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How to Successfully Grow Outdoor Succulents: Tips and Tricks

Succulents don’t just survive but thrive in harsh conditions, making them a great choice for harsh environments, water-conscious households, and people who don’t pay a lot of attention to their plants or travel often.

However, succulents can’t survive ANY conditions outdoors, and they won’t look their best without care.

Here’s what you need to know about caring for outdoor succulents, from the basics like sun, water, and soil to how to propagate outdoor succulents easily and protect them in the hottest weather.

Here’s everything you need to know if you’d like to extend your succulent gardening indoors.

Rock gardens are one of the best ways to garden with succulents outside, since they naturally prevent weeds and the contrast between the rocks and succulents is visually pleasing. Here’s how to make a gorgeous succulent rock garden.

How to Successfully Grow Outdoor Succulents?

To grow outdoor succulents successfully, amend the soil with pumice, coarse sand, compost, etc. to ensure it drains properly and has sufficient nutrients. Plant succulents in full sun but use a shade cloth or seasonal plants to protect them in the hottest months. Water deeply only when the soil is dry and fertilize sparingly.

How to Amend Garden Soil for Succulents

To alter garden soil for planting outdoor succulents, you’ll need to address its drainage and water retention properties. Different soil types require specific amendments to create a suitable environment for succulents:

  1. Soil That Holds Moisture (Clayey Soil):
    • Improve Drainage: Add coarse sand, small lava rocks, or pumice to enhance drainage. Aim for a 1:1:1 ratio of garden soil, coarse sand, and organic matter like compost or coconut coir.
    • Avoid Compaction: Avoid compacting the soil by using raised beds or planting succulents on mounds. This allows excess water to drain away from the roots.
  2. Sandy Soil (Too Fast-Draining):
    • Increase Water Retention: Mix in organic matter such as compost or coconut coir to increase water retention in the soil. Aim for a 1:1 ratio of garden soil and organic matter.
    • Improve Nutrient Content: Add slow-release fertilizers or well-rotted manure to provide essential nutrients to the succulents.
  3. Loamy Soil (Balanced):
    • Lighten Soil Texture: Incorporate pumice, small lava rocks, or coarse sand to improve aeration and drainage. Use a 1:1:1 ratio of garden soil, coarse sand, and organic matter.
    • Monitor Watering: Succulents in loamy soil may need slightly less water than other soil types. Allow the soil to dry between waterings.

Soil Amendment Techniques:

  1. Double Digging: For heavy clay soil, double digging helps break up compacted layers. Dig a trench, loosen the soil at the bottom, add amendments, and then mix the topsoil with the amendments while filling the trench.
  2. Sheet Mulching: For sandy soil, sheet mulching with organic matter (compost, straw, leaves) helps retain moisture and improve nutrient content. Layer organic matter on the soil surface and let it break down over time.

Use Raised Beds When the Soil Isn’t Good for Succulents

When the existing garden soil can’t be amended or you don’t want to deal with it, creating raised beds or mounds is an excellent solution for growing succulents. Here’s how to do it:

Traditional Raised Beds

  • Choose the Location: Select a sunny spot for the raised bed to provide sufficient sunlight for the succulents.
  • Mark the Area: Use stakes and string to outline the raised bed’s shape and size. Clear any vegetation or debris from the marked area.
  • Build the Bed: Construct the raised bed frame using rot-resistant wood, stone, or brick. Ensure the frame is at least 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) deep to accommodate the succulent roots.
  • Fill the Bed: Fill the raised bed with a well-draining soil mix. Use a blend of garden soil, coarse sand, small lava rocks, and organic matter (compost or coconut coir) in equal proportions.
  • Plant Succulents: Plant the succulents in the prepared raised bed, leaving enough space between plants to allow for growth.

Natural-Looking Raised Beds with Rocks

  • Choose the Location: Identify a suitable area with good sunlight exposure for the rock-based raised bed.
  • Arrange Rocks: Gather various rocks and stones of different sizes and shapes. Arrange them to form a natural-looking raised bed structure.
  • Create a Base: Ensure the area is level and create a stable base for the rocks to sit on.
  • Fill the Bed: Fill the gaps between the rocks with the well-draining soil mix, incorporating garden soil, sand, small lava rocks, and organic matter.
  • Plant Succulents: Plant the succulents in the soil mix, positioning them carefully between the rocks to create an appealing garden display.
Raising succulents above the ground with rocks and optimal soil is a great way to get around poor soil quality.

