10 Spectacular Flowering Succulents
These drought-tolerant plants dazzle with their colorful floral displays
Let’s be honest, succulents are probably not the first type of plant that comes to mind when you want to add colorful flowers to your outdoor space. However, many types of succulents, including cactuses, produce gorgeous flowers. With their characteristic drought tolerance and low maintenance too, flowering succulents are winners in warm-weather gardens. Let’s take a look at 10 succulents with lovely flowers.
1. Rock Purslane
(Calandrinia spectabilis)
Native to Chile
Gray-green leaves form a dense mound that is transformed by the appearance of vibrant magenta flowers held atop tall stems spring through fall. The flowers are about 2 inches wide and last one day; new ones are ready to take their place the following day.
Rock purslane resembles a leafy perennial and would be suitable for use in a dry corner of a flower bed. It can also be grown in containers and brought indoors during winter in colder climates.
Where it will grow: Hardy to 20 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 6.7 degrees Celsius (USDA Zone 9; find your zone)
Light requirement: Full sun; light, filtered shade in low-desert zones
Mature size: 1 foot tall and 3 feet wide; about 3 feet tall when in flower
(Calandrinia spectabilis)
Native to Chile
Gray-green leaves form a dense mound that is transformed by the appearance of vibrant magenta flowers held atop tall stems spring through fall. The flowers are about 2 inches wide and last one day; new ones are ready to take their place the following day.
Rock purslane resembles a leafy perennial and would be suitable for use in a dry corner of a flower bed. It can also be grown in containers and brought indoors during winter in colder climates.
Where it will grow: Hardy to 20 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 6.7 degrees Celsius (USDA Zone 9; find your zone)
Light requirement: Full sun; light, filtered shade in low-desert zones
Mature size: 1 foot tall and 3 feet wide; about 3 feet tall when in flower
2. Aloe Vera
(Aloe vera)
Native to the Mediterranean and Africa
Many people are familiar with aloe vera’s purported medicinal qualities and use as a treatment for burns, but it is also a lovely ornamental succulent, growing in clumps of fleshy, upright leaves. In late winter and on into spring, it sends up vibrant yellow flowering spikes, much to the delight of hummingbirds.
The gray-green leaves add a nice spiky texture to the garden even when the plant is not in flower. Aloe vera does well in containers or grown in the landscape year-round in areas with warm winters. Other species of aloe also produce beautiful flowers.
Where it will grow: Hardy to 25 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 3.9 degrees Celsius (Zone 9)
Light requirement: Full sun; afternoon shade or light filtered shade in low-desert zones
Mature size: 1 foot to 2 feet tall and 3 feet wide or more; flowering spikes are 2 to 3 feet tall
Learn more about growing aloe vera
(Aloe vera)
Native to the Mediterranean and Africa
Many people are familiar with aloe vera’s purported medicinal qualities and use as a treatment for burns, but it is also a lovely ornamental succulent, growing in clumps of fleshy, upright leaves. In late winter and on into spring, it sends up vibrant yellow flowering spikes, much to the delight of hummingbirds.
The gray-green leaves add a nice spiky texture to the garden even when the plant is not in flower. Aloe vera does well in containers or grown in the landscape year-round in areas with warm winters. Other species of aloe also produce beautiful flowers.
Where it will grow: Hardy to 25 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 3.9 degrees Celsius (Zone 9)
Light requirement: Full sun; afternoon shade or light filtered shade in low-desert zones
Mature size: 1 foot to 2 feet tall and 3 feet wide or more; flowering spikes are 2 to 3 feet tall
Learn more about growing aloe vera
Echeveria elegans
3. Echeveria
(Echeveria spp.)
Native to Mexico
The compact rosette shapes of echeverias make them a popular addition to drought-tolerant gardens and container gardens. As if their attractive leaves weren’t enough, echeverias also send up flowers in late spring or summer. Although the flowers aren’t large, they are perfectly proportioned to their compact rosette base.
Echeverias are commonly grown in containers, where they can be brought indoors when freezing temperatures occur in colder climates. Like most succulents, they form new rosettes and gradually spread as they grow.
