MORE Hardy Succulents for East Texas

 

Cold-Hardy Succulents

 

Keep things easy and low-maintenance with hardy succulents! While many succulents aren’t fans of cold weather, there are varieties that can handle much colder temperatures and still provide plenty of color and texture in the landscape.

These hardy selections can be great choices for rock gardens, containers, borders, and groundcovers. Just remember that cold hardiness can vary by variety and growing conditions, and excellent drainage is especially important for succulents during our wet East Texas winters.

 
 

‘Autumn Joy’ Sedum

 

 

‘Autumn Joy’ Sedum is a hardy perennial with thick, succulent foliage and large clusters of flowers that develop in summer and put on their best show as we head into fall.

It’s a great choice for adding late-season color and pollinator interest to sunny beds. Once established, it’s relatively drought tolerant, but good drainage is important. Leaving the dried flower heads standing through winter can also add seasonal interest and provide food for birds.

 
 

Hens & Chicks

 

 

Hens & Chicks (Sempervivum) are rosette-forming succulents known for producing lots of little offsets around the parent plant—giving us the name “hen” and her “chicks.”

The colorful rosettes are the real attraction, with foliage colors and patterns varying by variety and season. Many Sempervivums are extremely cold hardy when grown in well-drained conditions.

They’re especially well suited for rock gardens, shallow containers, and other areas where their roots won’t remain wet.

 
 

‘Angelina’ Stonecrop Sedum

 

 

Stonecrop Sedums come in a huge variety of colors and textures, making them an easy way to add interest to landscapes and containers.

‘Angelina’ Stonecrop Sedum features bright golden, needle-like succulent foliage that can take on beautiful orange, coral, or reddish tones as temperatures change.

It’s low-growing, drought tolerant once established, and performs best with plenty of sun and excellent drainage. Foliage color and winter appearance can vary with weather and growing conditions.

 
 

‘Lime Twister’ Sedum

 

 

‘Lime Twister’ Sedum is a colorful, low-growing selection with blue-green foliage edged in creamy yellow. As the season progresses, pink flowers add even more color.

Its spreading habit makes it useful as a small-scale groundcover, border plant, or container filler. Give it plenty of sun and well-drained soil for the best growth and coloration.

Like other hardy Sedums, its winter appearance and how much foliage remains can vary depending on temperatures and growing conditions.

 
 

‘Red Carpet’ Sedum

 

 

‘Red Carpet’ Sedum is grown primarily for its colorful, low-growing foliage. The succulent leaves can develop deeper reddish and mahogany tones as temperatures cool, giving the plant plenty of interest even without showy flowers.

It’s a low-maintenance choice for rock gardens, borders, and other sunny, well-drained areas. Once established, it can handle periods of dry weather well, but—as with other Sedums—avoid locations where the soil stays soggy.

 
 

The Secret to Hardy Succulents

 

Cold tolerance is only part of the equation when growing hardy succulents. Drainage is just as important. A succulent that can tolerate freezing temperatures may still struggle if its roots remain in cold, wet soil for long periods.

Choose a sunny location with excellent drainage, and remember that cold hardiness and evergreen foliage can vary by species, variety, and winter conditions. With the right spot, hardy succulents can bring color and texture to the landscape through multiple seasons with very little fuss.