How to Water Outdoor Succulents

  1. Soaker Hose:
    • How to do it: Lay a soaker hose along the base of the succulents, ensuring it covers the root zone. Connect the hose to a water source and turn it on. The soaker hose will release water directly into the soil, providing a slow and steady supply to the roots.
    • Pros: Efficient water delivery, minimizing wastage. Even distribution of water, reducing the risk of overwatering or underwatering. Watering occurs at the root level, preventing moisture on the leaves.
    • Cons: Initial setup required. May not be visually appealing in the garden if not concealed.
  2. Sprinkler:
    • How to do it: Install an overhead sprinkler system or use a portable garden sprinkler. Set the sprinkler’s water flow and coverage to include the succulents. Turn on the sprinkler as needed to water the plants.
    • Pros: Suitable for larger garden areas. Can be automated with timers for convenient watering. Quick and easy to apply water to a large number of plants.
    • Cons: Watering can be uneven, potentially leading to overwatering or underwatering. Water landing on the leaves may increase the risk of fungal issues. Not the most water-efficient method.
  3. Hand Watering:
    • How to do it: Use a watering can or hose with a gentle spray attachment. Direct the water at the base of the succulents, ensuring it reaches the root zone without wetting the leaves excessively.
    • Pros: Provides control over water amount per plant. Allows visual inspection of plants during watering. Suitable for small garden areas or potted succulents.
    • Cons: Time-consuming for larger gardens. The risk of overwatering if not careful with water amounts.
  4. Watering Globes:
    • How to do it: Fill watering globes with water and insert them into the soil near the succulents. The globes slowly release water as the soil dries out.
    • Pros: Provides a slow and consistent water supply. Suitable for short trips away from home.
    • Cons: Limited water capacity, requiring frequent refilling. May not be suitable for large succulents with extensive root systems.

Tips for All Methods:

  • Water deeply but infrequently to encourage healthy root growth.
  • Water early in the day to allow excess moisture to evaporate and prevent nighttime fungal issues.
  • Adjust watering frequency based on weather conditions, season, and individual plant needs.
Soaker hoses work great for border succulent gardens

How to Provide Optimal Sunlight for Outdoor Succulents

Most outdoor succulents prefer full sun, which means at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Some varieties can tolerate partial shade, but prolonged low-light conditions may lead to stretching and weaker growth.

Observe your succulents and position them in a spot that receives the appropriate sunlight for their specific needs. Avoid placing them in constant shade or areas with excessive shade from tall structures or trees. In the summer, they may need some protection from the hottest sun. Here’s how.

  1. Shade Cloth:
    • During extremely hot summer months, when the sunlight intensity is at its peak, you can protect succulents from scorching by using a shade cloth. Shade cloth is made from a breathable fabric that filters sunlight.
    • Choose a shade cloth with an appropriate percentage of shade, typically 30-50% shade density for succulents. Secure the cloth above the plants, allowing some airflow, but limiting direct sunlight exposure during the hottest part of the day.
    • Remove the shade cloth in the evening and during milder weather to ensure the succulents receive adequate sunlight.
  2. Seasonal Shade Plants:
    • In regions with scorching summers, consider planting temporary shade plants nearby or around the succulents. These plants can act as natural sun protectors, creating dappled shade or shielding the succulents during the hottest times.
    • Choose fast-growing, sun-loving plants with enough height to provide shade. Sunflowers work great, and vines like yams or squash
  3. Adjusting Placement:
    • Succulents in pots or containers offer the flexibility of being moved to different locations. During intense summer heat, relocate the containers to a spot with more shade or filtered sunlight.
    • Monitor the succulents for signs of sunburn or stress, such as bleaching, wilting, or color change. Adjust their placement accordingly to provide the optimal amount of sunlight.

Remember that each succulent species has specific sunlight requirements, so it’s essential to research their needs individually. Strive to strike a balance between sufficient sunlight to promote healthy growth and protection from intense midday sun to prevent damage.

Providing the right amount of sunlight will help outdoor succulents thrive and showcase their unique beauty in your garden.

Bringing succulents in pots into a sheltered area is another good way to offer some shade.

