- What are succulents?<\/a><\/li>
- Best low-maintenance outdoor succulents<\/a>
- Aeonium <\/a><\/li>
- Agave <\/a><\/li>
- Aloe <\/a><\/li>
- Dudleya <\/a><\/li>
- Echeveria <\/a><\/li>
- Euphorbia <\/a><\/li>
- Kalanchoe <\/a><\/li>
- Sempervivum <\/a><\/li>
- Senecio<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- What to consider with low-maintenance outdoor succulents<\/a>
- Water needs<\/a><\/li>
- Light requirements<\/a><\/li>
- Winter hardiness<\/a><\/li>
- Fertilizer requirements<\/a><\/li>
- Maintenance<\/a><\/li>
- Other benefits <\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- FAQ about low-maintenance outdoor succulents<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>
What are succulents?<\/span><\/h2>
Succulents are low-maintenance plants that don\u2019t require much water or care, making them the ideal choice for working professionals, people without a green thumb, or homeowners living in dry climates.<\/p>
Whether you plant them in your garden or individual pots, you won\u2019t have to break a sweat on maintenance or design. The colors, shapes, and textures of succulents naturally give your landscape impressive curb appeal.<\/p>
Succulents have the ability to store water in their roots, stems, and leaves, and while you shouldn\u2019t completely forget about them, they require minimal care. If you live in a frost-prone, below-freezing area, you can easily dig up your succulents, pot them, and enjoy them indoors all winter long.<\/p>
To propagate, all you need to do is purchase pots with drainage holes, place a succulent piece inside each one, and add cactus soil, gravel, or sand. Water your succulents well and allow them to dry out completely before the next round. Take them out to the yard at the end of spring and enjoy.<\/p>
Best low-maintenance outdoor succulents<\/span><\/h2>
If you\u2019re curious about the best choice for outdoor succulents for your landscape, we\u2019ve got you covered. Check out our list of the best succulents that are available in a variety of species and subspecies, so you won\u2019t have a shortage of choices.<\/p>
Aeonium (Crassulaceae<\/em> family)<\/span><\/h3>
![\"purple](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Aeonium.jpg\")
JUN DONG<\/a> | Canva Pro | License<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> If you\u2019ve ever heard of a plant called tree houseleek, you\u2019ve heard of the Aeonium<\/em> genus<\/a>. Not to be confused with Sempervivum<\/em>, commonly called a houseleek, species in this genus offer nearly every option your succulent-loving heart could want.<\/p>
Characteristics of the Aeonium genus<\/span><\/h4>
- Rosette-shaped<\/li>
- Tall or short varieties available (3 inches to 3 feet)<\/li>
- A wide range of leaf colors: shades of green, purple, yellow, cream, pink, and variegated<\/li>
- Bent, woody stems<\/li>
- Many Aeonium<\/em> are monocarpic<\/em>, meaning they die after flowering<\/li>
- Pyramid-shaped, yellow flowers<\/li>
- May have fine hairs on leaf edges<\/li>
- Go dormant during the summer<\/li>
- Need plenty of bright light to thrive<\/li> <\/ul>
Succulents in the Aeonium genus<\/span><\/h4>
- Aeonium<\/em> \u00d7praegeri<\/em> <\/li>
- Aeonium<\/em> \u2018Poseidon\u2019<\/li>
- Aeonium<\/em> \u2018Zeus\u2019<\/li>
- Aeonium<\/em> \u2018Ballerina Reversion\u2019<\/li>
- Aeonium<\/em> \u2018Ink Painting\u2019<\/li>
- Aeonium<\/em> \u2018Madeira Rose Cristatum\u2019<\/li>
- Aeonium<\/em> \u2018Pink Witch\u2019<\/li> <\/ul>
