Bursting with vibrant colors and resilient beauty, succulents have become the darlings of outdoor gardening enthusiasts. Their ability to thrive under the scorching sun is unmatched, making them the perfect companions for your sun-kissed garden.
But with countless varieties to choose from, finding the best full sun succulents for outdoors can be a daunting task.
In this guide, we’ll unveil a handpicked selection of the best succulents that thrive in full sun that will transform your outdoor space into a desert oasis.
Below, you’ll find a list of must-have full sun succulents for your garden.
Can Succulents Grow Outside In Full Sun?
Yes, many succulents can thrive and grow outdoors in full sun. In fact, succulents are known for their ability to tolerate and even thrive in sunny and arid conditions. They have adapted to survive in environments with intense sunlight and limited water availability.
However, it’s important to note that not all succulents are the same, and their specific sunlight requirements may vary. Some succulent species prefer partial sun or shade, while others can handle direct sunlight for extended periods.
Also Read: Why is my succulent dying?
Some succulents, such as Agave, Aloe, and some Sedum, are considered full sun succulents and can handle several hours of direct sunlight daily. These plants typically have thick, fleshy leaves that store water and allow them to withstand high sunlight and heat levels.
Also Read: How To Care For Succulents Indoors
On the other hand, some succulents prefer partial sun or shade. These species, like certain Haworthia and Gasteria varieties, typically have thinner leaves or a more compact growth habit that makes them less tolerant of intense sunlight.
Best Full Sun Succulents for Outdoors
1. Agave
Agave has thick, fleshy leaves that store water, allowing them to survive in arid environments. In fact, exposure to ample sunlight helps enhance the colors and textures of Agave leaves.
This succulent does well in USDA hardiness zones 9 to 11 and is commonly found in North and Central America.
2. Hens And Chicks (Sempervivum)
This attractive succulent with a rosette growth habit is well-suited for USDA hardiness zones 3 to 9. In the USA, grow this plant in the coastal, northern, mountainous, arid, and semi-arid parts. Besides efficiently tolerating hot summers, it also does well in cold winters.
Also Read: Easiest Succulents To Grow Indoors
3. Aeonium
Aeoniums are beautiful, low-maintenance succulents that add unique textures and colors to gardens and containers. They are well-suited for Mediterranean and coastal climates.
However, they are well-suited for USDA hardiness zones 9 to 11, like coastal California and southern Florida. They can also tolerate Zone 8, but Zone 7 is too cold for them.
4. Senecio Blue Chalk Stick
Introduce this stunning, sun-loving succulent to your garden or yard for a unique touch of blue. While native to South Africa, Senecio Blue Chalk Stick is suited for USDA hardiness zones 9 to 11, which encompass regions with mild winters and warm to hot summers. These include coastal California and southern Texas, and Florida.
5. Echeveria
This succulent is prized for its stunning rosette-shaped foliage, which comes in various colors, textures, and sizes. Regarding ideal zones to plant it, Echeveria thrives in USDA hardiness zones 9 to 11, the Mediterranean regions, and some parts of Australia and South Africa. It also does well in arid and semi-arid areas.
5. Paddle Plant
It is a unique and visually appealing succulent that can make a striking addition to your succulent gardens, rockeries, or container arrangements. It can be a delightful choice for succulent enthusiasts and collectors.
The paddle plant is well-suited for regions with Mediterranean-like climates. Also, this drought-tolerant succulent can adapt to arid and semi-arid areas.
7. Donkey’s Tail
Are you looking for a charming succulent with a trailing growth habit? This plant with unique, delicate bead-like leaves will suit you. Consider Donkey’s Tail for your outdoor spaces if you live in arid and semi-arid regions and Mediterranean climates. It is perfect for USDA hardiness zones 9 to 11.
8. Mangave
This succulent combines the attractive characteristics of its parent plants (Agave and Manfreda), resulting in unique and visually appealing succulents.
Mangaves are known for their architectural rosettes and often have interesting leaf patterns and colors.
They are commonly grown in USDA hardiness zones 9 to 11, where they grow outdoors year-round.
9. Sedum (Stonecrops)
Sedums encompass numerous species and cultivars with fleshy leaves, colorful flowers, and the ability to thrive in a variety of conditions. They are generally adaptable to various climates, with many species being cold-hardy and tolerant to frost and freezing temperatures.
You can grow sedums in USDA hardiness zones 3 to 9, depending on the specific species. Some Sedum varieties are also suitable for warmer climates, up to USDA zone 11.
10. Aloe vera
Aloe vera is native to arid regions and thrives in warm climates. It’s suited for USDA hardiness zones 9 to 11, where temperatures remain above freezing.
