There are so many new succulents available that it is hard to choose what to grow!  From tough, hardy sedums to delicate crassulas, these easy-to-grow plants are gaining in popularity all over the country.  All they ask is lots of sunlight and excellent drainage.  The kiss of death is too much water, otherwise they are basically care free!  These are the plants to grow in containers if you are away from home for days or weeks at a time, because they thrive on neglect!  They are also excellent in rock gardens or along hot walkways.

Succulents come in a wide array of sizes, colors, and shapes.  Probably the easiest are sedums, most of which are hardy here in Zone 5.  There are tiny ones that form matting groundcovers, and tall ones that form attractive knee-high clumps, with everything in between.  Hybridizers have been working to produce plants with variegated foliage, foliage in purple tones, and brighter flower colors.  Some of our favorite sedums are:  Sunset Cloud, Meteor, Carl, Autumn Delight, Autumn Charm, Purple Emperor, Morchen, Angelina, Sieboldii, Autumn Joy, Brilliant, Neon, Vera Jameson, Dragon’s Blood, Voo-doo.

Another group are the hen and chicks (sempervivem).  These are low-growing rosettes that vary in width from ½” to 9” across!  They come in an array of colors, basically a soft green, or greenish purple tones.  Some have red tips, red centers, fringed edges, cobwebs, rounded “petals” or pointy ones.  We grow dozens of kinds!

Echevarias are another group of succulent.  Our favorites are “The Rose”, “Silver Spoons”, “Topsy Turvy”, but we also have a wide selection of un-named plants that are easy to grow.  Some of them are pink or turquoise, or blue-toned.  All of these need to come indoors for the winter.

Crassulas are also tender plants, meaning they must winter indoors.  They have interesting forms which make good conversation pieces.  Look for “Gollum’s Fingers” or “Hobbit”.

There are several kinds of aloes and many other interesting characters.  You’ll just have to come see them!

Plant Succulents in Anything!

Succulent Container