When we talk about succulents, they are a drought-tolerant plant type that is represented in numerous families and genera. The selection of beautiful species is correspondingly wide-ranging, but at the same time they are so robust and winter-hardy that they can be cultivated outside without hesitation. This selection introduces you to tried and tested succulents for the garden.
Which succulents are suitable for outdoors?
Robust, hardy succulents for the garden include prickly pear cacti (Opuntia), hedgehog cactus (Echinocereus), ball cactus (Escorbaria vivipara forma), houseleek (Sempervivum) and sedum (Sedum). These plants can tolerate temperatures down to -22 degrees Celsius and require protection from constant moisture.
These cacti stand up to frost and snow
The following cacti are not only masters at storing water, but also have a stable winter hardiness for outdoors:
- Opuntia (prickly pear cactus): from 10 to 100 cm tall and hardy to impressive temperatures of - 22 degrees Celsius
- Echinocereus (hedgehog columnar cacti): e.g. B. E. baileyi and E.reichenbachii with a winter hardiness down to -32 degrees Celsius
- Escorbaria vivipara forma (ball cactus): small in diameter and huge in its frost hardiness up to -25 degrees Celsius
While there are numerous species and varieties of the popular prickly pear cacti that you can plant outside, only the specimens mentioned are hardy among the hedgehog columnar cacti and ball cacti. For example, the popular gold ball cactus (Echinocactus grusonii) cannot tolerate temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius.
Houseleeks also feel comfortable outside
The multifaceted family of thick-leaved plants includes the wonderful genus of houseleeks, which cause a sensation outside in the garden with their magnificent rosettes of leaves and wonderful flowers. Their preference for fresh air and sunshine goes so far that Sempervivum are only partially suitable as houseplants.
Sedum hens really enjoy life outside
Without sedums, many a sunny, poor location in the garden would remain without floral decorations. With more than 420 species, the Sedum genus has suitable succulents for every design wish. Premium varieties offer growth heights between 10 and 40 cm, delight with picturesque leaf rosettes in iridescent colors and enchant with magnificent flowers in summer. In winter, sedums can survive down to -23 degrees Celsius if they are protected from constant moisture.
Tip
Caring for your succulents outside is even easier than it is for your succulent houseplants. Since Mother Nature takes over the water supply in the bed, the watering can is only used when there is prolonged drought. The nutrient supply is reduced to an organic starter fertilization in May with leaf compost or horn shavings.
