Winter-Hardy Succulents – How to decorate my garden
The fantastic shapes and colors of succulents not only make them a great addition to windowsills but also to our gardens. They can be wonderfully integrated into loose masonry, rock gardens, or the gaps between stone slabs. Not only in the garden but also in decorations for Christmas and fall, winter-hardy succulents are perfect. This allows you to use your creative crafts outside your door as well.
Winter-Hardy Succulents – Care Guide
While most people naturally associate succulents with sunshine and warmth, there are indeed succulent plants that thrive outdoors even in colder climates, including cold winters. However, there are still several things to consider when caring for these winter-hardy succulents. We’ll share tips and tricks for their care and explore what makes winter-hardy succulents special!
Which Succulent Genera are Winter-Hardy?
Sedum (Stonecrop or Orpine)
Certain species of this genus are even native to our region, like the yellow Sedum acre. With over 300 diverse and colorful species, you’ll definitely find the right one for your garden. They don’t require much care at all and will adopt to seamlessly to a colder climate.
Sempervivum (House leek or Hens and Chicks)
Perhaps the most well-known genus of winter-hardy succulents. Not only are the shapes of Sempervivum spectacular, but their colorful flowers also add to their charm. They don’t need any care whatsoever. Just place them on top of some soil or just some rocks, and they will establish roots. Once the warm sun rays in the spring start to warm up the ground this awesome ground cover will end its dormancy and start to grow.
Helleborus
Hellebore is one of the earliest plants to flower during late winter or early spring. Sometimes you will see the striking flowers appear through a layer of snow to create an eye-catching contrast in your garden. They require very little maintenance and will appear year after year as the first sign of spring.
Hardy Ice Plant (Delosperma)
Certain low-growing varieties of ice plants are frost-resistant and suitable for overwintering outdoors. Some robust options include ‘Red Fire,’ ‘Indian Summer,’ ‘Fire Spinner,’ ‘African Queen,’ and ‘Golden Nugget.’ If you experience very cold and long winters with lots of snow and ice, you may need to move the Ice Plants indoors for protection.
Opuntia (Prickly pear cactus or Paddle cacti)
Prickly pear cacti have some winter-hardy species that tolerate extreme cold if kept dry. Since the winters in the north often are very wet and humid, therefore, Opuntia need your assistance to remain dry. If you are lucky, the cactus will reward you with beautiful flowers and delicious fruit in the summer. Although, it may be easier said than done, if the Opuntia is located outside its natural habitat and not given enough light during the winter months.
How to care for cold hardy succulents
Even though we’re talking about winter-hardy succulents, it doesn’t mean these genera and species are indestructible. To ensure they thrive in your garden, there are a few things to keep in mind.
In general, the sunnier, warmer, and drier the location, the better. For instance, a south-facing front garden protected from rainfall by an overhang can be suitable. Just like with indoor succulents, excess moisture is not well-tolerated! You can also prevent this by using the right type of soil – it should be airy and lightweight, allowing water to drain quickly. Although, Sedum, Sempervivum, Hellebore are perfectly adapted to any winter, cold or wet.
If you plan to plant succulents in pots, exercise caution! What might not be a problem in the summer could be dangerous in the winter if the pot’s soil freezes. This can harm the roots significantly.
Here follows more advice for the best care for winter-hardy succulents:
- Well-Drained Soil: Ensure your planting area has well-drained soil. Good drainage helps prevent water from accumulating around the roots, reducing the risk of root rot.
- Southern Exposure: Choose a south-facing slope for planting your succulents. This provides better sun exposure and helps dry out the soil more effectively.
- Porous Substrate and Drainage: When cultivating succulents in pots, use a porous substrate and provide proper drainage. This allows excess water to escape and reduces the chance of waterlogging. Consider mixing the soil with Perlite or Vermiculite or other well draining material.
- Moisture Protection: Create a barrier against excess moisture using materials like gravel, pumice, or similar options around the plants. This helps prevent water from splashing onto the leaves and soil.
- Light: Most aforementioned species are in their natural habitat and endure dark winters with ease. Although, Opuntia may require some extra light, especially if you want to trigger flowering in the summer.
- Rain Shelter: Provide protection from heavy rain by using a cover or shelter. This prevents the succulents from being soaked and helps maintain dry conditions.
What about propagating winter succulents?
You don’t need to worry much about propagation, especially with Sempervivum! After the lovely bloom, the mother plant dries out. However, before that, it produces many small offsets that eventually grow into new mother plants.