How to Fertilize Outdoor Succulents

Fertilizing outdoor succulents is essential to provide them with the necessary nutrients for healthy growth and vibrant appearance. Here’s how to fertilize succulents using both organic and inorganic options:

Organic Fertilizing:

  1. Compost: Apply a thin layer of well-aged compost around the base of the succulents in spring. Compost provides slow-release nutrients and improves soil structure.
  2. Liquid Seaweed Fertilizer: Dilute liquid seaweed fertilizer according to the package instructions and water the succulents with the solution. Liquid seaweed is rich in micronutrients and helps boost plant resilience.
  3. Fish Emulsion: Mix fish emulsion with water as per the product label and apply it to the soil around the succulents. Fish emulsion provides a balanced source of nutrients.

Inorganic Fertilizing:

  1. Balanced NPK Fertilizer: Use a balanced NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) fertilizer with a ratio such as 10-10-10 or 20-20-20. Apply the granular fertilizer according to the package instructions, typically in spring and summer.
  2. Slow-Release Granular Fertilizer: Use a slow-release granular fertilizer formulated for succulents. Apply it to the soil surface, and water the succulents to activate the slow-release process.

Fertilizing Techniques:

  • Always apply fertilizers to damp soil, never to dry soil, to prevent root burning.
  • Water the succulents a day before fertilizing to ensure the soil is adequately moistened.
  • Avoid getting fertilizer directly on the succulent leaves, as it may cause burns or discoloration.

Frequency of Fertilization:

  • Organic Fertilizers: Apply organic fertilizers once every 4-6 weeks during the active growing season (spring and summer).
  • Inorganic Fertilizers: Use slow-release fertilizers once every 2-4 months, as they release nutrients over a more extended period.

Caution:

  • Avoid over-fertilization, as succulents are sensitive to excess nutrients, which can lead to leggy growth and other issues.
  • During the dormant period (fall and winter), avoid fertilizing, as succulents require less nutrition during this time.
Proper, conservative fertilizing results in lush growth spilling from the planting beds.

Prune and Propagate

One of the fantastic aspects of working with succulents is that many of them can be propagated from both leaf and stem cuttings. When you prune your succulents, you have the opportunity to propagate new plants from the cuttings.

By propagating succulents from leaf and stem cuttings, you can create new plants without spending extra money on buying new ones. This cost-effective method allows you to expand your succulent collection without breaking the bank.

You also retain the same genetic traits as the parent plant, including color patterns and thriving in your exact conditions.

Pruning for Lush Growth:

  1. Remove Leggy Growth: Trim back leggy or elongated stems to encourage the succulent to produce new growth from the base. Use clean, sharp pruning shears to make clean cuts.
  2. Pinch and Deadhead: Pinch off the tips of the succulent’s stems to promote branching and a bushier appearance. Also, remove spent flowers or dried-up rosettes (in the case of rosette-forming succulents) to redirect energy into new growth.
  3. Trim Overcrowded Areas: If certain areas of the succulent appear crowded or tangled, remove excess growth to allow better air circulation and light penetration.

Pruning for Propagation:

  1. Leaf Cuttings: To propagate succulents from leaf cuttings, carefully remove healthy leaves from the parent plant using a clean, sharp blade. Let the leaf cuttings callous over for a day or two, and then place them on top of well-draining soil. After a few weeks, new plants will sprout from the base of the leaf.
  2. Stem Cuttings: For succulents with stem growth, take stem cuttings of about 3-5 inches long. Allow the cuttings to callous over, and then insert the cut end into the soil.

Pruning your outdoor succulents and using the cuttings for propagation, enables you to encourage lush growth in the parent plant and create new plants to expand your succulent garden.

Young succulents should grow out in pots for awhile before they are planted in the ground.

