Advertisem*nts
Colder temperatures can signal the beginning of a sleepy time in the garden as many plants prepare themselves for several months of dormancy. However, these ten cold-hardysucculents can handle low temperatures, many down to 0°F (-18°C) and even -20°F (29 °C), meaning you do not have to settle for a bare winter garden. They look great year-round but especially shine in the cool season, adding texture and color to the typical evergreen landscape.
1. Queen Victoria Agave(Agave victoriae-reginae)
Many describe Queen Victoria Agave as the most decorative Agave. Despite being less than 2 feet (60 cm) tall and wide, it makes quite an impression that its dark green leaves are arranged in a tight rosette pattern and the stark contrast of its white leaf margins. The leaves curve inward and have smooth edges that end in a spine at the tip of each leaf.
Plant next to boulders for a natural look or in rows for a contemporary design. This small Agave also makes a great container plant and can be brought indoors during the winter in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 8 and below.
Native to the Chihuahuan Desert region of Mexico.
Advertisem*nts
Where it will grow: USDA zones 8 to 11, hardy to 10 °F (-12.2 °C).
Water requirement: Drought-tolerant once established. Water deeply once a month, spring through fall, and winter without rainfall. In low-desert landscapes, water every two weeks in summer.
Light requirement: Full sun is required to maintain a tight rosette shape.
Mature size: Up to 18 inches (45 cm) tall and wide.
Planting notes: Plant in well-drained soil in full sun.
2. Red Yucca (Hesperaloe parviflora)
The fleshy leaves of the Red Yucca mimic ornamental grass by creating graceful mounds of evergreen foliage. Flowering occurs primarily throughout the spring and summer months. The 5 feet (1.5 m) tall stalks with coral-colored flowers, attractive to hummingbirds, herald the arrival of warm weather. In addition to the more common coral color, some varieties produce creamy yellow and dark red flowers. Red Yucca's ability to thrive in full sun, whether planted in the ground or containers, makes it a valuable addition to the landscape.
Native to Texas and northern Mexico.
Where it will grow: USDA Zone 5, hardy to -20 °F (-28.9 °C), depending on the species.
Water requirement: Drought-tolerant once established. Water deeply every three weeks in summer, monthly in spring and fall, and rely on natural rainfall in winter. In low-desert gardens, water twice a month, spring through fall.
Light requirement: Full sun is best, but it will grow in light shade.
Mature size: Up to 4 feet (1.2 m) wide and 3 feet (90 cm) tall. Up to 5 feet (1.5 m) tall when in flower.
Planting notes: Plant in well-drained soil in full sun or filtered shade.
3. Hens and Chicks (Sempervivum)
Sempervivums, also known as Hens and Chicks or Houseleek, have fans who love to watch the mother plant (hen) produce small baby plants (chicks). There are as many as 50 species of Sempervivum and even more hybrids and cultivars, resulting in countless color, shape, and size variations.
Typically used as a ground cover in rock gardens or tucked into a stone wall, Sempervivum will grow with little attention. It is also a popular container plant and can be brought indoors in areas that experience rainy winters to protect it from getting too wet. As with most succulents, they should be grown in well-drained soil and watered only when the soil is completely dry. Remember that you are more likely to kill a succulent by giving it too much water rather than too little.
Native to the mountains of Central and Southern Europe and the islands of the Mediterranean.
Where it will grow: USDA Zone 4 to 9, hardy to -30 °F (-34.4 °C).
Water requirement: Once established, water infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out before watering again.
Light requirement: Full sun to filtered shade.
Mature size: Rosettes are 0.5 to 6 inches (1.3 to 15 cm) wide, depending on the species.
Planting notes: Plant in well-drained soil in full sun or filtered shade.
4. Parry's Agave(Agave parryi)
Parry's Agave comprises several varieties highly prized for their ornamental rosette pattern, which resembles an artichoke. Artichoke Agave (Agave parryi var. truncata) is the most impressive variety and is hardy to 10 °F (-12.2 °C). It has gray-blue leaves with contrasting maroon teeth. Other small- to medium-sized Agave varieties include Agave parryi var. couesii, which is hardy to 0 °F (-17.8 °C). Agave parryi subsp. neomexicana is the most cold-hardy variety and can survive temperatures as low as -20 °F (-28.9 °C).
These look great planted in groups of three and intermixed with smaller ornamental grasses. Parry's Agave can also make a statement when planted next to a boulder. This Agave makes a great container plant and can be brought indoors in areas that experience winter temperatures colder than the tolerances stated below.
Native to Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and northern Mexico.
Where it will grow: USDA Zone 5 to 9, hardy from 10 °F to -20 °F (-12.2 to -28.9 °C), depending on the variety.
Water requirement: Low; water monthly in summer. In low-desert regions, water twice a month in summer.
Light requirement: Full sun to filtered shade.
Mature size:1.5 to 3 feet (45 to 90 cm) tall and wide.
Planting notes: Plant in well-drained soil in full sun or filtered shade.
5. Aloe' Blue Elf'
While most Aloe species need relief from the hot afternoon sun, Aloe 'Blue Elf' thrives in full sun, including areas with a hot reflected sun. Combine its sun and heat tolerance with the beautiful orange flowers that appear in late winter into spring. It is easy to see why Aloe' Blue Elf' is rapidly becoming a favorite in drought-tolerant gardens.
The cold tolerance of this Aloe is better than otherspecies, increasing the areas where it can be grown outdoors all year long. Plant in groups of 3 to 5 in raised beds or along pathways for the greatest effect. Aloe' Blue Elf' also makes an attractive, low-maintenance container plant that can be brought inside for winter in USDA Zone 7 and below.
