Hardy Succulents As Groundcovers

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For gardeners in colder climates, being able to plant cold hardy succulents outside year round is a fairly new and exciting concept.

Using succulents as groundcovers is a great way of familiarizing yourself with this type of plant material. How to design with them effectively? Think about how you’ve always planted groundcovers, like epimedium, pulmonaria or geranium specimens. Remember, they all work best when planted in large numbers, allowing them to develop into a carpet of color and texture.

Do the same when designing with succulent groundcovers. If the specimen happens to be a quick spreader, plant less of it initially. One of my favorites is Opuntia fragilis, commonly known as prickly pear which is hardy from USDA Zones 3-10. It forms a low, rapid growing mat of tightly packed, plump oval pads. With outstanding texture and shape, it works beautifully in combination with a wide variety of perennials.

 

 

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