10 Most Colorful Succulents to Brighten Up Your Garden
With their thick, fleshy leaves and ability to store water, succulents are able to thrive in a variety of environments. While many succulents are known for their green hues, there are also a variety of colorful succulents available to add a pop of color to any garden or home.
Many succulents become more colorful in the cold or sun, so you can expect colors to grow more vibrant and fade again as the seasons change.
These 10 most colorful succulents each have their own unique characteristics and vibrant hues. From the bright pink leaves of the Echeveria ‘Perle von Nurnberg’ to the deep burgundy tones of the Aeonium ‘Zwartkop’, these succulents are sure to catch the eye and add a touch of color to any space.
Whether you are a seasoned, succulent enthusiast or just starting out, these colorful varieties are a must-have for any collection.
Make sure to learn how to use rocks in your succulent garden to create a natural effect and make the colors in your succulents pop.
Bookmark this overview of succulent design and arrangement ideas so you’ll have inspiration at hand whenever the mood strikes you to do something new with your succulents.
Echeveria
Echeveria is a genus of succulent plants that are native to Central America, Mexico, and northwestern South America. They are known for their rosette-shaped leaves and vibrant colors.
Echeverias are versatile plants that can be used in a variety of ways. They can be grown in containers, used as ground cover, or planted in rock gardens. With their vibrant colors and easy care, they are a great addition to any garden.
Echeveria ‘Perle von Nürnberg’
Echeveria ‘Perle von Nürnberg’ is a popular hybrid succulent that features beautiful pink and purple hues. The leaves of this plant are powdery and have a soft texture. They grow in a rosette shape and can reach up to 6 inches in diameter. It’s a slow-growing plant that requires well-draining soil and bright, indirect sunlight.
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Echeveria ‘Afterglow’
Echeveria ‘Afterglow’ is another popular hybrid succulent that is known for its stunning colors. The leaves of this plant are a mix of pink, purple, and blue and have a powdery texture. They grow in a rosette shape and can reach up to 6 inches in diameter.
Sedum
Sedum is a large genus of flowering plants that includes over 400 different species. Sedum plants are known for their fleshy leaves and bright, showy flowers. They are also known for their ease of care, making them a popular choice for gardeners and succulent enthusiasts alike.
Sedum rubrotinctum ‘Aurora’
Sedum rubrotinctum ‘Aurora’, also known as Pink Jelly Beans, is a colorful succulent that is native to Mexico. This sedum has small, round leaves that are bright green with pink edges. As the plant matures, the leaves turn a deeper shade of pink, creating a stunning display of color. Sedum rubrotinctum ‘Aurora’ is a popular choice for hanging baskets and container gardens, as its trailing stems can grow up to 3 feet long.
This sedum prefers bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. It is drought-tolerant and can go long periods without water. However, it should be watered more frequently during the growing season to encourage healthy growth.
Sedum morganianum ‘Burro’s Tail’
Sedum morganianum ‘Burro’s Tail’, also known as Donkey Tail, is a trailing succulent that is native to Mexico and Honduras. This sedum has long, trailing stems that are covered in small, plump leaves. The leaves are a blue-green color and can turn pink or red in bright light.
Sedum morganianum ‘Burro’s Tail’ is a popular choice for hanging baskets and container gardens, as its trailing stems can grow up to 3 feet long. It’s also a perfect feature for succulent table arrangements, with it’s lush, draping growth habit, so don’t be afraid to bring some cuttings inside and have fun designing your new centerpiece.
This sedum prefers bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. It is drought-tolerant and can go long periods without water. However, it should be watered more frequently during the growing season to encourage healthy growth.
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Crassula
Crassula is a genus of succulent plants that belongs to the Crassulaceae family. It is native to South Africa and Madagascar. The plant has a wide range of species, and it is popular among gardeners and collectors because of its unique shapes, colors, and textures.
Crassula ovata ‘Hobbit’
Crassula ovata ‘Hobbit’ is a dwarf succulent that is also known as ‘Gollum’ or ‘Finger Jade.’ It is a cultivar of the Crassula ovata species, and it is characterized by its tubular leaves that have a reddish tint. The plant can grow up to 3 feet in height and 2 feet in width.
