Recurrent droughts and water scarcity, especially during the summer, prompt us to seek out plants that are better adapted to these changing climatic conditions.
Perhaps, like me, you’re looking for succulents—both to create a more resilient garden in dry conditions and to infuse a touch of exotic ambiance.
Which succulents are suitable for winter in my garden?
Let’s explore succulents that can thrive outdoors during winter, enduring light frost or even more severe cold for those native to mountainous regions.
Humidity
The main problem with growing succulents outdoors is humidity. Many succulents can withstand cold and even frost if they don’t have their feet in the water.
The first thing to do is to install them in a very well-draining soil. They can tolerate the lack of water without difficulty but will rot from too much humidity. They are therefore plants to be installed in a rock garden.
So, remember that humidity is a critical factor for outdoor succulents. Ensure excellent drainage to prevent waterlogged roots, as too much moisture can lead to rot. Observe any newly acquired plants to gauge their cold tolerance. If a plant changes color or turns yellow, it may not be comfortable in the cold and should be protected.
The cold
When we buy a plant or receive it as a gift, we don’t always know its name and origin. To find out if the plant can tolerate the cold, you have to leave it outside, sheltered from the rain, and observe it every day. If it changes color and starts to turn yellow, it may be uncomfortable in the cold. In this case, it is retracted.
10 Succulents That Are Frost Resistant
1 – Houseleeks
These succulents excel outdoors and originate from cold or mountainous areas. They tolerate frost well when planted in well-draining soil and positioned in sunny locations. Houseleeks prefer poor soil and dislike having other plants crowding them. So, an open, sunny spot with minimal soil moisture—even during rain—will suit them.
They prefer poor soil and fear the presence of other plants above them. An open, sunny location and poor soil, even in the rain, will please them.
2 – Wild sedums and stonecrops
There are many sedums that grow naturally above the Loire. I’m thinking in particular of the white sedum which is a “wild” plant that I like a lot. I install it wherever I want to hide a wall or decorate a staircase.
Large sedums tolerate moisture relatively well even in moderately well-draining soil. To make them more resistant to frost, cut off the late deflowered stems and cover the new shoots with a light mulch of leaves or straw. In Brittany, it is not necessary to cover them. From the end of December, the new shoots appear. Here, I’ve never seen them freeze. Growing them is really easy.
3 – Hernaceus Sedum
Large sedums tolerate humidity relatively well, even in moderately draining soil. To make them more resistant to frost, you need to cut the late deflowering stems and cover the new shoots with a light mulch of leaves or straw. In Brittany, it is not necessary to cover them. From the end of December new shoots appear. Here, I have never seen them freeze. Their cultivation is really easy.
4 – Opuntia
Cacti of the opuntia (prickly pear) family are quite resistant to a little frost. As with other outdoor succulents, it’s best to use well-draining soil. My parents have had prickly pears in pots for years. On the other hand, they only survived 2 or 3 years in the ground, probably because of the humidity. Otherwise, they can withstand a frost that is not too severe and not too long. You can cover them with a winter veil during the frost but you have to ventilate quickly as soon as the sun comes back because they do not tolerate humidity at all.
5 – Agaves
I don’t have any in my garden but I see them everywhere. I conclude that they are frost resistant. Some merchants advertise a resistance to -15°C for some varieties.
For the moment mine stays in pots and indoors because I find that these leaves get damaged in winter.
6 – The Echeverias
We think of Echeverias more like houseplants. However, some Echeverias, if they do not receive any drops of water and remain well sheltered from the rain, are resistant to moderate frost, down to -5°C and for a short time. In Brittany, they thrive in their mini-greenhouse or in the tunnel greenhouse where I put them back for the winter.
7 – Palmeri sedum
Palmeri sedum is a small, hardy sedum that takes on beautiful red hues when the cold comes. You can make beautiful pots that last for several years. Just give it a little potting soil every year. And in spring it offers us a beautiful yellow bloom. It also thrives on the edge of low walls. On the other hand, it doesn’t like the shade of other plants. It is a full sun plant. It can stay in the rain without any problems. However, I find that it grows better in pots than in the ground.
8 – Yuccas
We love Yuccas for their exotic appearance and spectacular blooms.