Where it will grow: Hardy to 20 to 32 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 6.7 to 0 degrees Celsius (zones 9 to 11)
Light requirement: Full sun; afternoon shade or light filtered shade in low-desert zones
Mature size: Dependent on the species
Learn more about growing echeveria
3. Echeveria
(Echeveria spp.)
Native to Mexico
The compact rosette shapes of echeverias make them a popular addition to drought-tolerant gardens and container gardens. As if their attractive leaves weren’t enough, echeverias also send up flowers in late spring or summer. Although the flowers aren’t large, they are perfectly proportioned to their compact rosette base.
Echeverias are commonly grown in containers, where they can be brought indoors when freezing temperatures occur in colder climates. Like most succulents, they form new rosettes and gradually spread as they grow.
Where it will grow: Hardy to 20 to 32 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 6.7 to 0 degrees Celsius (zones 9 to 11)
Light requirement: Full sun; afternoon shade or light filtered shade in low-desert zones
Mature size: Dependent on the species
Learn more about growing echeveria
4. Ice Plant
(Delosperma cooperi)
Native to South Africa
It’s hard to beat this ground cover’s stunning colorful display, which is heightened by the sheer number of blooms that appear in spring and summer on top of its small, upright, fleshy leaves. When ice plant is not in flower, the foliage adds refreshing splashes of green throughout the landscape. This species of ice plant is noninvasive.
Unlike a large number of succulents, ice plant can be grown in both cold and warm climates, allowing its use outdoors throughout the entire year. It is available in a variety of colors, including lavender, pink, purple, orange and yellow, and is often seen growing along roadsides, on slopes and in rock gardens.
Where it will grow: Hardy to minus 20 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 28.9 degrees Celsius (Zone 5)
Light requirement: Full sun; afternoon shade or light, filtered shade in low-desert zones
Mature size: 3 to 6 inches tall and 2 feet wide
(Delosperma cooperi)
Native to South Africa
It’s hard to beat this ground cover’s stunning colorful display, which is heightened by the sheer number of blooms that appear in spring and summer on top of its small, upright, fleshy leaves. When ice plant is not in flower, the foliage adds refreshing splashes of green throughout the landscape. This species of ice plant is noninvasive.
Unlike a large number of succulents, ice plant can be grown in both cold and warm climates, allowing its use outdoors throughout the entire year. It is available in a variety of colors, including lavender, pink, purple, orange and yellow, and is often seen growing along roadsides, on slopes and in rock gardens.
Where it will grow: Hardy to minus 20 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 28.9 degrees Celsius (Zone 5)
Light requirement: Full sun; afternoon shade or light, filtered shade in low-desert zones
Mature size: 3 to 6 inches tall and 2 feet wide
5. Upright Myrtle Spurge
(Euphorbia rigida)
Native to the Mediterranean
The foliage of upright myrtle spurge invites passersby to take a closer look: Blue-gray pointed leaves are arranged in spirals around sprawling stems. Chartreuse flowers appear on the tips of its stems in winter and spring.
Throughout the year, the spiraling growth habit of its leaves adds textural contrast to the landscape. As with other euphorbias, the milky sap is toxic if ingested and irritating to the skin and eyes, so it’s important to wear gloves and long sleeves when pruning.
Where it will grow: Hardy to 10 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 12.2 degrees Celsius (Zone 8)
Light requirement: Full sun to light, filtered shade
Mature size: 1 foot to 2 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide
Learn more about growing other flowering euphorbias
(Euphorbia rigida)
Native to the Mediterranean
The foliage of upright myrtle spurge invites passersby to take a closer look: Blue-gray pointed leaves are arranged in spirals around sprawling stems. Chartreuse flowers appear on the tips of its stems in winter and spring.
Throughout the year, the spiraling growth habit of its leaves adds textural contrast to the landscape. As with other euphorbias, the milky sap is toxic if ingested and irritating to the skin and eyes, so it’s important to wear gloves and long sleeves when pruning.
Where it will grow: Hardy to 10 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 12.2 degrees Celsius (Zone 8)
Light requirement: Full sun to light, filtered shade
Mature size: 1 foot to 2 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide
Learn more about growing other flowering euphorbias
6. Red Yucca
(Hesperaloe parviflora)
Native to Texas and northern Mexico
Ornamental grasses are a popular staple in many landscapes, and while red yucca’s foliage has the appearance of a grass, its leaves are succulent. Coral flowers appear in spring, held aloft on tall stalks, which beckon to hummingbirds near and far. The long blooming period of this succulent makes it a popular addition to the garden.