Crassula capitella ‘Campfire Plant’
This succulent features vibrant red or bronze-colored leaves that resemble stacked pagoda roofs. The edges of the leaves often turn bright red or orange when exposed to direct sunlight, adding to its visual appeal. It’s a popular choice among succulent enthusiasts looking to add a splash of color to their collections or arrangements.
Kalanchoe
Kalanchoe are native to Madagascar and other parts of Africa and are popular among gardeners and succulent enthusiasts for their beauty and ease of care. Kalanchoe plants are available in a variety of colors, including red, yellow, pink, and orange, making them an excellent choice for adding a pop of color to any garden or indoor space.
Kalanchoe blossfeldiana “Flaming Katy”
This plant is cherished for its striking and vibrant flowers, which come in a wide range of colors including red, orange, yellow, pink, and white. The flowers are long-lasting and can create a beautiful burst of color in indoor or outdoor settings. Kalanchoe blossfeldiana is a popular choice for adding a splash of vibrant hues to gardens, flower beds, or as potted plants for tabletop displays.
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Kalanchoe ‘Flapjacks’
Kalanchoe ‘Flapjacks’ is a hybrid succulent that is known for its thick, pancake-shaped leaves and vibrant colors. The leaves of this plant are a bright green color with red edges, and they can grow up to 6 inches in diameter. Kalanchoe ‘Flapjacks’ is a hardy plant that can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions.
Aloe
Aloe is a genus of succulent plants that are native to Africa and Madagascar. They come in a variety of colors, from green to red to yellow, and they are often used in traditional medicine.
Aloe vera
Aloe vera is one of the most well-known species of Aloe. It is commonly used in skincare products and has a long history of use in traditional medicine. Aloe vera plants have thick, fleshy leaves that are green or gray-green in color. The leaves are lined with small, white teeth and can grow up to two feet long. Aloe vera plants produce yellow or orange flowers on tall stems.
Aloe vera plants are easy to care for and can be grown both indoors and outdoors. They prefer bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. Aloe vera plants should be watered deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Overwatering can cause the roots to rot.
Aloe ‘Pink Blush’
Aloe ‘Pink Blush’ is a hybrid Aloe that is prized for its colorful foliage. This plant has green leaves that are edged in pink and can turn a deep red in bright sunlight. Aloe ‘Pink Blush’ produces small, tubular flowers that are pink or orange in color.
Aloe ‘Pink Blush’ is easy to care for and can be grown both indoors and outdoors. It prefers bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. Like other Aloe plants, it should be watered deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Agave
Agave is a genus of succulent plants native to the hot and arid regions of the Americas. They are known for their striking architectural shapes and stunning foliage colors. Agave plants tolerate full sun and extreme heat, making them a popular choice for xeriscaping and rock gardens.
Agave ‘Blue Glow’
Agave ‘Blue Glow’ is a compact hybrid cultivar that features blue-gray leaves with red margins and a sharp terminal spine. The leaves are arranged in a rosette pattern and form a dense clump that can reach up to 2 feet tall and wide. This agave variety is cold-hardy and can tolerate temperatures as low as 15°F (-9°C) when grown in well-draining soil and full sun. It is a great choice for borders, containers, and rock gardens.
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Agave victoriae-reginae
Agave victoriae-reginae, also known as queen agave, is a slow-growing succulent that forms a symmetrical rosette of dark green leaves with white markings. The leaves are stiff, pointed, and have sharp teeth along the margins. This agave variety is prized for its ornamental value and is often used in landscape design. It can grow up to 2 feet tall and 3 feet wide and prefers well-draining soil and partial shade. It is also drought-tolerant and can survive long periods of dry weather.