I don’t like them. In my garden, they multiply like quackgrass and are very difficult to control. So I pulled them out because the brambles grew at their feet and their very pointed leaves made them dangerous to maintain.
I’ve kept them long enough to see that the cold doesn’t bother them at all. Neither does humidity.
Unlike some plants that lose their foliage as winter approaches, Yucca retains its green leaves throughout the year. This feature is a major plus, as the leaves continue to play their part in photosynthesis, providing the plant with the energy it needs to survive even when the mercury drops.
If you want to incorporate Yuccas into your garden in cold zones, choose frost-hardy varieties, such as Yucca filamentosa. Be sure to plant your Yucca in well-draining soil to avoid water stagnation which can be detrimental in the winter. In particularly harsh winters, light mulch around the base of the plant can provide extra protection.
9 – Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera, often prized for its medicinal properties, is also proving to be a champion of frost resistance. This succulent plant, native to arid regions, has developed clever mechanisms to survive low temperatures.
Aloe Vera, also known as “lily of the desert”, is a plant adapted to dry and hot climates. However, its ability to survive frost is remarkable.
In addition to its ability to regulate water, Aloe Vera has a robust root system that plays a crucial role in its frost resistance. The roots of Aloe extend deep into the soil, ensuring stability and constant access to moisture. This allows the plant to maintain some heat at the roots, preserving its vitality even when the surface is covered with frost.
If you live in an area with harsh winters, it is possible to grow Aloe Vera in pots to make it easier to move indoors during the colder periods. Be sure to choose a well-draining substrate and position the pot in a sunny spot. Aloe Vera will thrive in bright conditions even indoors, making it an ideal houseplant.
10 – The Delosperma or perennial purslane
Some plants captivate with their ability to brighten up spaces even when the cold sets in. Delosperma, commonly known as perennial purslane, is distinguished by its persistent shine in the face of harsh winter.
This succulent plant, native to South Africa, reveals characteristics that make it a true gem for gardens in search of resilience and color.
Perennial purslane is a succulent plant that has evolved to thrive in arid environments, but its winter hardiness never ceases to amaze. Its thick, fleshy leaves act as water reservoirs, allowing it to survive periods of drought and withstand low temperatures.
In addition, the evergreen foliage of the Delosperma retains its bright color even in winter, bringing a touch of cheerfulness to the garden throughout the year.
Delosperma also stands out for its ability to produce vibrant flowers even in the colder months. The brightly hued inflorescences, which often bloom as small daisies, give the garden an unexpected splendour in the dead of winter.
This winter bloom is ideal for breaking up the monotony of sleepy gardens.
Perennial purslane thrives in well-drained, sunny soils. Its adaptability to various climates makes it an ideal plant for cold zone gardens. Whether in a rock garden, ground cover or pot, Delosperma is an adaptable plant.
To maximize its frost resistance, plant it in well-drained soil. In winter, light mulch can provide extra protection.
Are Aeoniums frost resistant?
I’ve seen Aeoniums in many lists of succulents that are frost hardy. I strongly disagree. In my house, even when sheltered from the rain, the Aeoniums freeze. Sometimes, if the spring conditions are favourable, they start again from a small piece that has not frosted but the plant is clearly not as beautiful after a little frost. So, in my opinion, no, Aeoniums are not plants to leave outside in winter if frost is expected.
Here, an article in which I talk about my Aeoniums and how to make them thrive.
Mistakes to avoid when growing plants in cold regions
Growing succulents in frost-prone regions can be an exciting challenge, but it’s important to avoid some common mistakes to ensure their health and optimal flowering.
One of the common mistakes is to overestimate the cold hardiness of these hardy plants. Often associated with arid climates, succulents can be vulnerable to freezing temperatures. So, the first mistake to avoid is not protecting them enough during the cold months. Be sure to shelter them from strong winds and cover them with thick mulch to maintain a more consistent temperature.
Another common mistake is of course excess humidity, especially in the winter months. Succulents prefer well-drained soils, and water accumulation can lead to root rot. Opt for pots with drainage holes and use a specific succulent substrate to ensure adequate water drainage. By avoiding these mistakes, you’ll be better equipped to appreciate the unique beauty of succulents, even in the regions
