Where to Put Jade Plants Outside in the Summer in Maryland

Heat Zone Considerations

• The USDA has divided North America into plant hardiness zones, based on annual average minimum temperatures for various areas. To further help gardeners, the American Horticultural Society publishes a proprietary heat zone map, that categorizes areas according to the annual average number of days over 86 degrees Fahrenheit. Generally, the higher the heat zone number, the fewer the number of days above 86 degrees. Jade trees are hardy in AHA heat zones 11 through 1 (including Maryland), so heat tolerance is not a factor in that state. Light intensity might be, making part shade the most prudent option.

Description

• Jade trees feature fleshy, oval-shaped leaves and branched growth habits. Though the species is an evergreen perennial, the basal stems of mature plants look like tree trunks and, with pruning, they have the appearance of small trees. Planted in-ground, jade trees can reach a height of up to 6 feet tall. Grown in containers in Maryland and elsewhere outside their hardiness range, the plants generally top out at 18 to 30 inches tall. Clusters of small white flowers may appear in the spring, but are sometimes absent on houseplants. When placed outside, the leaf edges may turn red.

Summer Culture

• When growing outdoors in Maryland's summer weather, plant protection is as important as sun exposure. Place the potted jade tree in a place where it is protected from excessive rain and wind, which may sever branches. After rainstorms, pour off any excess water that may have accumulated in the pot or saucer. Standing water or an excess of moisture will cause the plant to rot. During dry spells, water when the surface of the soil feels dry. Leaves feel plump and fleshy when the plants have enough moisture and flaccid when they need watering.

Uses

• In their USDA hardiness zones, jade trees can be used for xeric or dry landscapes, planted along with other succulents in gravel gardens where they provide needed height and dramatic emphasis. In Maryland and elsewhere outside their range, they work well in houseplant groupings in winter and on terraces or patios in summer. The containerized specimens can also be placed in protected garden beds, especially those populated with other drought-tolerant plants. Good plant partners include agaves (Agave spp.), house leek (Sempervivum spp.) and aeonium (Aeonium spp.)