Hardy Succulents

 

 

Winter hardy indeed ! These succulents evolved in places on the planet in a winter that freezes.  They most certainly can handle the cold !

 

Not unlike their tender cousins – they also tend to be small in nature.  Preferring full blasting sun all day they are perfect for a hot sunny corner in a garden or rooftop.  Being compact, they also do not need a lot of soil or large planters.

 

Watering can be tricky and we recommend not placing them under auto irrigation to service their water needs.  These must be watered by hand as needed – but don’t worry – it may still be only once a week in summer! As long as you let the soil dry out between watering it’s as easy as pie !

 

Hardy succulents need fertilizer infrequently – usually fall and spring. Most get no bugs or disease – WHAT IS NOT TO LOVE !

 

Overall there are not as many to choose from as the indoor ones – but those available are truly special. Sempervivum, Hardy Sedum and Hardy Opuntia are three of the most cold hardy genus that can survive freezing winter up to -30F.  Some other succulents, like Agave or Rosularia also have great cold tolerance – but it will depend on the species.

 

Here is my list:

 

 

Sempervivum

 

Called hens and chicks, these are cold hardy to – 30 degrees Fahrenheit (Hardiness Zone 4).  The lower temperature in the winter changes their color – they become darker or deeper red.  Their rosettes also close up tighter. Both these are adaptations to cold weather.

 

Sempervivum red lion

 

Sempervivum calcareum (houseleek)

 

Sempervivum arachnoideum (cobweb succulent)

 

Sedum

 

Also known as stonecrop – this is another winter hardy genus. Depending on the species some respond to winter by dropping their leaves – but will come back in spring. Other sedums turn brilliant color when temperature drops and still look amazing after the snow.

 

Sedum dasphyllum major (Corsican stonecrop)

 

Sedum golden moss

 

Sedum dragon’s blood

 

Sedum Cape Blanco

 

Sedum rupestre (Angelina)

 

Opuntia

 

Known as the Prickly Pear Cactus – this genus is usually only grown for its sweet fruit. Some like Eastern prickly-pear cactus can easily withstand temperature as cold as -22F.  During winter its stems turn brown or shrivel up !  But just a few weeks of warm weather and the cactus will bounce back.

 

Opuntia humifusa (Eastern prickly pear)

 

 

Oscularia

 

This succulent is native to South Africa with plump, green leaves and purple daisy-like flower in the summer. It can be grown both indoors and outdoors. Requiring well-drained soil it only needs moderate watering.

 

Oscularia deltoids (ice plant)

 

 

AgavE

 

This tough plant comes from the dry Mexican states of Puebla and Oaxaca. It can reach 2 feet tall at maturity and has grayish-green and cream-colored thick leaves. During winter it goes into dormancy but stays looking relatively the same !

 

Agave potatorum  (butterfly)

 

 

 

 

 

Our  Garden Care Team can get you the most hardy succulent for your sunny garden !

Call us – let’s talk choices !

 

 

PLANT SPECIALISTS
GREENING NEW YORK FOR OVER 53 YEARS !

 

 

 

Article written by our Staff Horticulturist, Peter B Morris, BSc, MSc, MBA

All photographs used with permission @SHUTTERSTOCK