Do Succulents Make Good Groundcover?
Trying to develop a no fuss area of the garden with weed resistant properties and a visual appeal? Need some plants that can tolerate neglect, thrive in drought, and cover an unsightly area? Try growing creeping succulent plants. Groundcover succulents might just be the answer you’re searching for. Using succulents as groundcover offers the gardener many benefits and opportunities. Not only are they forgiving, they are also adaptable and have a unique beauty not found in many other plant families. There are many species of succulent plants that spread. If you want ground huggers or something mid-calf, there is a succulent for that. Do you want flowers or foliar color? There are groundcover succulents for almost any need and space. Sun or shade? Moist or dry? No problem, there is a variety suited for each condition.
Selecting Creeping Succulent Plants
The most important part of selecting succulents for the outdoors is considering the growing conditions. Northern gardeners will want hardy species while southern landscapers may be more concerned with drought-tolerant plants. Make sure wherever you place your succulents that the soil drains freely, or your plants could develop fungal or rot issues. The soil doesn’t have to be rich; in fact, most succulents prefer lean soil. Consider any microclimates in your garden and place slightly tender specimens in sheltered locations. Even heat-loving succulents need some shelter when temperatures soar above 80 F. (27 C.). Make sure you have some way of protecting them in extreme heat.
Types of Succulents as Groundcover
Since there are so many varieties from which to choose, you will need to narrow down selections based on your growing zone, sun exposure, average rainfall, and ability to shelter tender species. However, there are some very versatile plants such as:
Creeping sedum – Creeping sedum has many species from which to choose as well as heights and colors.
Ice plant – Ice plant is beautiful with daisy-like flowers combined with chubby leaves.
Echeveria – Once it spreads, echeveria will give you a carpet of rose-like plants.
Hens and chicks – A classic that never goes out of style is the hens and chicks.
Ghost plant – Rosettes of fuzzy, white leaves. Ghost plants are very impactful in groups.
Beard of Jupiter – Similar to hens and chicks, beard of Jupiter (or Jovibarba) rapidly increases in size with intense colors.
Tips on Planting Succulent Groundcover
Check your drainage before installing any succulents. You can do this by digging a trench at least 8 inches (20 cm.) deep and filling it with water. Check back in 30 minutes. If it hasn’t drained, your soil is heavy and not ideal for succulents. You can amend the soil by adding sand or gravel to the top few inches of soil. Succulents do not have deep root systems and will be satisfied with those few inches of loosely draining soil in most cases. Do not use organic mulch around the plants. It can increase fungal or pest issues and conserves too much moisture. Instead, use inorganic mulches like pea gravel or stones. Water lightly as the plant establishes but, in a month, only water when the soil feels dry several inches deep.
