Landscape Succulents in Zone 7

Zone Confirmation

• Before purchasing landscape succulents that are hardy to USDA zone 7, confirm that 7 is your correct zone. The United States National Arboretum USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map is very helpful but determining the exact zone can be tricky. Some areas are finely divided into small zones of 6, 7 and 8. Cities encompassed in these zones can be difficult to determine on a large map. Check with the local county Extension office to make certain if there is any question. It is also a good idea to choose succulents that are hardy to zone 6 or lower for a little added insurance.

Agave

• Agave plants are available in a variety of sizes with cultivars hardy to zone 7 or below. These landscape succulents generally grow long, pointed leaves from the base in rosette form. They can be planted in average to sandy or gravelly soils. Adding sand to heavy clay soil to improves drainage. Most agaves reproduce by forming offsets, produce flowers on a tall stalk and then die off. The dead parent plant should be removed from the garden, so new little plants have room to grow. Agave parryi huachucensis "Parry's agave" grows to a height of 1-1/2 to 2 feet with wide gray-green leaves and pink flower buds that change to bright yellow as they open. Agave utahensis ssp. utahensis Engelm "Utah Agave" grows to 1-1/2 feet tall with gray-green leaves while the nevadensis cultivar grows to only 6 to 8 inches tall with blue-green leaves. They all require six to eight hours of direct sunlight.

Ice Plants

• Delosperma ice plants are low-growing ground cover type succulents that produce brightly colored, daisy-like flowers all summer. They prefer dry sandy or gravelly soil that drains well. Sand must be added to heavy clay soil before planting and should be added to average soils as well. This plant does not do well in damp soil. Ice plants grow to 6 inches tall and 2 feet wide with shiny, purple flowers. The Kelaidis or Mesa Verde ice plant is hardy to USDA zone 4 and produces salmon-colored flowers. Ice plant Delosperma floribundum "Starburst" grows to 3 inches tall and 1-1/2 feet wide. Its blooms are dark lilac with white centers. Cooperi and floribundum are both hardy to zone 6. All ice plant varieties plant need at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight each day.

Sedum

• Sedums are landscape succulents available in a variety of foliage and bloom colors, plant heights and growth habits. Many varieties are hardy to USDA zone 7 or lower. Most sedums prefer sandy or rocky soil with a full sun exposure, but some grow in partial shade. They are also generally drought tolerant. Chocolate Drop grows to 1 foot tall and 1-1/2 feet wide with dark-green to chocolate-brown foliage. It blooms in rose-pink all summer long. Sedum album subsp. teretifolium "Murale" or white stonecrop is a groundcover succulent that grows to 3 inches tall and 9 inches wide. It blooms in white throughout late spring and early summer. Both varieties grow in average soil as long as the drainage is good, and it is planted in partial shade.