Aeonium<\/em> plants are native to North Africa, where winters are mild and wet, and summers are dry and hot. Unlike most other succulents, Aeoniums<\/em> need a little extra water from fall through spring<\/a> (to mimic the cool, wet season). During summer, they go dormant if temperatures rise. <\/p>
If you live in a colder climate, you can still enjoy these succulents outdoors during the warmer months. Place them in pots in well-draining soil and make sure they get some afternoon shade during the summer. Since Aeonium<\/em> plants aren\u2019t cold-hardy, we recommend bringing them inside once temperatures drop below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep them in the vicinity of a sunny windowsill at temperatures above 50 degrees Fahrenheit.<\/p>
Pro tip<\/strong>: Before you go plant shopping (in-person or online), check the USDA Hardiness Zone map<\/a> to find your own.<\/p>
Agave (Asparagaceae<\/em> family)<\/span><\/h3>
![\"green](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Agave.jpg\")
Manakin<\/a> | Canva Pro | License<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Are you searching for a statement piece for your water-wise garden? Species in the Agave<\/em> genus should be on your short list of possibilities. With architectural foliage and striking leaf patterns, they\u2019ll elicit plenty of \u201coohs\u201d and \u201caahs\u201d from your neighbors. <\/p>
Some species in the Agave<\/em> genus are described as \u201ccentury plants\u201d because they take so many years to flower (up to 30 years, contrary to what the moniker suggests). Like most succulent plants, this genus offers a wide range of sizes and aesthetic options. <\/p>
Characteristics of the Agave genus<\/span><\/h4>
- Rosette-shaped<\/li>
- Many species are very large, while others stay small and compact<\/li>
- Many (not all) species have teeth along the edges and a sharp spine at the leaf tip<\/li>
- Can grow from a few inches to over 12 feet tall<\/li>
- Blue-green to blue-gray, with fleshy, sturdy leaves<\/li>
- Not cold-hardy, prefers warmer desert-like climates<\/li>
- Some species are \u201csolitary\u201d or nearly solitary, meaning they produce few, if any, offsets or pups. This is great for low-maintenance gardeners because it means you don\u2019t have to remove the pups from the mother succulent and replant them elsewhere.<\/li>
- Listed as a fire-resistant plant that can be used as part of your defensible space<\/li> <\/ul>
Succulents in the Aeonium genus<\/span><\/h4>
- Agave desmetiana<\/em> \u2018Variegata\u2019<\/li>
- Agave chiapensis<\/em> Jacobi<\/li>
- Agave cerulata<\/em> Trel.<\/li>
- Agave utahensis var. nevadensis<\/em> (Clark Mountain Agave)<\/li>
- Agave schottii<\/em> (Schott’s Century Plant)<\/li> <\/ul>
Species in the Agave<\/em> genus are a favorite of succulent gardeners. Some types expand significantly, while others stay small and are better suited for home gardens. Agave<\/em> plants can treat allergic reaction symptoms, irritation, and constipation and prevent heart disease and stroke.<\/p>
Aloe (Asphodelaceae<\/em> family)<\/span><\/h3>
![\"green](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Aloe-vera.jpg\")
Pixabay<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Although we all love Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis<\/em>) on our window sills for the occasional kitchen mishap, there is more to this genus than the beloved houseplant. The Aloe<\/em> genus contains over 500 species of succulent plants with leaves ranging from an inch wide to trees over 60 feet tall (Aloe barberae<\/em>). <\/p>