Preventing Weeds in Outdoor Succulent Gardens

Weed prevention is essential for maintaining the health and appearance of succulents in outdoor settings. Here are various effective weed prevention techniques:

  1. Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as small stones, gravel, or coarse sand, around the base of the succulents. Mulch suppresses weed growth by blocking sunlight and creating a barrier for weed seeds to germinate. It also helps retain soil moisture and regulates soil temperature.
  2. Landscape Fabric or Weed Barrier: Lay down landscape fabric or weed barrier cloth before planting the succulents. Cut holes in the fabric to accommodate the plants. This physical barrier prevents weeds from growing while allowing water to penetrate the soil.
  3. Hand Weeding: Regularly inspect the succulent bed and manually pull out any weeds that emerge. Hand weeding is essential, especially in the early stages when weeds are easier to remove. Be careful not to disturb the succulents’ roots during the process.
  4. Proper Spacing: When planting succulents, ensure there is the correct space between each plant. Succulents spaced too far apart can create openings for weeds to establish.
  5. Pre-emergent Herbicides: Apply pre-emergent herbicides specifically labeled for use in succulent gardens before weed seeds germinate. These herbicides create a barrier in the soil, preventing weed seeds from sprouting. Be cautious not to apply them directly to the succulents.
  6. Salt-Based Weed Killers: Mix a salt-based weed killer with water and spray it onto the soil surface between the succulents. This method is effective against broadleaf weeds but should be used with caution, as excess salt can damage the succulents.
  7. Vinegar Solution: Spray a vinegar solution (distilled white vinegar mixed with water and a few drops of dish soap) on small weed seedlings. The acetic acid in vinegar can kill young weeds, but be careful not to spray it on the succulents, as it can damage their leaves.
  8. Ground Covers: Plant low-growing, spreading ground covers, such as some sedum varieties or creeping thyme, around the base of the succulents. These ground covers help shade the soil and prevent weed growth.
  9. Regular Maintenance: Keep the succulent garden clean and tidy by removing any debris or fallen leaves promptly. Weeds can hide and thrive among debris.

Remember, prevention is key to managing weeds in succulent gardens. Implementing a combination of these techniques can significantly reduce weed growth and promote a healthy and weed-free environment for your outdoor succulents.

A vertical garden is innovative weed prevention. Weeds are unlikely to find their way into this display.

Common Outdoor Succulent Pests and How to Treat Them

  1. Mealybugs:
    • Damage: Mealybugs are small, soft-bodied insects covered in a white, waxy substance. They suck the sap from succulent leaves and stems, causing yellowing, wilting, and stunted growth. They also secrete honeydew, leading to sooty mold growth on the plant’s surface.
    • Organic Treatment: Apply a neem oil solution or insecticidal soap to affected areas, as they can suffocate and kill mealybugs. Introducing beneficial insects like ladybugs can help control the infestation.
    • Non-Organic Treatment: Use chemical insecticides formulated for mealybug control. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and apply as directed.
  2. Aphids:
    • Damage: Aphids are tiny, soft-bodied insects that cluster on new growth, feeding on plant sap. They cause curling, yellowing, and distortion of leaves. Heavy infestations can weaken the plant and attract ants.
    • Organic Treatment: Spray affected areas with a mixture of water and insecticidal soap. Introduce ladybugs or lacewings, which are natural predators of aphids.
    • Non-Organic Treatment: Use chemical insecticides labeled for aphid control. Follow instructions on the product label.
  3. Spider Mites:
    • Damage: Spider mites are tiny arachnids that feed on succulent plant cells, causing stippling, yellowing, and eventually leaf drop. Fine webbing may be visible on the plant.
    • Organic Treatment: Spray the affected succulents with a solution of water and neem oil or insecticidal soap. Increase humidity around the plants to discourage spider mites.
    • Non-Organic Treatment: Apply chemical miticides to control spider mite infestations. Follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer.
  4. Scale Insects:
    • Damage: Scale insects are small, oval-shaped insects that attach to the plant and suck sap. They create a protective shell that resembles tiny scales. Heavy infestations can cause leaf yellowing, wilting, and reduced growth.
    • Organic Treatment: Apply rubbing alcohol with a cotton swab or neem oil spray directly to the scale insects. Prune and dispose of heavily infested plant parts.
    • Non-Organic Treatment: Use horticultural oils or insecticides specifically designed for scale insect control. Follow the product instructions.
  5. Fungus Gnats:
    • Damage: Fungus gnats are small, dark-colored flies that lay eggs in moist soil. Their larvae feed on the succulent roots, causing root damage, poor growth, and yellowing of leaves.
    • Organic Treatment: Allow the soil to dry between waterings to discourage fungus gnat larvae. Use yellow sticky traps to catch adult gnats.
    • Non-Organic Treatment: Apply insecticides labeled for fungus gnat control. Follow the product instructions.