The parentage of this hybrid is unknown.
Where it will grow: USDA Zone 9, hardy to 20 °F (-6.7 °C).
Water requirement: Drought-tolerant once established but does best when watered twice a month, deeply in the summer and once every three weeks in spring and fall. In low-desert gardens, water twice a month, spring through fall.
Light requirement: Full sun is best, but will grow in light shade; tolerates reflected sun.
Mature size: Up to 18 inches (45 cm) tall and 2 feet (60 cm) wide.
Planting notes: Plant in well-drained soil in full sun or filtered shade.
6. Thompson's Yucca(Yucca thompsoniana)
Thompson's Yucca, also called Beaked Yucca or Big Bend Yucca, is an iconic tree-like plant that stands sentinel throughout many Southwest natural areas and is equally at home in residential landscapes. Younger Yucca plants grow as a single stem, while the older ones can branch at the top. The blue-gray leaves are arranged in a rosette pattern and occur on the top portion of the stem. As the 2 feet (60 cm) long leaves age, they turn light tan and cover the stem, which can be left alone or pruned close for a decorative look. Clusters of white flowers appear in late spring.
Native to western Texas and the Chihuahua and Coahuila regions of Mexico.
Where it will grow: USDA Zone 7 to 10, hardy to 5 °F (-15 °C).
Water requirement: Low.
Light requirement: Full sun.
Mature size: Up to 10 feet (3 m ) tall and 3 feet (90 cm) wide.
Planting notes: Plant in well-drained soil in full sun.
7. Broadleaf Stonecrop(Sedum spathulifolium)
Broadleaf Stonecrop's small gray-blue leaves arranged in rosette shapes create a pleasing succulent ground cover. In winter, the outer leaves turn an attractive burgundy color in response to the cooler temperatures. Yellow flowers transform this cold-hardy succulent in summer.
This Northwestern native, also called Pacific Stonecrop, grows best in conditions similar to its native habitat, with rocky, well-drained soil, so avoid planting in areas where water will pool. Because of its rather small size, Broadleaf Stonecrop looks great tucked in the nooks and crannies of a rock garden, grown in containers that can trail over the edge or even in a fairy garden.
Native to the western regions of British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, and California.
Where it will grow: USDA Zone 3, hardy to -40 °F (-40 °C).
Water requirement: Once established, water infrequently in the absence of rainfall, allowing the soil to dry out before watering again.
Light requirement: Full sun to filtered shade.
Mature size: Up to 2 inches (5 cm) tall, spreading up to 2 feet (60 cm) wide.
Planting notes: Plant in well-drained soil in full sun or filtered shade.
8. Texas Sotol(Dasylirion texanum)
The deep green leaves and spiky texture of Texas Sotol add color to the often dormant and colorless winter landscape. Its growth habit causes the leaves to fan out, creating a semi-spherical fan shape that brings interest to the drought-tolerant landscape throughout the year. A single flowering spike 10 to 15 feet tall may sometimes appear in summer on mature specimens. White flowers attractive to hummingbirds cover the spike.
This Texas native is not fussy and is happily growing in a spot with well-drained soil that receives full sun. Plant in groups for a striking landscape statement. Common Sotol (Dasylirion wheeleri), a gray-blue relative native to Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, and northern Mexico, is also a great cold-hardy choice.
Native to Texas and the Chihuahua region of Mexico.
Where it will grow: USDA Zone 7, hardy to 0 °F (-17.8 °C).
Water requirement: Drought-tolerant. Water monthly from spring through fall; in low-desert gardens, water twice a month from spring through fall and monthly in winter.
Light requirement: Full sun.
Mature size:Up to 5 feet (1.5 m) tall and wide.
Planting notes: Plant in well-drained soil in full sun.
9. Upright Myrtle Spurge(Euphorbia rigida)
The blue-gray color of Upright Myrtle Spurge, also called Silver Spurge, provides lovely color contrast when planted alongside plants with darker foliage. The unique spiky texture of the leaves also adds a decorative element to the landscape. Chartreuse flowers appear in late winter and spring, adding a welcome splash of color.
Native to the Mediterranean.
Where it will grow: USDA Zone 7, hardy to 0 °F (-17.8 °C).
Water requirement: Low; water every two to three weeks in summer and monthly in winter without rain.
Light requirement: Full sun to filtered shade.
Mature size: Up to 2 feet (60 cm) tall and 3 feet (90 cm) wide.
Planting notes: Plant in well-drained soil in full sun or filtered shade. Prune back flowering stems in late spring.
10. Whale's Tongue Agave(Agave ovatifolia)
With its broad curved leaves, it is easy to see where Whale's Tongue Agave gets its common name. This blue-gray, medium-sized Agave is an attractive accent plant throughout the year. Whether planted next to large boulders or used in containers, it provides welcome interest when other plants go dormant in winter.
The sharp terminal spines can be clipped off to avoid being inadvertently pricked. Like all Agaves, this Mexican native will flower just before it dies.
Native to northeastern Mexico.
Where it will grow: USDA zones 7, hardy to 5 °F (-15 °C).
Water requirement: Low to moderate; water monthly from spring through fall and winter in the absence of rainfall; in low-desert gardens, water every two weeks from spring through fall.
Light requirement: Full sun to light shade. Provide light shade in low-desert landscapes.
Mature size:Up to 4 feet (1.2 m) tall and wide.
Planting notes: Plant in well-drained soil in full sun or filtered shade.
Source:houzz.com
Links
- Succupedia: Browse succulents byScientific Name,Common Name,Genus,Family,USDA Hardiness Zone,Origin, orcacti byGenus
Advertisem*nts
Subscribe now and be up to date with our latest news and updates.
