sedum is a low-maintenance plant, making it a practical choice for budding gardeners. Whether you use it as an accent plant or to create vibrant flower arrangements, it’s sure to turn heads in your garden. Let this incendiary red succulent plant light up your outdoor space and bring a touch of passion to your natural surroundings.

  1. Sedum “Lime Twister”

Sedum

Sedum – Source : spm

This luscious gem is a real attraction in the gardens. With its unique foliage, blending shades of bright green and lemon yellow, it adds a touch of freshness and sparkle to your outdoor space. Fleshy, rosette-shaped leaves create a striking contrast to other plants. Sedum ‘Lime Twister’ is also popular for its summer flowering, when small, starry, delicate pink flowers appear, attracting bees and butterflies. This hardy, easy-care plant is perfect for adding a touch of vibrancy to the garden without having to worry about its upkeep.

  1. Rosularia (Prometheum Chrysanthum)

Rosular plant

Plant Rosularia – Source: spm

The Rosularia is a versatile and resistant succulent plant gel that will not fail to dazzle you! Imagine fleshy leaves arranged in rosettes, displaying a color palette ranging from bright green to coppery red. She is also a true warrior against the winter elements. It proudly braves cold temperatures, transforming your landscape into a vibrant tableau of greenery even when snow covers the ground.

  1. Joubarbe (Emervivum)

Houseleek

Joubarbe – Source : spm

These succulent little wonders, also known as houseleeks, bloom with brilliance during the season of renewal. Their fleshy and colorful rosettes unfurl elegantly, adding a touch of freshness and charm to your garden. Their thick and fleshy leaves, arranged in a spiral, are a real invitation to contemplation. With their different shades of green, red and purple, the Sempervivum illuminate your outdoor space and bring a unique touch to your floral arrangements.

Hardy and low maintenance, these plants are perfect for those looking to add natural beauty to their garden.

  1. Sempervivum “Cosmic Candy”

Forever living

Sempervivum – Source : spm

When the temperatures drop, it turns a deep red and retains this vibrant color all year round. But that’s not all ! Known as ‘cosmic candy’, it also sports a thin white growth on its leaves that resembles a spider’s web. Whether you want to incorporate it into a rock garden or a beautiful container, this versatile succulent is ready to steal the show. It will add an explosion of color and character to your outdoor space with minimal effort. So what are you waiting for to invite this irresistible beauty into your garden?

  1. Orpin “Fuldaglut”

Orpin Fuldagut

Orpin Fuldagut – Source : spm

Native to the mountains of Asia, this plant will thrive in your winter garden. It is an evergreen with round leaves that start out medium green with red tinged edges, then turn deep burgundy in cool weather. It produces tiny flowers in the spring that attract butterflies, and its intense red foliage brings color to your landscape during the colder winter months. Plant it in clumps on a slope or in a container in full sun.

  1. Forever “Gold Nugget”

Read forever

Le sempervivum – Source : spm

This sempervivum seduces with its green rosettes that turn into a brilliant mix of orange, gold and red during the winter. Use it as a ground cover or in containers, giving it a sunny exposure and moderate watering. This plant will add a vibrant touch to your garden and will illuminate your landscape with its colorful radiance.

  1. Orpin du Kamchatka

Kamtschatic seat

Sedum kamtschaticum – Source: spm

This plant comes straight from the wild Kamchatka Peninsula in Siberia. This real jewel of resilience forms a magnificent carpet of green leaves, delicately edged in red. Resistant to the toughest conditions, this plant thrives with creeping stems and rusty-red fruits that brighten up winter gardens. Perfect for adding visual interest and vitality to your outdoor space, this plant embodies the rugged beauty of nature.

  1. Stonecrop White

Stonecrop White

Orpin Blanc – Source : spm

Native to North Africa and western Asia, white sedum is an evergreen vine with dense foliage. It produces tiny white flowers grouped in clusters in mid-summer, thus attracting butterflies. In autumn and winter, its leaves take on a reddish-brown hue, offering a charming winter spectacle. Plant it in containers or use it as a ground cover between stepping stones.

  1. Sedum “Turquoise Tails” ou Sedum Sediforme

Read it in a sediform manner

Le sedum sediforme – Source : spm

This variety of houseleek forms luxurious carpets of leaves. With its exceptional resistance, it can withstand sub-zero temperatures during the winter. In summer, this resilient plant delights with an abundance of charming tiny yellow flowers. For good maintenance, plant it in a hanging basket and let it spread gracefully over the edges. Sedum sediforme is the perfect choice to add beauty and durability to your outdoor space.