Regularly inspect your succulents for signs of pests, and promptly address any infestations to prevent damage and promote healthy growth.

For organic treatments, it’s essential to be patient, as they may take some time to fully control the pest population. In severe infestations, non-organic treatments may offer quicker results, but care should be taken to follow instructions and avoid harming beneficial insects and pollinators.

A huge range of succulent species can do well outside with proper care.

Popular Outdoor Succulents: Varieties and Care

  1. Sedum (Stonecrop):
    • Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’: A perennial with green succulent foliage, turning reddish-bronze in fall. Clusters of pink flowers bloom in late summer.
    • Sedum spurium (Dragon’s Blood): A low-growing ground cover with red-tinged foliage, and pink-red flowers in late spring.
    • Sedum ‘Angelina’: A spreading succulent with golden-yellow needle-like leaves that turn copper-orange in winter.
    Outdoor Requirements: Full sun to light shade, well-draining soil, drought-tolerant. Hardy in USDA zones 3-9. Minimal fertilizer needs, as excess nutrients can reduce flower production.Garden Uses: Excellent for rock gardens, slopes, and ground covers. Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’ makes a stunning centerpiece plant, while ‘Angelina’ adds vibrant color to container gardens.
  2. Agave:
    • Agave americana (Century Plant): A large agave with bluish-gray leaves edged with spines. It produces a towering flower spike before dying.
    • Agave parryi (Artichoke Agave): A compact variety with bluish-gray leaves forming a rosette shape.
    Outdoor Requirements: Full sun to light shade, well-draining soil, and drought-tolerant. Hardy in various USDA zones, depending on the species. Minimal fertilizer needs.Garden Uses: Agave serves as a striking focal point in xeriscape gardens and large containers. Agave americana can be used as an impressive centerpiece plant, while A. parryi adds architectural interest.
  3. Aloe:
    • Aloe vera: A popular variety with succulent green leaves and soothing gel inside for various medicinal uses.
    • Aloe aristata (Torch Plant): A clump-forming aloe with rosettes of spiky green leaves, edged with white teeth.
    Outdoor Requirements: Full to partial sun, well-draining soil, and moderate water. Hardy in USDA zones 9-11. Fertilize sparingly during the growing season.Garden Uses: Aloe vera is prized for its medicinal properties and can be grown in containers or as an accent plant in a garden. Aloe aristata looks beautiful in rock gardens and succulent borders.
  4. Echeveria:
    • Echeveria elegans (Mexican Snowball): A rosette-forming succulent with powdery blue-green leaves.
    • Echeveria ‘Lola’: A hybrid variety with pastel-colored leaves that change with the seasons.
    Outdoor Requirements: Full sun to light shade, well-draining soil, and occasional watering. Best in USDA zones 9-11. Feed sparingly during the growing season.Garden Uses: Echeveria elegans is stunning in rock gardens and succulent beds. Echeveria ‘Lola’ adds charm to container gardens and mixed succulent arrangements.
  5. Sempervivum (Hens and Chicks):
    • Sempervivum tectorum: A cold-hardy succulent forming rosettes in various colors, often surrounded by offsets (chicks).
    • Sempervivum arachnoideum (Cobweb Houseleek): A unique variety with fine, white webbing on the leaves.
    Outdoor Requirements: Full sun to light shade, well-draining soil, and drought-tolerant. Hardy in USDA zones 3-9. Minimal fertilizer needs.Garden Uses: Sempervivum varieties create eye-catching ground covers in rock gardens and pathways. They are excellent additions to living walls and planter arrangements.
  1. Crassula:
    • Crassula ovata (Jade Plant): A popular succulent with thick, fleshy leaves that store water. It can grow into a small tree with age.
    • Crassula capitella ‘Campfire’: An eye-catching variety with stacked triangular leaves that turn vibrant red in full sun.
    Outdoor Requirements: Full sun to partial shade, well-draining soil, and infrequent watering. Hardy in USDA zones 9-11. Fertilize lightly in the growing season.Garden Uses: Crassula ovata is ideal for outdoor container gardens and can be grown as a small focal point tree. Crassula capitella adds a burst of color to succulent beds and rock gardens.
  2. Aeonium:
    • Aeonium arboreum (Zwartkop): A dramatic succulent with dark purple to black rosettes on long stems.
    • Aeonium ‘Kiwi’: A striking hybrid with rosettes of variegated green, pink, and white leaves.
    Outdoor Requirements: Full sun to light shade, well-draining soil, and regular watering during active growth. Hardy in USDA zones 9-11. Fertilize sparingly.Garden Uses: Aeonium arboreum stands out as a centerpiece plant in containers and garden beds. Aeonium ‘Kiwi’ adds a splash of color to succulent borders and rockeries.
  3. Agave Attenuata (Foxtail Agave):
    • Agave attenuata: A large agave with soft, pliable leaves forming a rosette without sharp spines.
    Outdoor Requirements: Partial to full sun, well-draining soil, and occasional watering. Hardy in USDA zones 9-11. Fertilize lightly in the growing season.Garden Uses: Agave attenuata is a visually pleasing accent plant in outdoor gardens, lending a softer touch with its smooth, foxtail-like appearance.
  4. Portulacaria afra (Elephant Bush):
    • Portulacaria afra: A versatile succulent with small, fleshy green leaves that resemble a miniature jade plant.
    Outdoor Requirements: Full sun to partial shade, well-draining soil, and infrequent watering. Hardy in USDA zones 9-11. Fertilize lightly in the growing season.Garden Uses: Portulacaria afra is perfect for adding lush greenery as a ground cover or in mixed succulent arrangements in outdoor containers.
  5. Sempervivum x Sedum (Hens and Chicks & Stonecrop):
  • Sempervivum x Sedum: A combination of two beloved succulents, forming rosettes with a mix of colors and textures.

