Many of the same succulents that make good houseplants will also thrive in containers outdoors. In pots, these plants often can take more heat and drought than many annuals, perennials, or tropicals. The following arrangements complement each variety's colors, forms, and textures, and each of them is easy to care for, thanks to being displayed in groups with similar moisture and light requirements.
Double Dish Succulent Garden
Serve a big helping of succulents with this double dish garden. The multiple-container system ensures excellent drainage, as the inner pot sits on pebbles. The spreading shoots of pale sedum and pachyveria echo the stiff arching leaves of the variegated century plant. Artificial coral adds a decorative touch.
A. Pachyveria spp.—1
B. Pale sedum (Sedum sediforme)—2
C. Artificial coral
D. Variegated century plant (Agave americana 'Mediopicta')—1
E. Cobweb houseleek (Sempervivum arachnoideum)—1
F. Queen Victoria agave (Agave victoriae-reginae)—1
Sculpture on a Pedestal
Play up the architectural qualities of succulents in simple displays. To grab attention to the bold plant forms, place your arrangement on a pedestal of overturned pots. This container garden planted in an urn rests on a square upside-down black pot.
A. Dwarf century plant (Agave desmettiana)—1
B. Ice plant (Lampranthus deltoides)—3
C. Angelina sedum (Sedum rupestre 'Angelina')—3
Fiery Forces
A trio of creeping sedum and two varieties of hen-and-chicks makes an attractive low-growing grouping in this triangular metal container. When the sedum blooms yellow, the combo glows with warmth. These succulents are hardy to Zone 4, so in most regions, you can leave them outdoors. All are spreading groundcovers that will eventually creep over the edges of the container.
A. Creeping sedum (Sedum sarmentosum)—1
B. Firebird hen-and-chicks (Sempervivum 'Firebird')—1
C. Glowing Embers hen-and-chicks (Sempervivum 'Glowing Embers')—1
Sleek Line Succulent
What could be a simpler succulent container garden idea than growing a solitary multistemmed yucca in a sleek contemporary container? 'Golden Sword' yucca is aptly named for its variegated yellow-striped leaves with razor-sharp edges. Grow it out of the traffic flow to avoid injury to guests, but place it where it'll receive at least six hours of direct sun per day.
A. Yucca filamentosa 'Golden Sword'—1
Urning their Keep
A salvaged metal plant stand creates the impression of the scales of justice when outfitted with trailing succulents. The Madagascar senecio is related to string of beads, and burro's tail is in the same family as groundcover sedums. If pieces break off, root them to start new plants.
A. Madagascar senecio 'Flapjacks'—1
B. Burro's tail (Sedum morganianum)—1
Plant Tray
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