Summer may be coming to an end, but the nuances of outdoor succulent winter care is just getting started… and let me tell you something:
If the answer is a resounding yes – go ahead and just skip this entire article.
Hey there, succulent lovers! I’ve been growing these amazing plants for years, and one of the most common questions I get is whether succulents can tough it out during winter outdoors The short answer? Yes – but there’s more to it than that! Let me break down everything you need to know about keeping your outdoor succulents happy when temperatures drop
The Basic Truth About Succulents and Winter
Here’s the deal – not all succulents are created equal when it comes to cold tolerance. We can split them into two main groups:
Hardy Succulents
- Can survive temperatures as low as -30°F (-34°C)
- Actually thrive in cold conditions
- Often display more vibrant colors in winter
- Examples include Sempervivums and certain Sedums
Soft (Tender) Succulents
- Need protection when temps drop below freezing
- Should come indoors during winter
- More sensitive to frost damage
- Examples include most Echeverias and Aloes
Which Succulents Can Stay Outside All Winter?
Let me share some tried-and-true cold-hardy varieties that I’ve personally seen survive brutal winters:
-
Sempervivums (Hens and Chicks)
- Survive down to -30°F
- Rosettes may close up tight in winter
- Colors often deepen to rich reds and purples
- Super low maintenance
-
Hardy Sedums
- Many varieties survive -20°F or lower
- Some drop leaves in winter but bounce back
- Great ground cover options
- Turn brilliant colors in cold weather
-
Hardy Opuntias (Prickly Pear)
- Tolerate temps down to -22°F
- May look shriveled but recover in spring
- Need excellent drainage
- Native to many cold regions
How to Protect Outdoor Succulents in Winter
Here’s my tried-and-true tips for keeping outdoor succulents happy during winter
Essential Winter Care Steps
-
Improve Drainage
- Add gravel around plant bases
- Avoid mulch (holds too much moisture)
- Use well-draining soil
- Consider raised beds
-
Provide Protection
- Move potted plants under eaves
- Use clear plastic covers during severe frost
- Create DIY shelters with bamboo and plastic sheeting
- Don’t completely seal them off from air
-
Adjust Watering
- Reduce frequency significantly
- Water only when soil is completely dry
- Morning watering is best
- Stop fertilizing until spring
Common Winter Problems & Solutions
Listen, I’ve made plenty of mistakes with winter succulent care! Here’s what to watch for:
Warning Signs
- Mushy leaves = overwatering
- Shriveled stems = too cold
- Black spots = frost damage
- Yellowing = possible root rot
Quick Fixes
- Move affected plants to sheltered spots
- Remove damaged leaves
- Hold off on watering until conditions improve
- Check drainage immediately
Pro Tips from My Experience
After years of growing succulents in cold climates, here’s what I’ve learned:
-
Know Your Zone
- Check your USDA hardiness zone
- Match plants to your climate
- Consider microclimate variations
- Plan for extreme weather events
-
Container Considerations
- Use frost-resistant pots
- Larger containers provide better insulation
- Consider double-potting for extra protection
- Keep roots warmer than tops
-
Location Matters
- South-facing spots are warmest
- Use walls for heat reflection
- Avoid low spots where cold settles
- Consider wind protection
Final Thoughts
Look, growing succulents outdoors in winter isn’t impossible – it just takes some planning and the right plants. I’ve seen my hardy succulents not just survive but actually look their best during winter months! The key is choosing appropriate varieties and providing basic protection when needed.
Remember, even if you make mistakes (trust me, we all do), most succulents are pretty forgiving. Just keep an eye on the weather forecast, adjust your care routine accordingly, and your outdoor succulent garden can thrive all year round.
Got questions about specific varieties or need more winter care tips? Drop them in the comments below – I’d love to help fellow succulent enthusiasts keep their plants happy through the cold months!
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Determine Your Plant’s Hardiness Zone
Each plant has a hardiness zone it can handle.
If you ordered from us, lucky you – The hardiness zones are listed on each product page.
If you didn’t order from us – SHAME, SHAME, SHAME. 🙂
If you know the name of your plant, just do a quick Google search for the name of your plant and add the words hardiness zone to the end of that search.
9.9 times out of 10 you will find EXACTLY what you are looking for.
Match Your Hardiness Zone with Your Plants
TIme to play matchmaker – How fun!
How well do your environment and plant picks match up?
Numbers make it easy and take interpretation out of the equation. Don’t for one second think that plants will adjust to your outdoor climate – it’s soooo not a thing.
Do they match?
If they match up – GREAT! You need not do much else.
These can be planted in the garden or in pots outdoors – and you can leave them there year-round.
Besides an extra dosage of neglect in the colder months – you’re set.
There’s also a chance that with rain and snow coming to your area – you may not need to water these manually.
Do they not match?
Okay, we have some work to do.
If you planted these in your garden or in a bed, pull them out and re-pot them in containers that can be moved indoors when it starts to get cold.
Here’s a link to moving your plants indoors and caring for them. I highly suggest you read this.
Hardy Succulents To Grow Outside! (Hardy to -30°F)
FAQ
Can succulents survive cold weather?
Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 11 Types of Outdoor Succulents for Extreme Cold Weathersucculentsbox.com › Blog Sempervivum, Hardy Sedum and Hardy Opuntia are three of the most cold hardy genus that can survive freezing winter up to -30F.
Can succulents survive snow?
After all they’re known for loving sunlight and not the opposite, however there are still species of succulents that do well in snow weather. Sempervivum, Hardy Sedum and Hardy Opuntia are three of the most cold hardy genus that can survive freezing winter up to -30F. Some other succulents, like Agave or Rosularia also have great cold tolerance.
Can succulents grow outside in winter?
Updated August 2023. For those in colder climates, growing succulents outdoor in winter time can sound intimidating. After all they’re known for loving sunlight and not the opposite, however there are still species of succulents that do well in snow weather.
Which succulents are best for winter?
We only promote products we use and trust. Sempervivums, some Sedums, and their cold hardy Opuntia cousins are all great options for maintaining a gorgeous succulent garden outdoors year-round, even if your climate gets well below freezing for most of the winter months.
Can succulents live outside all year?
Some succulents can live outside all year if you live in a climate with four seasons, especially one with harsh winters. Most, though, won’t be able to. However, there is a group of beautiful plants that can survive in cold weather that are rarely seen. Many people don’t even know they exist, let alone that there are so many of them!
Do succulents need a lot of water in winter?
Neglecting to protect them from cold temperatures is a big no-no. Remember, keeping them outside when it’s frosty can lead to a plant disaster. Overwatering is another classic mistake. When winter hits, succulents need less water. I know it’s tempting to water them like usual, but in cold weather, they can suffer from too much moisture.