  1. Evervivum “Grammens”

Evervivum

Sempervivum “Grammens” – Source : spm

A gorgeous orange-pink succulent with tips of a deep plum color. It forms a dense carpet of foliage by emitting new rosettes from the parent plants. With its maximum shine in frosty weather, it is perfect for containers, wreaths or as a ground cover. Snow resistant but sensitive to excess water, this succulent thrives in outdoor spaces. Add a dazzling touch to your garden with this versatile plant.

  1. Forever “Rouge”

Everlasting rouge

Sempervivum rouge – Source : spm

Its dynamic rosettes with dark red tips extend gracefully over the floor, forming a lush carpet of foliage. Their resistance is remarkable, being able to face temperatures as low as 20 degrees below zero. But that’s not all, in the heart of summer, they are adorned with spikes of pink flowers, offering eternal beauty throughout the year. Whether in containers, as a ground cover, or even adorning a wreath, their presence is simply stunning. These versatile rosettes will add an irresistible touch of charm to your outdoor space.

  1. Sedum Spurius “Voodoo”

Sedum Spurius

Sedum Spurium – Source : spm

Check out this vibrant ground cover that forms carpets of round, flat, bright green leaves with reddish edges. Native to the Caucasus, it produces small pale pink star-shaped flowers and is resistant to temperatures below zero. Perfect for edging along a wall or gracefully drooping from a container, this versatile plant will bring a burst of color to the landscape.

  1. Everlasting “Fandango” ou Heuffelii

Heuffelii

Heuffelii – Source : spm

‘Fandango’, a sempervivum in the Heuffelii subcategory, recognized for its wider, flatter rosettes, as well as its exceptional longevity among houseleeks. Its lime green leaves take on an intense red hue in cold weather, offering a breathtaking spectacle in the heart of winter. To ensure their development, be sure to provide them with light exposure and moderate watering. This plant adds a touch of vitality to your garden and stands out for its unparalleled shine.

  1. Sempervivum ‘Pacific Blue Ice’

Sempervivum Pacific Blue Ice

Sempervivum Pacific Blue Ice – Source : spm

This succulent living plant with silvery-blue rosettes takes on purple or pink hues when temperatures cool. In midsummer, it produces clusters of tiny pink flowers and goes through its main growth phase. However, it is in winter that its foliage reaches its maximum brilliance. Use it in containers, to accent a wreath or as a ground cover. This versatile houseleek will add a touch of charm to your outdoor space, whatever the season.

  1. Agave Victoria-Queen

Agave Victoria-Queen

Agave Victoriae-Reginae – Source : spm

This decorative Agave of small size but impressive with its dark green full ground leaves arranged in a rosette and its contrasting white margins will catch your eye. It is ideal for planting near large rocks for a natural look or in rows for a contemporary design. It can also be used in pots and placed indoors during the winter. Native to the Chihuahua Desert in Mexico, it is drought tolerant once established, requiring deep watering once a month in spring, summer and fall. However, this plant withstands light frost. For optimal growth, plant it in well-drained soil and ensure full sun exposure.

  1. glorious yucca

glorious yucca

Yucca gloriosa – Source : spm

Yucca gloriosa is a fleshy-leaved plant that creates bluish green or cream foliage when it comes to the “variegata” form. This plant thrives in full sun and can be grown in the ground or in containers, making it a great addition to any landscape. On the other hand, the Yucca gloriosa resists humidity and the cold of winter (-15°C) but its foliage is a little sensitive. Flowering of this plant occurs annually. It is a majestic plant with its large cream-colored flowers.

  1. Hens and chicks (Sempervivum)

Hens and chicks

Hens and chicks – Source: spm

Sempervivums, also known as Houseleeks, are resistant plants. These small succulents form rosettes of different colors, shapes and sizes. They can be used as a ground cover in rock gardens or in pots. Sempervivums prefer full sun to light shade. They require well-drained soil and should be watered only when the soil is dry. Native to the mountains of central and southern Europe, these plants add a unique and charming touch to your garden. This plant can withstand the cold of winter (-10°). In some areas that are too cold it might need to be placed indoors.

