Best Outdoor Succulents

 

Succulents are some of the most popular plants in the world right now. Not only are they used to brighten up the living space, but they also have a host of stories and even health benefits that come along with them.

But not all succulents are grown indoors. They’d even look out of place if you had them sitting on the windowsill.  

This guide will show you the five best outdoor succulents that will take your garden arrangement to the next level.

Whale’s Tongue

The first best outdoor succulents is Whale’s Tongue. It grows between two and five feet tall and boasts broad, thick leaves and a rounded rosette. The leaves are a subtle blue-grey in color, with jagged teeth along the margins.

Whale’s Tongue is native to Nuevo Leon in North Mexico where it’s also known as the Agave plant. While it can grow up to five feet, its final size depends on its irrigation. Whale’s Tongue grows best in well-draining soil, so plant it a pre-made solution or create your own. 

Watering is a breeze too. It doesn’t need watering that often, but will likely need more than normal in the summer. Remember to soak the soil and wait for it to completely dry before watering again.

Hens And Chicks

The second best outdoor succulent that will be sure to fill up a lot of space is Hens and Chicks. It was originally planted on rooftops to prevent roof slates from slipping, as well as protecting the building from lightning, but they have now made their way into homes and their gardens. 

Hens and Chicks propagates via offsets, hence the name. The mother plant is referred to as the hen and its offsets are its chicks. When fully grown, it has thick, fleshy leaves and a compact rosette.

Blue Chalk Sticks

The third best outdoor succulents is Blue Chalk Sticks, also known as Blue Finger, is another excellent succulent to grow outdoors. As its name suggests, it has long, silvery-blue leaves that add that something extra to your arrangement.

This exotic plant is native to South Africa and looks awfully similar to a sea urchin, making it a fantastic contrast to anything else you may have in the garden. 

The leaves have a waxy coat that protects it from the sun, so it can grow outside without having to worry about burning. Plus, during summer, it will produce small white flowers - a sign that it’s being well looked after.

Mexican Fence Post Cactus

Everyone has a fence, but not everyone has a Mexican Fence Post Cactus in their garden. If you prefer a more natural solution for your borders, then this is the perfect plant for you.

The Mexican Fence Post Cactus is the third best outdoor succulent and stands strong wherever it grows. It will probably be the first thing that catches your eye when you step into the garden. It shoots straight up from the ground, but unlike other cacti, it doesn’t grow any arms. Instead, the Mexican Fence Post Cactus grows other vertical offshoots next to the parent plant (so in this regard, it’s similar to a Hens and Chicks).

Each “post” has between four and six symmetrical edges, each with small, white thorns that when seen from a distance give the impression it has white stripes.

As the name suggests, it originates from Central Mexico where it was originally used by local villagers to create fences along roads. 

Golden Barrel Cactus

The final best succulent to grow outdoors is the Golden Barrel Cactus. Why is it so great? There are several reasons.

First, it’s legend suggests that desert travellers use this plant as a natural compass, so you’ll be able to share this interesting story with anyone that takes an interest in it.

Second, and perhaps more relevant to you, is what it looks like when fully grown. The Golden Barrel Cactus is ribbed with hooked yellow spines on every edge.

This succulent can grow up to one meter tall and will last for 30 years. As it gets older, it will change from a ball to something more of an oblong, leaning south - hence the compass legend.