Most species in this genus have a rosette shape and put out pups (baby plants) from the mother plant. Some Aloes<\/em> produce red, pink, orange, or yellow flowers after a few years and set blooms several times throughout their lifespan.<\/p>
Characteristics of the Aloe genus<\/span><\/h4>
- Aloe vera is used for medicinal purposes<\/li>
- Plants bloom many times<\/li>
- Contains a wide array of small to large plants<\/li>
- Originates in Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, and Madagascar<\/li> <\/ul>
Succulents in the Aloe genus<\/span><\/h4>
- Aloe<\/em> \u2018Fang\u2019<\/li>
- Aloe dawei<\/em> A.Berger<\/li>
- Aloe vera<\/em> var. chinensis<\/em> (Loudon) Baker<\/li>
- Aloe<\/em> \u2018Little Joker\u2019<\/li>
- Aloe<\/em> \u2018Silver Star\u2019<\/li>
- Aloe<\/em> \u2018Lavender Star\u2019<\/li>
- Aloe<\/em> \u2018Lavender Star II\u2019<\/li> <\/ul>
These plants prefer warm temperatures and don\u2019t enjoy prolonged temps below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Check your plant tag for your plant\u2019s sun requirement. Some larger varieties require an outdoor space with full sun, but indoor varieties may do better with bright, indirect light. If your winters are a little too cold, plant them in pots and bring them indoors for the winter to enjoy on a bright windowsill.<\/p>
Dudleya (Crassulaceae<\/em> family)<\/span><\/h3>
![\"green](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Dudleya-lanceolata.jpg\")
Joe Decruyenaere<\/a> | Flickr | CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> The Dudleya<\/em> genus consists of about 45 species of perennial succulents native to the Southwest. Dudleya<\/em> plants are also known as \u201cLiveforever\u201d due to their impressive ability to live as long as 100 years. <\/p>
Their low-maintenance qualities, stemming from the Farina, a substance that coats and protects the plant, make them easy-to-care-for succulents that can be grown both indoors and outdoors. <\/p>
Characteristics of the Dudleya genus<\/span><\/h4>
- Grows between 20-24 inches tall<\/li>
- Thrives in full sunlight but can tolerate a little shade<\/li>
- Likes well-drained sandy soil<\/li>
- Toxic to both people and pets<\/li>
- Best suited for outdoor rock gardens but also can be grown indoors with direct access to sunlight<\/li> <\/ul>
Succulents in the Dudleya genus<\/span><\/h4>
- Dudleya lanceolata (<\/em>Lanceleaf Liveforever); Dudleya lanceolata<\/em> Britton & Rose<\/li>
- Dudleya gnoma (<\/em>Munchkin Liveforever); Dudleya gnoma<\/em> S.McCabe<\/li>
- Dudleya pachyphytum (<\/em>Cedros Island Liveforever); Dudleya pachyphytum<\/em> R.Moran & M.Benedict<\/li>
- Dudleya farinosa (<\/em>Bluff Lettuce); Dudleya farinosa<\/em> (Lindl.) Britton & Rose<\/li>
- Dudleya albiflora (<\/em>White-flower Liveforever); Dudleya albiflora<\/em> Rose<\/li> <\/ul>
Dudleya<\/em> succulents like temperatures above 40 degrees Fahrenheit and don\u2019t take well to regular misting, so keep that to a minimum. While they\u2019re somewhat cold hardy, they don\u2019t prefer frost or below-freezing climates.<\/p>
Echeveria (Crassulaceae<\/em> family)<\/span><\/h3>
![\"green](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Echeveria.jpg\")
GaryKavanagh<\/a> | Canva Pro | License<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Echeveria<\/em> are popular, rosette-shaped succulent plants prized by homeowners and landscape designers alike. As desert-area natives, they are very drought tolerant and often used in xeriscaping. Because they are easy to grow and compact (under 1 foot at maturity), houseplant newbies often find success and enjoyment with these plants. <\/p>