Outdoor Requirements: Full sun to light shade, well-draining soil, and drought-tolerant. Hardy in USDA zones 4-9. Minimal fertilizer needs.

Garden Uses: Sempervivum x Sedum adds captivating visual interest to rock gardens, crevices, and living walls, showcasing the best qualities of both parent plants.

Using Succulents in Landscaping

  1. Xeriscape Gardens:
    • Technique: Xeriscaping involves creating water-efficient landscapes, ideal for arid climates or regions with limited water resources. Succulents are perfect for xeriscape gardens due to their water-saving abilities.
    • How to Make it Look Good: Combine different succulent varieties with complementary colors and textures to create striking visual contrasts. Use rocks, gravel, or mulch to enhance the xeric look, and group succulents with similar water needs for easier maintenance.
    • Suitable Succulents: Agave species, Yucca varieties, Sedum ‘Autumn Joy,’ Echeveria spp., and Aloe species work well in xeriscape gardens.
  2. Ground Cover:
    • Technique: Plant low-growing succulents that spread and form dense mats, covering the ground surface. Ground cover succulents help control erosion, reduce weeds, and create a lush carpet-like appearance.
    • How to Make it Look Good: Choose succulents with vibrant colors and contrasting textures to create an eye-catching ground cover. Mix different species to achieve a harmonious blend and consider their growth habits to ensure adequate coverage.
    • Suitable Succulents: Sedum spurium ‘Dragon’s Blood,’ Delosperma cooperi (Ice Plant), Aptenia cordifolia (Baby Sun Rose), and Carpobrotus edulis (Pigface) are excellent choices for ground cover.
  3. Focal Points:
    • Technique: Use standout succulents as focal points to draw attention and create visual interest in the landscape. Plant them as individual specimens or in groups, surrounded by other plants or decorative elements.
    • How to Make it Look Good: Choose unique and visually striking succulents with unusual shapes, colors, or sizes. Place them in well-defined areas with contrasting backgrounds to make them stand out.
    • Suitable Succulents: Agave americana (Century Plant), Euphorbia tirucalli (Pencil Cactus), Senecio mandraliscae (Blue Chalksticks), and Aloe polyphylla (Spiral Aloe) are stunning choices for focal points.
  4. Beds and Borders:
    • Technique: Incorporate succulents in garden beds and borders to add texture and variety to the landscape. Mix them with other drought-tolerant plants for a balanced and dynamic display.
    • How to Make it Look Good: Plan your bed or border layout carefully, considering the height, color, and form of the succulents and companion plants. Use taller succulents at the back and cascading varieties at the edges.
    • Suitable Succulents: Sedum ‘Matrona,’ Agave parryi (Parry’s Agave), Kalanchoe blossfeldiana (Flaming Katy), and Graptopetalum paraguayense (Ghost Plant) are great choices for bed and border plantings.
  5. Slopes and Terraced Areas:
    • Technique: Plant succulents on slopes and terraced areas to prevent soil erosion and create a visually captivating display on uneven terrain.
    • How to Make it Look Good: Choose succulents with shallow root systems that can anchor the soil effectively. Arrange them in terraced beds or pockets, paying attention to proper drainage.
    • Suitable Succulents: Sedum rupestre ‘Angelina,’ Sempervivum tectorum (Hens and Chicks), Agave stricta ‘Nana,’ and Aeonium ‘Zwartkop’ (Black Rose) are suitable for slopes and terraced gardens.
  6. Pots and Containers:
    • Technique: Plant succulents in pots and containers to create portable and versatile arrangements. Pots allow you to bring succulents indoors during colder months or move them to different areas for seasonal displays.
    • How to Make it Look Good: Select containers that complement the style of your garden or patio. Combine succulents with different colors, textures, and sizes for visually pleasing arrangements.
    • Suitable Succulents: Echeveria elegans (Mexican Snowball), Graptoveria ‘Fred Ives,’ Crassula ovata (Jade Plant), and Haworthia fasciata (Zebra Plant) are excellent choices for pots and containers.