This versatile plant is an excellent addition to your garden or yard and offers cosmetic and medicinal benefits, so growing it in your home can be pretty advantageous.
11. Panda Plant
The panda plant is commonly grown indoors, thriving in average room temperatures ranging from 65°F to 75°F (18°C to 24°C). However, you can grow this succulent outdoors in USDA hardiness zones 10 and 11 with mild winter temperatures that do not drop below freezing.
Additionally, it thrives in subtropical, tropical, and Mediterranean areas.
12. Pachyveria ‘Clavifolia’ (Jeweled Crown)
This hybrid succulent is a cross between Echeveria derenbergii and Pachyphytum oviferum. It is valued for its rosette-shaped foliage and grows both outdoors and indoors.
This succulent suits you if you live in Mediterranean climate regions like southern Europe coastal regions, USDA hardiness zones 9 to 11, and Subtropical and Tropical Regions.
13. Sedum nussbaumerianum (Stonecrop)
This succulent’s attractive foliage and easy-care nature make it popular among succulent enthusiasts. This drought-tolerant succulent is well-suited for USDA hardiness zones 9 to 11 since they have mild winter temperatures that do not drop below freezing.
It’s a suitable outdoor plant in Subtropical and Tropical Regions, Northern America, South and Central America, and Mediterranean regions.
14. Pachyphytum
Pachyphytum plants are adapted to arid and semi-arid regions, prefer warm temperatures, and are typically grown in USDA hardiness zones 9 to 11. These regions include the United States’ southern parts, like California and Texas.
Subtropical and Tropical Regions, Mediterranean regions, and Central and South American countries are also ideal for their growth. These low-maintenance plants cannot tolerate frost, and freezing temperatures can damage or kill them.
15. Elephant Bush
It spreads horizontally rather than growing upright, often developing a thick, woody stem and forming a dense, shrub-like structure. This plant may be native to South Africa but does well in other parts of the world, like the Mediterranean regions and North America, in USDA hardiness zones 10 to 11.
Tips For Growing Succulents In Full Sun
Do the following to help your succulents thrive in full sunlight.
1. Choose The Right Succulents
If you intend to plant succulents outdoors in full sun, you must pick the species to plant carefully because some succulents are better suited to full sun than others. The succulents discussed above are sun-loving, so you can select the ones you like most.
Succulents that can handle full sunlight are adapted to high light intensity and can tolerate prolonged exposure to the sun.
2. Gradually Acclimate Succulents
Acclimating your succulents to full sun gradually is essential for their survival and growth, especially if they are currently in a shadier spot. Therefore, place them in a partially shaded area for a few hours a day, then gradually increase their exposure to sunlight over a period of a couple of weeks. This will help protect them from sunburns and stress.
3. Provide Adequate Drainage
Succulents dislike sitting in waterlogged soil, so it’s crucial to ensure proper drainage. Your succulents require well-draining soil for water to drain easily, thus keeping the ground from waterlogging. Consider using a gritty or sandy soil mix specifically formulated for succulents.
4. Water Appropriately
Although succulents have a tremendous ability to tolerate dry conditions, they still need regular watering. For this reason, water your succulents deeply but infrequently, making sure you allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Keep the soil from being excessively moist since that can cause root rot.
5. Mulch To Retain Moisture
Apart from watering your succulent appropriately, put organic mulch around the succulent’s base to help the soil retain moisture and prevent excess heat from reaching the roots. Use materials like gravel, pebbles, or crushed rocks as mulch to improve water retention while allowing for good airflow.
6. Monitor Temperature Extremes
Succulents prefer bright but indirect sunlight, so protecting them from extreme heat is important when grown in full sun. Consider providing some shade during the day’s hottest hours using shade cloth, sheer curtains, or moving them to a more sheltered location temporarily.
7. Be Mindful Of Winter Conditions
While succulents can tolerate full sun, some varieties may require protection from extreme cold or frost. If you live in a region with harsh winters, consider bringing your succulents indoors or providing them with temporary shelter during the coldest months.
Conclusion
Succulents will make a great addition to your outdoor plants if you want beautiful, hardy, versatile plants that can tolerate full sunlight. Since numerous succulent species exist today, find ones that suit your preference and climatic conditions. The options discussed in this post can do well in full sunlight.
Hey there, fellow plant enthusiasts! I’m Rachel, the green-thumbed writer behind Rooted In Garden. With a deep-rooted love for all things botanical, I’ve made it my mission to help you cultivate a thriving collection of houseplants. As a devoted plant parent myself, I understand the joys and challenges that come with nurturing these leafy wonders. Whether you’re a succulent aficionado, an orchid enthusiast, or simply adore all potted flora, join me on this journey as we explore the secrets to growing and caring for our beloved green companions. Together, let’s create a flourishing oasis indoors.