Red yucca easily handles the extreme heat of desert gardens as well as frigid winter temperatures, and does well planted in the ground or in containers.
Where it will grow: Hardy to minus 20 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 28.9 degrees Celsius (Zone 5)
Light requirement: Full sun to light, filtered shade
Mature size: 3 feet tall and 3 to 4 feet wide; reaches 5 feet tall when in flower
Learn more about growing red yucca
(Hesperaloe parviflora)
Native to Texas and northern Mexico
Ornamental grasses are a popular staple in many landscapes, and while red yucca’s foliage has the appearance of a grass, its leaves are succulent. Coral flowers appear in spring, held aloft on tall stalks, which beckon to hummingbirds near and far. The long blooming period of this succulent makes it a popular addition to the garden.
Red yucca easily handles the extreme heat of desert gardens as well as frigid winter temperatures, and does well planted in the ground or in containers.
Where it will grow: Hardy to minus 20 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 28.9 degrees Celsius (Zone 5)
Light requirement: Full sun to light, filtered shade
Mature size: 3 feet tall and 3 to 4 feet wide; reaches 5 feet tall when in flower
Learn more about growing red yucca
‘Flying Saucer’ Echinopsis hybrid
7. Hedgehog Cactus
(Echinopsis spp.)
Native to South America
A collection of flowering succulents wouldn’t be complete without showcasing some notable cactuses and their flowers. Hedgehog cactuses are, admittedly, rather unimpressive when not in flower; however, they undergo an incredible transformation in late spring and summer, when magnificent blossoms appear. Each bloom lasts one to three days.
This class of cactuses includes a number of varieties that vary in color and size, with many of the flowers reaching 6 inches wide or more. Some species of this South American native can bloom more than once, often in response to infrequent watering in spring and summer.
Where it will grow: Varies depending on the hybrid, but generally hardy to 20 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 6.7 degrees Celsius (Zone 9)
Light requirement: Full sun; afternoon shade or light, filtered shade in low-desert zones
Mature size: 1 foot to 3 feet tall
7. Hedgehog Cactus
(Echinopsis spp.)
Native to South America
A collection of flowering succulents wouldn’t be complete without showcasing some notable cactuses and their flowers. Hedgehog cactuses are, admittedly, rather unimpressive when not in flower; however, they undergo an incredible transformation in late spring and summer, when magnificent blossoms appear. Each bloom lasts one to three days.
This class of cactuses includes a number of varieties that vary in color and size, with many of the flowers reaching 6 inches wide or more. Some species of this South American native can bloom more than once, often in response to infrequent watering in spring and summer.
Where it will grow: Varies depending on the hybrid, but generally hardy to 20 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 6.7 degrees Celsius (Zone 9)
Light requirement: Full sun; afternoon shade or light, filtered shade in low-desert zones
Mature size: 1 foot to 3 feet tall
A beavertail prickly pear cactus (Opuntia basilaris) in flower
8. Prickly Pear Cactus
(Opuntia spp.)
Native to North, Central and South America
Prickly pear cactuses, with their unusual paddle-shaped stems, have made their home throughout the world, as they thrive in hot, cold and arid climates. Brightly colored flowers in shades of yellow, orange, pink and even red appear on the tips of the pads in late spring into early summer.
While best appreciated from a distance, due to the prickly nature of the cactus, the flowers add beauty to the landscape and later turn into a sweet fruit that is edible and can used to make candy, jam or juice.
Where it will grow: Depending on the species, cold hardiness ranges from minus 35 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 37.2 to minus 6.7 degrees Celsius (zones 4 to 9)
Light requirement: Full sun
Mature size: Depends on the species
8. Prickly Pear Cactus
(Opuntia spp.)
Native to North, Central and South America
Prickly pear cactuses, with their unusual paddle-shaped stems, have made their home throughout the world, as they thrive in hot, cold and arid climates. Brightly colored flowers in shades of yellow, orange, pink and even red appear on the tips of the pads in late spring into early summer.
