Succulents are a huge genus of plants that have the ability to store water in their leaves, allowing them to endure long periods without rain. This ability makes succulents useful in xeriscape gardens where regular rainfall is unreliable, but many popular succulent varieties are tender and can’t survive cold weather or frosts.
Fortunately for us northern gardeners, hardy succulents can tolerate temperatures as low as -20 degrees Farenheit and live happily in colder snowy climates for many years. They are a versatile group ranging in size from miniature fairy garden plants all the way up to huge agaves!
The most well-known of the hardy succulents are the ever-living sempervivums or “hens and chicks,” aptly named because of the mother plant’s ability to produce many babies or chicks as the plant spreads out and grows, thus ensuring that the plant lives on. This clump-forming habit allows sempervivums to fill in pockets of soil around rocks, small statuary or driftwood in creative garden settings. Striking colors and forms, even white cobwebbing, add to their charm and they require little care other than an occasional morning drink in dry conditions.
Personally, I find that sempervivums are especially fetching in natural looking hypertufa pots. These rugged stone-like planters enhance the beauty of hardy succulents while providing a frost tolerant environment where they can overwinter outside. That’s right, you don’t have to do anything special to protect the plants or pots when winter arrives; in fact, they’ll be perfectly safe under a soft blanket of snow while waiting for spring!
Planting hardy succulents in pots allows us to elevate them to a patio table or stand where they can be enjoyed close-up and we can also move those pots around as light conditions change over the summer months. These plants thrive in a half day of sun but morning sunlight with afternoon shade is best during the hottest months of summer.
Hardy succulent plants include sedums and ice plants amongst others. These companion plants to sempervivums make pretty fillers and spillers in planters and gardens alike, and they enjoy the same growing conditions. It’s always fun to mix the different colors and forms of hardy succulents and, delightfully, many produce beautiful flowers as well!
The true beauty of hardy succulents is that they need little care other than an occasional watering when they become dry. After potting in fast draining succulent soil, I like to add a top dressing of worm castings which slowly feeds the plants over time. Additionally, small rocks or gravel can be used when planting directly out in the garden. The plants will need an occasional grooming to remove debris such as pine needles or dried leaves, but that’s really all the fussing they will require.
These charming, easy-care plants are an excellent choice for beginner gardeners, those with physical limitations and children, and I hope I’ve inspired you to try a few of these very special succulents in your own garden space!
