In addition to the well-known Crassula, Eclaira and Co., which are leaf succulents, these thick-leaf plants are also available with a stem. Also protected against its natural predators by thorns, the cold-resistant varieties are particularly suitable for planting in rock gardens, on terraces and on balconies.
also read
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- These succulents are suitable for outdoors - a selection of beautiful species
- Planting succulents in the garden - how to do it right?
There is one special thing that distinguishes the winter hardy from their conspecifics: starting in September, they are no longer watered at all until the beginning of March. Photosynthesis causes residual water that has accumulated in the plant body to be converted into sugar, so that at the same time Reducing the cell sap, even temperatures far below freezing point, do no harm to tropical plants. This process can be recognized by the particularly characteristic color changes from green to red-brown, which can be observed in many winter hardy species in autumn. They then generate their own natural antifreeze, so to speak, and prepare for winter without our intervention.
Popular varieties of hardy succulents
If you are thinking about planting in the garden, you should definitely take into account that the shoot axes these plants can reach considerable dimensions after a short time and branch out profusely. After all, they play correct choice of location, an optimal substrate as well as reliable rain protection and species-appropriate water dosage dominant role in these tropical plants, which grow up to a height of 15 meters can. In the following overview we have summarized some of the hardy succulent species that are often found in German gardens:
| variety | optimal temperature (° C) | Height (cm) | characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Echinocereus viridiflorus | to - 25 | until 10 | Abundantly flowering and ideal for rock gardens |
| Escobaria vivipara (ball cactus) | until - 30 | 10 to 15 | Formation of its own offshoots, requires cold stimulus for flowers |
| Opuntia engelmannii | until 20 | 100 to 400 | Prickly pear cactus with edible fruits and a shrubby growth |
| Mountain cactus | until 20 | approx. 150 | Columnar cactus with pink flowers in summer and 8 cm long thorns; not for housekeeping |
| Opuntia ficus indica | up to - 15 (except young plants!) | approx. 500 | Ancient variety with fruits up to 10 cm in size, extremely fast growing |
| Corynopuntia clavata | until 20 | (Minis) 3 to 7 | Visually very conspicuous yellow flowers, needs rain protection |
| Opuntia imbricata | until - 30 | maximum 500 | hardiest species, may also be shortened |
| Opuntia tortispina | until 20 | with broad growth up to 100 | Pink-red flowers, needs frost to grow, can be used well as a potted plant |
Planting and care tips for succulents
In all regions of Germany, cultivation is basically possible in every garden, with the exception of a few Young plants that are grown in the apartment or at least in a cold greenhouse for the first few years should. Many of the species are particularly suitable as potted plants and can be used to decorate terraces, balconies or house entrances when the garden is not in the garden. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- ideal planting time: late February to August;
- the location should be protected from rain and sunny (a southern slope is perfect);
- Use water-permeable, granular substrate so that rainwater can drain off quickly;
- NO Compost soil use (risk of fungal infections!);
- not immediately after planting pour and avoid waterlogging.