![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/How-to-Grow-Succulents-Pin-683x1024.jpg\")
<\/div>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Grow-Succulents-Outdoors-Pin.jpg\"\/)
![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Grow-Succulents-Outdoors-Pin.jpg\")
<\/div>\n<\/p>\n Succulents don\u2019t belong to one genus or flora family.<\/p>\n They are various species from multiple genera with specific characteristics in common: fleshy stems and leaves that retain water under desert conditions.<\/p>\n In addition to being \u201cwater-wise,\u201d enthusiasts like me appreciate succulents for their funky shapes.<\/p>\n I often say they remind me of sea life, with forms resembling anemones, coral, jellyfish, sea urchins, sea lettuce, and seaweed.<\/p>\n We link to vendors to help you find relevant products. If you buy from one of our links,\u00a0<\/em>we may earn a commission<\/em><\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n Popular houseplants, there are both tender and hardy varieties suited to outdoor cultivation in USDA Hardiness Zones ranging from 7 to 12.<\/p>\n Frost-hardy types grow well in Zones 7 to 9, while tender species thrive in the hottest Zones, 10 to 12.<\/p>\n Join us as we explore succulents, their cultural requirements and care, species for various zones, and designs for low-maintenance outdoor displays.<\/p>\n Here\u2019s the lineup:<\/p>\n I enjoy working with succulents and think you will, too. Let\u2019s get started!<\/p>\n One of the best features of succulents, after their attractive forms, is the ease of propagation.<\/p>\n It\u2019s easy to make new plants by:<\/p>\n It\u2019s also possible to start with seeds, although this is the slowest method and seeds may not be readily available.<\/p>\n You\u2019ll find detailed propagation instructions in our guide<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n You\u2019ll need a location with full sun to part shade for growing. Afternoon shade is beneficial if your locale is especially hot in the summer.<\/p>\n The soil should be sandy loam that drains well and has a slightly acidic pH balance of 5.5 to 6.5. If you like, you can conduct a soil test<\/a><\/strong> to determine the characteristics of your dirt.<\/p>\n You can amend it with humus and gritty horticultural sand to add organic matter and acidity, and improve drainage.<\/p>\n A sensible blend is 50 percent sand, 25 percent humus, and 25 percent existing soil.<\/p>\n Be sure that the sand is for the garden and not builder or play sand, as these are very dense and inhibit drainage. We have detailed instructions for a DIY succulent soil mix here<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n Read plant tags and seed packets<\/a><\/strong> and allow enough room for mature dimensions.<\/p>\n Note that miniature varieties a few inches wide may produce offsets that spread a foot or more unless pruned or divided for transplanting.<\/p>\n When introducing new flora to an existing garden, be sure that the surrounding plants are also low-moisture species for one-size-fits-all care.<\/p>\n The following perennials are excellent companion choices:<\/p>\n Follow the links to read our growing guides for each, and to determine their suitability for your growing zone.<\/p>\n Be sure to read our general succulent growing guide for more tips<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n It is best to plant when the weather is cool. For zones with frost, this is spring. For frost-free regions, plant in autumn.<\/p>\n Here\u2019s how:<\/p>\n Mound the soil up four to six inches, so the foliage sits above ground level to promote drainage and inhibit rotting.<\/p>\n The roots are fragile and shallow, so handle them with care.<\/p>\n Set each plant into its own mound, or mound the entire garden. Cover the roots with enough soil to anchor them firmly.<\/p>\n Set a hose nozzle to gentle, or use a sprinkler can to water the soil thoroughly. Avoid wetting the foliage to inhibit fungal growth.<\/p>\n Slant rosette-types, with a rounded cluster of leaves, slightly downward, so rainwater spills out of them.<\/p>\n Planting high and avoiding water retention can go a long way toward inhibiting rotting, succulents\u2019 nemesis.<\/p>\n The best way to water<\/strong><\/a> is to wait until the soil dries out completely and then water deeply.<\/p>\n It\u2019s best to err on the side of neglect rather than generosity.<\/p>\n Foliage is more likely to recover from being dry than from oversaturation. You may want to use a moisture meter<\/a><\/strong> as a guide.<\/p>\n You may find that when you test the soil for moisture at a depth of about two inches, you only need to water every three to four weeks, depending upon rainfall and temperature.<\/p>\n In-ground succulents are dormant during the hottest months of the year, and unlike their houseplant cousins that seldom bloom, flowering species grown outdoors may surprise you with blossoms in fall or winter.