Gasteria
Gasteria is a genus of succulent plants native to South Africa. They are known for their interesting leaves and beautiful flowers. Gasteria plants are easy to care for and make great additions to any succulent collection. Here are two popular varieties:
Gasteria ‘Little Warty’
Gasteria ‘Little Warty’ is a small succulent with thick, rough leaves that are covered in small bumps. The leaves are a dark green color with white spots. This plant can grow up to 6 inches tall and 8 inches wide. Gasteria ‘Little Warty’ produces small, tubular flowers that are a pale pink color. This plant is great for small spaces, as it does not take up much room.
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Gasteria bicolor
Gasteria bicolor is a larger succulent with long, narrow leaves that are a dark green color. The leaves have white spots and are slightly curved. This plant can grow up to 12 inches tall and 16 inches wide. Gasteria bicolor produces long, thin flower stalks that are covered in small, tubular flowers. The flowers are a bright orange-red color. Gasteria bicolor is a great plant for larger spaces, as it can fill out a pot or garden bed.
Senecio
Senecio is a genus of flowering plants that belongs to the daisy family, Asteraceae. The genus comprises about 1250 species, which are commonly known as senecios. These plants are native to different parts of the world, including Africa, America, and Australia. Senecios are known for their bright and colorful foliage, making them a popular choice among gardeners and plant enthusiasts.
Senecio rowleyanus ‘Variegatus’
This succulent is a variegated form of the popular Senecio rowleyanus. It features cascading stems adorned with small, spherical leaves that have a creamy-white and green variegation. The variegated pattern adds a delightful touch of color and visual interest to this unique succulent. Variegated String of Pearls is an excellent choice for hanging baskets or elevated planters, where its trailing growth habit and colorful foliage can be appreciated.
Senecio mandraliscae ‘Blue chalksticks’
Senecio mandraliscae, commonly known as blue chalksticks, is a succulent that is native to South Africa. This plant is named for its blue-green, cylindrical leaves, which resemble sticks of chalk. The leaves grow on thin, woody stems that can reach up to 2 feet in length.
Blue chalksticks is a drought-tolerant plant that prefers full sun and well-draining soil. This plant is easy to care for and requires minimal watering. It is often used in xeriscaping and rock gardens because of its unique appearance.
Pachyphytum
Pachyphytum is a genus of succulent plants that belongs to the Crassulaceae family. These plants are native to Mexico and have thick, fleshy leaves that store water, making them perfect for dry environments. Pachyphytum plants come in a variety of colors and are known for their unique, rosette-shaped leaves.
Pachyphytum oviferum
Pachyphytum oviferum, also known as Moonstones, is a popular succulent plant among collectors. This plant has round, plump leaves that are bluish-green in color and covered in a powdery coating, giving them a moon-like appearance. Moonstones are easy to care for and can grow up to 6 inches tall.
These plants require bright, indirect sunlight and well-draining soil. They should be watered sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely before watering again. Moonstones are slow-growing plants and can be propagated through stem cuttings or leaf cuttings.
Pachyphytum compactum
Pachyphytum compactum, also known as Little Jewel, is a small succulent plant that grows up to 4 inches tall. This plant has thick, compact leaves that are green in color and covered in a waxy coating. Little Jewel is a slow-growing plant and can take several years to reach its full size.
These plants require bright, indirect sunlight and well-draining soil. They should be watered sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely before watering again. Little Jewel can be propagated through stem cuttings or leaf cuttings.
Conclusion
From the breathtaking Echeveria ‘Perle von Nürnberg’ with its lavender-pink tones to the fiery Sedum adolphi ‘Firestorm’ there is no shortage of options to add color to your succulent collection.
These colorful succulents not only bring visual interest but also offer low-maintenance care and adaptability to various growing conditions. They thrive in full sun, well-draining soil, and require minimal watering, making them an ideal choice for busy gardeners or those new to succulent gardening.
Let your garden be a canvas for nature’s vibrant palette. Have fun finding new colorful succulents and watching them transform your outdoor space into a captivating and picturesque haven for years to come.
Don’t forget the ground cover! Colorful succulents are highlighted by ground cover succulents, and these creeping, fast-growing succulents also provide help with weed control so the stars of the garden don’t get overwhelmed.
Looking for an indoor activity to do with succulents? Learn how to make a hanging terrarium for succulents that won’t kill them.