Succulent ground covers are arguably one of the best ways to use this plant outside, so make sure to look through these great succulent ground covers.

This guide to outdoor succulent identification is essential if you’re browsing for succulents at a nursery or big box store that doesn’t appropriately explain which succulents are for indoors and which are for outside.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some hardy outdoor succulents that can survive in cold weather?

Some hardy outdoor succulents that can survive in cold weather include Hens and Chicks, Stonecrop, and Sedum. These succulents are able to withstand temperatures as low as -20°F.

What are the best types of pots to use for outdoor succulents?

The best types of pots to use for outdoor succulents are those that have good drainage. Terra cotta pots are a popular choice because they allow for air circulation and water drainage. Plastic pots are also a good option, but make sure they have drainage holes.

How often should I water my outdoor succulents in pots?

Outdoor succulents in pots should be watered only when the soil is completely dry. This can range from once a week to once a month, depending on the climate and time of year. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it’s important to let the soil dry out completely before watering again.

What kind of soil is best for planting outdoor succulents?

The best kind of soil for planting outdoor succulents is a well-draining soil mix. A mix of half potting soil and half coarse sand or perlite is a good option. Avoid using heavy, clay soils that retain water.

How can I protect my outdoor succulents from pests and diseases?

To protect your outdoor succulents from pests and diseases, it’s important to keep them clean and free of debris. Remove any dead leaves or plant material from around the base of the plant. You can also use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control pests.

What are some tips for propagating outdoor succulents?

To propagate outdoor succulents, take stem cuttings or leaf cuttings and allow them to dry out for a few days. Then, plant them in a well-draining soil mix and water sparingly until new growth appears. Another option is to divide established plants by gently separating the offsets from the parent plant.

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The best types of pots to use for outdoor succulents are those that have good drainage. Terra cotta pots are a popular choice because they allow for air circulation and water drainage. Plastic pots are also a good option, but make sure they have drainage holes.

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Outdoor succulents in pots should be watered only when the soil is completely dry. This can range from once a week to once a month, depending on the climate and time of year. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it’s important to let the soil dry out completely before watering again.

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The best kind of soil for planting outdoor succulents is a well-draining soil mix. A mix of half potting soil and half coarse sand or perlite is a good option. Avoid using heavy, clay soils that retain water.

“}},{“@type”:”Question”,”name”:”How can I protect my outdoor succulents from pests and diseases?”,”acceptedAnswer”:{“@type”:”Answer”,”text”:”

To protect your outdoor succulents from pests and diseases, it’s important to keep them clean and free of debris. Remove any dead leaves or plant material from around the base of the plant. You can also use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control pests.

“}},{“@type”:”Question”,”name”:”What are some tips for propagating outdoor succulents?”,”acceptedAnswer”:{“@type”:”Answer”,”text”:”

To propagate outdoor succulents, take stem cuttings or leaf cuttings and allow them to dry out for a few days. Then, plant them in a well-draining soil mix and water sparingly until new growth appears. Another option is to divide established plants by gently separating the offsets from the parent plant.

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