<\/p>\n Fertilizer is optional.<\/p>\n You can apply half-strength liquid succulent food to miniature varieties and a full-strength dose to large specimens (in a quart-size nursery pot or larger) at planting time and each spring.<\/p>\n Apply fertilizer to the soil, not the foliage, to avoid leaf burn.<\/p>\n Learn more about fertilizing succulents here<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n Succulents are fairly self-sufficient.<\/p>\n Keep the garden free of weeds and leaf litter that may block sunlight and compete for water.<\/p>\n Use clean pruners<\/a><\/strong> to snip off damaged, rotted, or desiccated leaves that you notice during the growing season.<\/p>\n You may also want to prune leggy plants. When there isn\u2019t enough sunlight available, some species stretch toward the light.<\/p>\n Cut scraggly stems just above a leaf node to promote bushier growth. Relocate to a brighter location in the spring in Zones 7 to 9 or in the fall in Zones 10 to 12.<\/p>\n On the other hand, you may notice that some plants are shading from green to pink, red, or orange.<\/p>\n They may be receiving too much direct sunlight.<\/p>\n Consider relocating them, or planting taller plants nearby to create dappled afternoon shade, if you don\u2019t care for the color change, or the foliage begins to turn brown from overexposure.<\/p>\n Another reason for plants to turn color may be over- or underwatering.<\/p>\n Jade plant is a good example of a specimen that shades to yellow with too much moisture.<\/p>\n Evaluate your watering habits and make adjustments as needed to maintain optimal health and appearance, and prevent rotting.<\/p>\n Some species bloom once and die. Others live on to bloom again. Remove dead foliage and spent flowers, including their stems, to inhibit opportunistic pests and pathogens.<\/p>\n Use pruners to sever offsets from mother plants and transplant them as desired. This is a spring task in Zones 7 to 9, and a fall one in Zones 10 to 12.<\/p>\n Replace loose or damaged bricks<\/a><\/strong>, rocks, or other hardscape materials used in or around plants to avoid damage to delicate specimens and keep the soil from washing away.<\/p>\n In cooler Zone 6 and below, it may be possible to grow certain types of succulents outdoors in the summer and bring them to a sheltered location to overwinter indoors<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n Be sure to check plants thoroughly for pests and signs of disease before doing so.<\/p>\n Here are seven succulent species to get you started. Note the recommended growing zones for each to make appropriate selections for your yard.<\/p>\n Hardy ghost plants, Graptopetalum paraguayense<\/em>, grow well in Zones 9 to 11.<\/p>\n Ghost Plant<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n They produce four-inch rosettes and may achieve heights of up to 12 inches. A full sun to part shade placement is best. They prefer low to medium moisture.<\/p>\n Find ghost plants available from Planet Desert<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n Suited to Zones 4 to 9, hardy hens and chicks, Sempervivum tectorum<\/em>, are three to six inches tall and nine to 12 inches wide.<\/p>\n The rosettes range from three to 10 inches in diameter. Mature S. tectorum<\/em> are the hens, and offsets are the chicks.<\/p>\n Hens and Chicks<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Watering needs are low to medium and afternoon shade is best in the warmest zones. The foliage is deer and drought tolerant. Once a rosette blooms, it dies.<\/p>\n Find hens and chicks in two-, four-, and six-inch pots available at Planet Desert<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n Learn more about caring for Sempervivum<\/em> or hens and chicks here<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n Tender jade plants, Crassula ovata<\/em>, thrive in the warmest zones, 11 to 12, where they grow from three to six feet tall and two to three feet wide.<\/p>\n Jade Plant<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n They appreciate bright morning light and afternoon shade. Although they are drought-tolerant, their moisture needs are moderate.<\/p>\n Find jade plants available at Planet Desert<\/a><\/strong> in a variety of pot sizes.<\/p>\n Or find tips on jade plant care here<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n Unlike many succulents we grow primarily for their foliage, the main attraction of tender or florist\u2019s kalanchoe, Kalanchoe blossfeldiana<\/em>, is its clusters of gold, pink, or red blossoms.<\/p>\n Kalanchoe<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Suited to Zones 10 to 12, kalanchoe prefers filtered sunlight to light shade and achieves a mature stature of 18 inches tall and wide.