Outdoor Succulents bring the low-maintenance charm of succulents to a variety of climates. To pick the right types for your climate, use the USDA Hardiness Tool to find your Cold Hardiness Zone. The filters to the left can show you succulents hardy to your zone and lower. Succulents rated for hardiness zones higher than your own can still grow outdoors, but should be brought indoors before any chance of frost.
These landscaping plants are tough enough to handle full sun, drought, poor soil, and wildlife. Some grow large enough to create focal points in the garden and many are even frost-tolerant! They make ideal choices for easy water-wise and fire-wise landscaping. How to Make a Succulent Rock Garden
OUTDOOR CARE
- Sun: Light needs vary across succulent varieties, but in many climates, morning sun and partial afternoon shade is ideal. Desert types like cacti and Agave can handle full, hot sun, but above 85F many succulents need dappled shade look their best. Too much direct sun, drought, and heat can lead to Succulent Sunburn
- Soil: Succulents need rapid drainage and prefer a lean, gritty soil like a cactus/succulent mix or sandy loam. Most are not heavy feeders, but a slow-release, low-Nitrogen (5-10-10) fertilizer applied monthly in the spring will encourage faster growth.
- Water: Succulents thrive with deep, infrequent watering when time is given for the soil to fully dry between soakings. Frequency will vary by location; start with about 2-3 times a week to establish young plants, 1-2 times a week for mature plants in the growing season, 1-2 times a month in the winter, and no water if the temperature is below freezing. For container plantings, we recommend using pots with drainage holes. How to Water Succulents
- Transplant: Remove from pot, gently loosen the roots, plant in a small hole, and firmly compress the soil around it. Wait about 2-4 days to water to allow any broken roots to callus and prevent rot.
- Hardiness: Succulents from tropical climates will not tolerate temperatures below freezing, but there are many varieties from cold, alpine regions that are frost tolerant to at least -20F. Check the plant's description or the included ID tag to find if it will be hardy in your USDA Hardiness Zone.
- Winterize: Caring for succulents through winter often involves keeping them drier than usual to prevent rot. Additionally, remove any dead, dry leaves to prevent pests. Some varieties will slow down or lose leaves leaves through a winter dormancy, but sprout back to life each spring. Winter Succulent Care
- Propagation: Many succulents can re-root from stem cuttings or mature leaves. Pull off a large, healthy leaf or use clean scissors to cut 2.0"+ of stem. Plant in gritty soil and keep lightly damp until roots establish. Propagating Succulent Cuttings
NOTES FROM THE NURSERY
We love to garden with succulents! Wholesale Plug Trays are the most affordable, low-plastic way to complete large succulent landscaping projects. And they're available to everyone, no wholesale account needed. We also carry Larger Succulents in 3.0"+ pots so that you can get a nice, filled-in look sooner.
READ MORE