While best appreciated from a distance, due to the prickly nature of the cactus, the flowers add beauty to the landscape and later turn into a sweet fruit that is edible and can used to make candy, jam or juice.
Where it will grow: Depending on the species, cold hardiness ranges from minus 35 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 37.2 to minus 6.7 degrees Celsius (zones 4 to 9)
Light requirement: Full sun
Mature size: Depends on the species
Yellow-flowering Sedum spathulifolium
9. Stonecrop
(Sedum spp.)
Native throughout the Northern Hemisphere
There are over 600 species of stonecrop, some of which reach 1 foot to 3 feet tall, while others hug the ground and seldom reach more than a couple of inches tall. As you might expect, the color and size of the flowers vary with the species, but most bloom in summer, fall or both.
Stonecrop is a great choice for people in regions with colder climates who want to grow a cold-hardy succulent. The color of the flowers depends on the species and include shades of pink, red, white and yellow, adding a bright splash of color.
Where it will grow: Varies depending on the species; cold hardiness ranges from minus 40 to minus 10 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 40 to minus 23.3 degrees Celsius (zones 3 to 8)
Light requirement: Full sun to light, filtered shade
Mature size: 2 inches to 3 feet tall, depending on the variety
Learn more about growing stonecrop
9. Stonecrop
(Sedum spp.)
Native throughout the Northern Hemisphere
There are over 600 species of stonecrop, some of which reach 1 foot to 3 feet tall, while others hug the ground and seldom reach more than a couple of inches tall. As you might expect, the color and size of the flowers vary with the species, but most bloom in summer, fall or both.
Stonecrop is a great choice for people in regions with colder climates who want to grow a cold-hardy succulent. The color of the flowers depends on the species and include shades of pink, red, white and yellow, adding a bright splash of color.
Where it will grow: Varies depending on the species; cold hardiness ranges from minus 40 to minus 10 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 40 to minus 23.3 degrees Celsius (zones 3 to 8)
Light requirement: Full sun to light, filtered shade
Mature size: 2 inches to 3 feet tall, depending on the variety
Learn more about growing stonecrop
Flowering smooth agave (Agave desmettiana)
10. Agave
(Agave spp.)
Native to North, Central and South America
Arguably the most dramatic flowering succulents are many species of agave. Agaves flower once toward the end of their life, which is initiated by the rapid growth of a flowering stalk. The stalk can grow several inches a day until it reaches its full height, which is a few feet all the way to 40 feet, depending on the species.
Flowers appear along the stalk or on stems that branch out from the main stalk. Birds and other pollinators flock to the flowers, which last several weeks and are a truly spectacular sight. Pollinated flowers turn into small agaves or produce seeds. Once the flower fades, the parent plant will die. The lifespan of an agave can vary from seven to 50 years, depending on the species.
10. Agave
(Agave spp.)
Native to North, Central and South America
Arguably the most dramatic flowering succulents are many species of agave. Agaves flower once toward the end of their life, which is initiated by the rapid growth of a flowering stalk. The stalk can grow several inches a day until it reaches its full height, which is a few feet all the way to 40 feet, depending on the species.
Flowers appear along the stalk or on stems that branch out from the main stalk. Birds and other pollinators flock to the flowers, which last several weeks and are a truly spectacular sight. Pollinated flowers turn into small agaves or produce seeds. Once the flower fades, the parent plant will die. The lifespan of an agave can vary from seven to 50 years, depending on the species.
Close-up of an Agave desmettiana flower
Where it will grow: Depends on the species; cold hardiness ranges from minus 20 to 15 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 28.9 to minus 9.4 degrees Celsius (zones 5 to 9)
Light requirement: Full sun
Mature size: Depends on the species
Learn more about growing agave
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Where it will grow: Depends on the species; cold hardiness ranges from minus 20 to 15 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 28.9 to minus 9.4 degrees Celsius (zones 5 to 9)
Light requirement: Full sun
Mature size: Depends on the species
Learn more about growing agave
More
Attract Hummingbirds and Bees With These Beautiful Summer Flowers
A Beginner’s Guide to Growing Succulents
How Succulents Can Solve Your Garden Problems
Note: Succulents do best when planted in well-draining soil and watered deeply and infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.