<\/p>\n Find sets of three florist\u2019s kalanchoe from Altman Plants via Walmart<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n Or read more about the care of plants in the Kalanchoe<\/em> genus here<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n Tender living stones, Lithops<\/em>, have the look of finely detailed rocks.<\/p>\n They thrive in Zones 10 and 11, where they prefer full sun tempered by afternoon shade.<\/p>\n Living Stones<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n At one inch tall and one to three inches wide, they are petite treasures that like a dry environment and require little water.<\/p>\n Find an assortment of living stones now from Planet Desert<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n Learn more about growing living stone plants here<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n Tender-stalked aeoniums, Aeonium<\/em>\u00a0undulatum<\/em> grow well in Zones 10 and 11, where they reach a height of two to three feet and a width of one to two feet.<\/p>\n Unlike many succulent species, stalked aeoniums are shrub-like, with branching bark-covered stems.<\/p>\n Stalked Aeonium Sunburst<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n They prefer full sun to part shade and dry to medium moisture.<\/p>\n Find stalked aeonium Sunburst from Planet Desert<\/a><\/strong>. Choose from four-inch, six-inch, and two- or five-gallon pots.<\/p>\n Hardy string of pearls <\/strong>plants, Senecio rowleyanus<\/em>, thrive in Zones 9 to 12.\u00a0<\/p>\n They achieve mature dimensions of one to two feet tall and wide and prefer full sun to part shade.<\/p>\n String of Pearls<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n This species has low water needs and is drought tolerant.<\/p>\n Find string of pearls now from Planet Desert<\/a><\/strong> in four-, six-inch, and two-gallon pots.<\/p>\n Learn more about how to grow string of pearls here<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n In addition to these exciting examples, there are many more types to explore, such as:<\/p>\n Mix and match colors, shapes, sizes, and textures for rich and varied arrangements that showcase the unique features of each. And if you fall in love with a species that isn\u2019t suited to outdoor cultivation in your growing zone, you have three options:<\/p>\n Once you have your favorites in place in the garden, there are some pests to watch out for, including:<\/p>\n In addition to pests, hungry wildlife may take a few nibbles, including squirrels and deer<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n There are also a few diseases you should be aware of, like leaf spot, powdery mildew<\/a><\/strong>, and root rot.<\/p>\n While it is possible to treat sap-sucking pests and fungal diseases with neem oil, avoiding moisture stress is the best defense against both.<\/p>\n Flora that is too dry or too wet is vulnerable.<\/p>\n In addition, oversaturation \u2013 the nemesis mentioned above \u2013 may cause root rot, so err on the side of neglect. Your plants will benefit!<\/p>\n Whether you dedicate a garden space to succulents or incorporate them into an existing low-maintenance landscape<\/a><\/strong>, succulents enhance outdoor living spaces with their varied forms, colors, and textures.<\/p>\n Use hardscape materials like bricks <\/strong>and stones to contain them and contrast with their soft forms.<\/p>\n If you are adding to an existing garden, consider the watering needs of neighboring flora. Keep the companions we discussed in mind when designing new spaces.<\/p>\n Succulents are versatile. You may enjoy them in the following settings:<\/p>\n And now, let\u2019s look at some exemplary designs to spark your imagination.<\/p>\n White pebbles and lawn edging neatly set off this small island of sempervivum.<\/p>\n Landscape fabric beneath the stones suppresses weeds. In addition to being attractive, they keep lawn mowers away from tender foliage.<\/p>\n You might want to spice up an arrangement with a novelty like this terracotta urn that seems to be spilling echeveria from its wide mouth.<\/p>\n Specimens in the mound of soil at the urn\u2019s opening soon root in the ground soil around it.<\/p>\n In another example, aloe nestles in the nooks and crannies of the crevices of a rock outcropping for a dramatic presentation.<\/p>\n An excellent way to achieve the four- to six-inch mounded soil needed for planting is to raise the entire garden, such as this one bordered by a low-profile natural stone wall.<\/p>\n The elevation shows the various species to best advantage and clearly defines a succulent watering zone.<\/p>\n Remember to consider mature dimensions when planting because the space between varieties narrows as they grow and produce offsets.<\/p>\n If you want to keep specimens separate, remove the offsets.<\/p>\n In this example, echeveria and sedum obscure the bare soil as they spread like mosaic artwork.<\/p>\n This garden is in the hollow of a natural stone bench.<\/p>\n If you have interesting architectural elements in the landscape, you may try your hand at tucking succulents into them for a surprise attraction.