Hardy Succulents
Cold & Frost Hardy to -20F. Great for Outdoors.
Full Sun to Part Shade.
- Great for cold winter climates
- Can survive in zone 5 (-20F) or colder
- Most common genera are Sempervivum (Hens & Chicks) and Sedum
- Many have excellent spring/fall color
- Not recommended for indoor use
Hardy
Soft Succulents
Minimal Frost Tolerance. Indoor & Outdoor.
Filtered Sun to Part Shade.
- Also known as “tender succulents”
- Exhibit extraordinary range of colors, shapes, and sizes
- Outside they must be protected from freezing temperatures
- Many can grow indoors when given sufficient light
- Most will keep color year-round with proper care
Soft
Aeonium
Aeonium are rosette forming succulents with rich colors. Most varieties grow quite large on tall stems, though a few remain small or low growing.
Aloe
Most Aloe form loose rosettes with pointy tips and teeth along the edges of the leaves. However, they are generally softer to the touch than they look. Aloe range significantly in size; some grow only a few inches across, while others become giant trees.
Chick Charms®
Chick Charms® are exquisite Sempervivum cultivars selected by Chris Hansen (he's also the breeder for SunSparkler® Sedums) from his collection of over 485+ named varieties. They all have exemplary colors, forms, and hardiness.
Cotyledon
Cotyledon are shrublet forming succulents with a range of colors and forms. A number of species and cultivars feature white powder-like residue giving them bright or silvery tones. Other varieties share characteristics with certain Kalanchoe succulents.
Crassula
This diverse genus includes the well known Jade plants. Crassula thrive outdoors in mild climates and also make excellent house plants. They range from large shrubs to trailing varieties to low growing ground covers. Most are easy to propagate from cuttings.
Echeveria
These beautiful rosette-shaped succulents have a broad range of pastel colors, including shades of blue, green, purple, pink, cream, and grey. Some grow over a foot in diameter, while others stay just a few inches across. Most varieties propagate from leaf cuttings.
Echeveria Hybrids
A number of different succulent genera are crossed with Echeveria to create attractive hybrids. Hybrids typically have larger and thicker leaves than Echeveria, and also tend to form looser rosettes. The color palette and growing requirements are similar.
Haworthia
Popular for ground covers and green walls, these cold hardy plants form a thick mat with dense clusters. Most are two-tone with green centers. They can take direct summer sun with extra water, but prefer partial shade or filtered sun.
Kalanchoe
Kalanchoe succulents typically have large, exotic foliage with interesting textures and patterns. Some varieties are extremely prolific and produce numerous offsets around the leaves. A number of Kalanchoe have colorful seasonal blooms.
Portulacaria
Portulacaria are shrubby succulents with small sturdy leaves and red stems. Their durable stems will get woody with age. Some species are known as Elephant Bush because they are food for elephants in the wild. Good for landscape use in mild climates.
Rosularia & Prometheum
Popular for ground covers and green walls, these cold hardy plants form a thick mat with dense clusters. Most are two-tone with green centers. They can take direct summer sun with extra water, but prefer partial shade or filtered sun.
Sedum (Stonecrop)
Perhaps the most diverse succulent genus, Sedums come in many shapes, colors, and sizes. These cold hardy plants are usually winter dormant but will flourish in spring and summer. Most will bloom annually and are easy to propagate from cuttings.
Sempervivum
(Hens and Chicks)
Sempervivum are popular rosette shaped succulents that will survive outdoors year-round in most areas of the United States. Lots of color and foliage variety. Color changes throughout the year, usually brightest in spring. Mother “hens” will produce “chicks” in spring and summer.
Sempervivum globiferum ssp. hirtum (Rollers)
Sempervivum globiferum ssp. hirtum are a distinct subspecies in the Hens and Chicks family. These prolific little rosettes produce many spherical “chicks” that often roll away from the mother “hen” plant. They typically show bright, rich colors. Formerly known as Jovibarba hirta.
Sempervivum heuffelii
Closely related to Hens and Chicks, these beautiful plants typically hold their color year-round. Most are two-tone with edges that appear to glow in the sun. They eventually grow into nice mounding rosette clumps. Offsets must be cut off to propagate. Formerly known as Jovibarba heuffelii.
Senecio
Senecio is a hard-to-define genus of succulents that range from tiny trailing beads to tall growing yard plants. The most popular varieties are String of Pearls and Blue Chalksticks. Take cuttings to propagate. Unattractive blooms are easy to remove.
Tender Sedums
Even though they share the same genus as hardy Sedums, Tender Sedums have significantly different characteristics. Most varieties have thick leaves with bright colors year-round. Jelly Bean and Donkey Tail are the most popular.
Tillandsia (Air Plants)
Amazing Air Plants quite literally grow in the air—they do not want soil of any kind! Not recommended for outdoor use in most climates, but are perfect as low light indoor plants. Most have colorful long lasting blooms. Frequent watering required.