7 Low-maintenence Outdoor Succulents

Everyone seems obsessed with succulents—plants with exotic shapes and patterns that are easy to care for and make a striking impact wherever they grow. Even inexperienced gardeners are enticed to purchase one or two out of curiosity, and others become hooked after seeing how lovely and manageable they are. Succulents are a beautiful and simple addition to the garden in areas impacted by drought, or that practise water-wise landscaping. They also flourish on patios, decks, and balconies, making them excellent alternatives for pool area landscaping. Let’s explore some of the low-maintenance outdoor succulents.

Easy to Grow Outdoor Succulents

Succulents have a well-deserved reputation as indoor plants, looking lovely on bookshelves and fitting perfectly on window ledges. They can, however, extend beyond your desk or windowsill. Check out these species of outdoor succulents if you plan a succulent garden this year. You’d be astonished at how fashionable they can make your landscape!

1.Echeveria

These outdoor succulents, native to the Americas, develop gorgeous, intricate rosettes in various colours, including white, grey, green, pink, and red. The leaves are meaty and green or grey-green in colour.

• Echeveria is a low-maintenance plant that thrives in pots or warm garden beds. Echeverias love dry environments but will tolerate periods of dampness if allowed to dry out before applying further water.
• These outdoor succulents require well-drained soil to thrive. They can withstand cold but not wet and cold; thus, plants should be transferred to a frost-free location in winter.
• Echeverias should be exposed to at least four to five hours of bright, direct light daily. Echeverias will develop stretched and leggy if they do not receive enough light. As a result, if you appreciate outdoor living space concepts, this succulent will be an excellent addition to your garden.

2.Haworthia

These South African indigenous are quite succulent and packed with a translucent gel similar to that generated by Aloe vera. Depending on the type, they can range in size and colour from green to brown to variegated, such as the Zebra Plant (Haworthia attenuata).

• Haworthia requires sunlight to produce its vibrant foliage. Please keep a close check on them so they don’t become sunburned.
• Several species cannot survive direct sunlight and may require partial shade. They prefer to grow behind bushes and rock overhangs in their natural habitat. These outdoor succulents grow best on mediocre to poor, rocky, sandy, dry, and well-drained soils.
• Haworthia are small (typically remaining between 3 and 5 inches tall) and slow-growing plants. They are frequently planted in tiny clusters in wide, shallow pots rather than in the ground.

3.Agave

Native to the Americas, in-ground specimens grow faster and produce more flowers than their container cousins. Agave produces outstanding landscape plants due to their robust shapes and enormous sizes. Smooth, sword-shaped, toothed, or rosette leaves are all possibilities. Blossoms are rare but spectacular, reaching heights of 14 feet or more.

• Agave plants require full sun to partial shade. The more shadow they can tolerate, the hotter the climate. Agave will grow in any well-draining soil but prefers rocky or sandy soil. They are indifferent about soil pH. 
• These outdoor succulents are common around pools and patios in warm regions. Its leaves do not discolour and drop frequently and remain lovely throughout the year. Agaves are relatively trouble-free.
• The agave snout weevil will burrow into the centre of the plant to lay its eggs, causing it to collapse. However, you will probably not realize this until it is too late. Check for any residual grubs after removing the plant.

(Also Read- Everything you need to know about watering succulents)

4.Sedum

These outdoor succulents feature fleshy leaves that vary in size, shape, and colour depending on the species. Some are tall and bushy, while others are short and trailing. Flowers are small and star-shaped, and they bloom in clusters. Sedums thrive in rock gardens, banks, and small areas requiring texture or colour. 

• Upright sedum grows into towering clumps with a dense cluster of small blooms. Its height and gorgeous blossoms make them an excellent choice for border gardening. 
• Although creeping and robust species can survive partial shade, most sedums thrive in full sun. Growing these outdoor succulents in a region with long, harsh winters  should be done in full light to improve overwintering. 
• Sedum, like most succulents, requires well-draining soil because it is sensitive to rot from too much moisture.

5.Senecio

Senecio is a daisy that is native to the Americas and the Mediterranean. Over 100 succulent varieties, including the well-known blue chalk or fingers, are used for borders and edges in drought-tolerant landscaping and string of pearls is one of the most popular variety.

• Senecio plants thrive in full light. Senecio, like most succulents, prefers sandy, well-drained soil and is susceptible to rot in wet conditions. 
• These outdoor succulents can withstand high temperatures. A few Senecio species may tolerate brief periods of cold or moisture, but continuous exposure turns them to mush. Scenarios can be used as ground cover and rock garden plants in warmer areas.
• Growing them in pots allows you to bring them indoors as houseplants during the winter months in colder areas. Fertilize once a year, but just lightly. Too much fertilizer can result in a lot of lanky growth. 
• Senecio plants are rarely bothered by pests; however, they can be attacked by scale and mealybugs. If this occurs, use neem oil or an antibacterial soap solution to treat.

6.Crassula

This large genus is native to South Africa and contains small-to-medium succulents with fleshy leaves arranged in various designs. Some crassulas have branching stems; others are low-growing plants with dense foliage that make excellent ground coverings.

• The Crassula ovata, often known as the Jade Plant, is a relatively common plant found at most garden outlet centres and local nurseries. Crassula flourishes on moderate to poor rocky or sandy soils, dry and well-drained, and in full sun or partial shade. The full sun produces the nicest leaf colours. 
• Nevertheless, these outdoor succulents require little irrigation and can live on with moderate rainfall. Excessive moisture will induce root and stem rot, especially if the soil is not well drained. This succulent can withstand drought.
• Crassula cuttings can be easily propagated. It will take root if you put its leaf in a potting mix long enough. Also, while these plants are beautiful, remember that they are toxic to your dogs and cats. If you want to know more about Crassula ovate popularly known as Jade plant check our guide on caring Jade Plant.

7. Dudleya

Dudleya, which is native to the southwestern United States and Baja California, has a gorgeous flower, rosette shape, and pattern, with fleshy “petals” in green, red, purple, grey, or a mix. While they have different growing seasons, they are commonly confused with Echeverias.

•  As it rains, the white and grey kinds are commonly covered in chalky powder, which can wash off or become pitted or speckled. As a result, this variety is best kept under a patio or pergola cover.
• These outdoor succulent plants prefer a cool environment but cannot resist frost. When there is insufficient light, the leaves become mushy and stretch. Planting Dudleya succulents on a fast-draining, gritty planting media is essential. 
• Mealybugs, aphids, snails, slugs, and fungal disease organisms such as powdery mildew and Alternaria are among the pests and diseases that affect Dudleyas. To prevent most infections, avoid overwatering and maintain adequate air circulation. 

(Also Read- Beginner’s Guide on Repotting Succulents)

Conclusion

Low-maintenance succulents are a great choice for outdoor gardens because of their unique shapes, colours, and textures and their ability to thrive in various growing conditions. These outdoor succulents are perfect for busy gardeners or those just starting out, as they require minimal care and attention. Read our article on care of outdoor succulents to learn more. Succulents require varying care in the summer and winter, depending on the species. Thus, whether you want to cultivate crassula, Dudley or any other beautiful succulent outside, check out these recommendations to keep your plants happy and healthy. Providing your outdoor succulents with appropriate growing conditions will assist you in maintaining a beautiful garden.