<\/p>\n Consider filling the nooks and crannies of a piled stone wall with potting medium and nestling your favorites inside.<\/p>\n Living walls contribute to green spaces and provide habitat for wildlife.<\/p>\n In this example, sedum and ghost plants find a comfortable home.<\/p>\n And if a large-scale desertscape is what you crave, here\u2019s a front yard that features bold green and red agave amid lower profile blue chalk sticks, Senecio mandraliscae<\/em>.<\/p>\n Both are suited to Zones 10 and 11.<\/p>\n \u00a0As you can see, there are many ways to enjoy in-ground succulent varieties!<\/p>\n We\u2019ve covered a lot of material. Let\u2019s wrap up.<\/p>\n If you live in Zones 7 to 12, there are succulents that you can incorporate into your landscape.<\/p>\n Whether you accent existing gardens or design dedicated spaces, I know you\u2019ll appreciate the unique colors, shapes, and textures they contribute.<\/p>\n Now\u2019s the time to take out your garden planner<\/a><\/strong>!<\/p>\n You can use this information as a guide to choosing whimsical species and creating imaginative displays at your house.<\/p>\n Do you grow succulents in your gardens? Please tell us about your favorites in the comments section below.<\/p>\n If you would like to read more about succulent cultivation<\/a><\/strong>, we recommend the following next:<\/p>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/How-to-Grow-Succulents-in-the-Garden-Feature-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\nPropagation<\/h2>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Planting-out-Hens-and-Chicks-1024x683.jpg\")
\n
How to Grow<\/h2>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Freshly-Planted-Succulents-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Green-Rubber-Gloved-Hands-and-Sempervivum-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\nMaintenance<\/h2>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Weeding-Raised-Succulent-Garden-with-White-Stones-1024x683.jpg\")
Where to Buy<\/h2>\n
Ghost Plant<\/h3>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Ghost-Plant.jpg\"\/)
![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Ghost-Plant.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\nHens and Chicks<\/h3>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Hens-and-Chicks.jpg\"\/)
![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Hens-and-Chicks.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\nJade Plant<\/h3>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Jade-Plant.jpg\"\/)
![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Jade-Plant.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\nKalanchoe<\/h3>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Florists-Kalanchoe.jpg\"\/)
![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Florists-Kalanchoe.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\nLiving Stones<\/h3>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Living-Stones.jpg\"\/)
![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Living-Stones.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\nStalked Aeonium<\/h3>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Aeonium-Sunburst.jpg\"\/)
![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Aeonium-Sunburst.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\nString of Pearls<\/h3>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/String-of-Pearls.jpg\"\/)
![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/String-of-Pearls.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
Pests and Disease<\/h2>\n
Creative Design Schemes<\/h2>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Swath-of-Succulents-and-White-Stones-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Succulents-Growing-in-a-Ceramic-Planter-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Succulents-in-a-Rock-Garden.jpg\"\/)
![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Succulents-in-a-Rock-Garden.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Rock-Edged-Raised-Succulent-Garden--1024x683.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Succulents-in-the-Garden.jpg\"\/)
![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Succulents-in-the-Garden.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Round-Succulent-Garden-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Ghost-Plants-Growing-Through-Stone-Wall-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Xeriscape-Outside-a-Residence.jpg\"\/)
![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Xeriscape-Outside-a-Residence.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\nWhimsical and Imaginative<\/h2>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Succulents-in-the-Landscape.jpg\"\/)
![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Succulents-in-the-Landscape.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n