Succulents - Three Season Companions

Perennial succulents are a terrific investment for your yard, patio or balcony.  They are the first plants to begin growing in the very early spring and the last plants to go dormant in the late fall.  They tolerate the hot heat of the summer and faithfully hold up to cold temperatures on either side of winter. 

These plants are great for potting during the 3 seasons, and can remain in their pot, or be planted in the ground during winter. Try hens and chickens (also known as Sempervivum) alone in a full pot.  They don’t mind crowding; feel free to pack them in tight.  Once established, they need very little water, once or twice a week in the heat of summer and less frequently in spring and fall.  Err on the dry side as a rule.  As with all succulents, provide WELL DRAINED soil. They will not perform well or even survive having wet feet.  Hens and chickens are great as fillers when in a patio planter arrangement.

Others that are fun to try that are terrific as ground covers, but showcase nicely in patio planters are, broadleaf stonecrop, gold moss (sedum sarmentosum), and ice plant. These dependable plants take the spiller category when planning your planter arrangement.   

 

Try the Euphorbia Polychroma Cushion Spurge or even the Angelina stonecrop for a planter thriller. While they offer low height with their spikey yet soft-to-the-touch presentation.  

For more information on patio planter arrangements, see Thrillers, Fillers and Spillers.