  1. Parry’s Agave

Parry's Agave

Parry’s Agave – Source: spm

These Agaves look great when planted in groups of three and mixed with smaller ornamental grasses. They can also attract attention when planted next to a large rock. Parry’s Agave is also ideal in containers and can survive low temperatures (-18°C) when planted in dry soil. Its water needs are low, with monthly watering in summer, and in lowland desert regions, biannual watering in summer. Full sun to light shade is best, and when mature, these Agaves reach a size of 45 to 90 cm in height and width. Plant them in well-drained soil in full sun or light shade to promote growth and flourishing.

  1. Echinopsis

Echinopsis

Echinopsis – Source : spm

You can recognize this plant by its small red flowers that bring color to your garden. It can withstand cold and low temperatures (-6°C). Plant your Echinopsis on the ground or in a pot. Remember to repot the plant so that it can develop better.

Tips for growing cold hardy outdoor succulents

Here is our essential advice for growing outdoor succulents that withstand freezing temperatures, even when the thermometer is plummeting.

Sun exposure

To ensure optimal growth of your plants, provide them with generous exposure to the sun. A sunny location is important for them to thrive, grow and resist disease. It is still necessary to know the specific needs of each plant. It is therefore necessary to observe them and protect them from excessive sunburn for them to be healthy.

Soil drainage

Soil drainage is an essential part of ensuring the health and prosperity of your plants. Poorly drained soil can lead to standing water accumulation and root rot, which can cause irreparable damage to your precious plants. To promote good drainage, you can take several simple but effective measures. First, be sure to choose locations with naturally well-drained soil in your garden. Avoid low areas where water can accumulate, and prefer slight slopes that promote the flow of water. Then, improve drainage by adding compost which promotes soil structure and aeration. You can also consider installing drainage systems such as trenches or underground pipes to drain excess water. Finally, choose plants adapted to the type of soil in your garden, favoring those that tolerate wetter soils or opting for varieties that prefer well-drained soils.

Moderate irrigation

When it comes to watering your plants, moderation is the key to successful irrigation. Giving your plants the right amount of water allows them to thrive while avoiding the problems associated with overwatering. The goal is to provide enough water to meet your plants’ needs without drowning them. For moderate irrigation, observe your plants carefully and take into account factors such as the type of soil, climatic conditions and the specificities of each plant. Use a tool like a moisture tester or perform a simple test by pushing your finger into the soil up to the first knuckle. If the soil is still wet, wait a bit before watering again. When you water your plant, do it deeply to encourage the roots to grow downwards. An occasional good soak is preferable to frequent superficial watering. Avoid watering during the hottest hours of the day to minimize evaporation and risk of leaf burn. Instead, prefer mornings or evenings.

Remember that each plant has different water needs, so it’s important to adjust your irrigation accordingly. Succulents, for example, are drought-tolerant and require much less frequent watering than dense foliage plants. By adopting a moderate irrigation approach, you are contributing to the health of your plants while conserving water resources. You will be rewarded with a blooming garden and resplendent plants!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which succulent should I put in full sun?

Here are some examples of succulents that appreciate a sunny exposure:

Sedum : Sedum varieties are perfect for full sun. They offer a gorgeous color palette, ranging from bright green to deep purple, and produce pretty summer blooms.

Agave : Agaves are iconic succulents that hold up well in the blazing sun. Varieties such as Agave parry and Agave americana bring a bold look with their thick, fleshy leaves.

Echeveria : Echeverias are popular succulents that form elegant rosettes. They come in a wide variety of colors, from soft green to pale pink, and can add a touch of softness to your sunny garden.

Crassula : Crassulas are versatile succulents that tolerate direct sun well. With their fleshy leaves and varying shapes, they bring unique texture and visual interest to your garden.

Aloe : Aloes are hardy succulents that love the sun. Aloe vera is one of the best-known varieties, with its spiky leaves and well-known medicinal properties.

What exposure for succulents?

Succulents, also known as succulents, generally prefer a sunny position. They need at least six hours of direct light a day to thrive. However, some varieties can tolerate light shade.

Read also: What plants and vegetables should not be planted next to the potato?

Be sure to provide partial shade or protection from intense sun in hotter regions. By following these tips, you can enjoy healthy, thriving succulents in your garden.

When to overwinter outdoor succulents?

Some succulents are sensitive to winter frost. We cite for this the Echeverias, some Crassulas, the Aeoniums… which do not adapt easily to harsh winters. It is therefore advisable to protect them from frost and temperatures at 0°C, -2°C or -4°C (depending on the variety). Autumn is therefore the ideal season to bring in these succulents.

Read also: Water the tomatoes with this: the plants will become strong and fertile

1690035910
#cold #hardy #outdoor #succulents

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.