Characteristics of the Echeveria genus<\/span><\/h4>
- Native to Central America\u2019s desert-like areas <\/li> <\/ul>
- Pointed tip on each leaf<\/li>
- Most are pastel in color<\/li>
- Grow pups on stolons, which will form a colony if given enough room<\/li>
- Have a \u201cfarina,\u201d or powdery white substance covering the leaves<\/li>
- Some species have ruffled leaves<\/li> <\/ul>
Succulents in the Echeveria genus<\/span><\/h4>
- Echeveria<\/em> \u2018New Heights\u2019<\/li>
- Echeveria<\/em> \u2018Paloma\u2019<\/li>
- Echeveria<\/em> \u2018Ariel\u2019<\/li>
- Echeveria<\/em> \u2018Onslow\u2019<\/li>
- Echeveria<\/em> \u2018Black Prince\u2019<\/li>
- Echeveria<\/em> \u2018Riga\u2019<\/li> <\/ul>
Check out some of the newer hybrids for greater hardiness outdoors. Most varieties are hardy to Zone 9 to 10 (20-30 degrees Fahrenheit). <\/p>
Euphorbia (Euphorbiaceae<\/em> family)<\/span><\/h3>
![\"red](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Euphorbia-Milii.jpg\")
Amplerich<\/a> | Canva Pro | License<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Within the Euphorbiaceae family, Euphorbia<\/em> is the fourth largest genus. Native to areas of Madagascar and subtropical and tropical areas of Africa, these plants like the heat. Though Spurge is this genus\u2019 common name, most people know it by its most popular plant\u2019s name, Euphorbia Milii, or Crown of Thorns, Christ Plant, and Christ Thorn.<\/p>
The interesting thing about Euphorbia<\/em> is that it has over 2,100 varieties of plants, making it the most diverse in the world. Besides that, the different species don\u2019t look much alike, which means you may have to take some time to sift through the options at your disposal.<\/p>
Characteristics of the Euphorbia genus<\/span><\/h4>
- Like most other succulents, it loves sunlight and doesn\u2019t need much water<\/li>
- Prefers temperatures of over 90 degrees Fahrenheit<\/li>
- Can be propagated from cut stems or seeds<\/li>
- Its various nicknames stem from its overall thorny appearance, which is common in this plant family. The thorns are straight, long, and very sharp, and the plant is often mistaken for a cactus.<\/li>
- Its leaves are small and bright green<\/li>
- Can reach between 6 and 36 inches<\/li> <\/ul>
Succulents in the Euphorbia genus<\/span><\/h4>
- Euphorbia Milii (<\/em>Crown of Thorns); Euphorbia milii<\/em> Des Moul.<\/li>
- Euphorbia tuberosa (<\/em>Tuber Milkball); Euphorbia tuberosa<\/em> L.<\/li>
- Euphorbia balsamifera (<\/em>Balsam Spurge); Euphorbia balsamifera<\/em> Aiton<\/li>
- Euphorbia <\/em>\u2018Cocklebur\u2019<\/li>
- Euphorbia characias <\/em>\u2018Tasmanian Tiger\u2019<\/li>
- Euphorbia canariensis (<\/em>Canary Island Spurge); Euphorbia canariensis<\/em> L.<\/li> <\/ul>
- Euphorbia tuberosa (<\/em>Tuber Milkball); Euphorbia tuberosa<\/em> L.<\/li>
- Euphorbia Milii (<\/em>Crown of Thorns); Euphorbia milii<\/em> Des Moul.<\/li>
- Echeveria<\/em> \u2018Paloma\u2019<\/li>
- Echeveria<\/em> \u2018New Heights\u2019<\/li>
- Dudleya gnoma (<\/em>Munchkin Liveforever); Dudleya gnoma<\/em> S.McCabe<\/li>
- Dudleya lanceolata (<\/em>Lanceleaf Liveforever); Dudleya lanceolata<\/em> Britton & Rose<\/li>
- Aloe dawei<\/em> A.Berger<\/li>
- Aloe<\/em> \u2018Fang\u2019<\/li>
- Agave chiapensis<\/em> Jacobi<\/li>
- Agave desmetiana<\/em> \u2018Variegata\u2019<\/li>
- Aeonium<\/em> \u2018Poseidon\u2019<\/li>
- Light requirements<\/a><\/li>
- Agave <\/a><\/li>
- Best low-maintenance outdoor succulents<\/a>