Succulent Garden Ideas That Will Transport You to Another World

When people think of succulents, they usually envision the compact cactus varieties left on windowsills, neglected for weeks on end. At any rate, it seems inconceivable to turn an entire lawn into a succulent garden, but for gardeners living in zones 9 and above, where arid conditions prevail, a succulent-filled garden is entirely possible. 

With their spiky fronds and tropical-bright colors, succulents embody a primeval quality that flowering plants lack, instantly transforming a barren yard into a striking, alien landscape. Indeed, there’s a certain beauty in their fluid, yet stark compositions.  

Enmesh succulents with profuse flowering trees and shrubs for bright bursts of color, or alternate between succulents of varying sizes for structural dimension. If you’re aiming for a retro-style look, succulents work well because of their distinct leaves, integrating naturally with organic décor and rugged stone elements.

Is Your Landscape Suited for Growing Succulents Outdoors?  

Not every location is suited for growing succulents. When it comes to succulents, certain states, known for their sun-drenched terrain, are more conducive to success: California, Nevada, and Arizona. Rock gardens and dry gardens are ideal types of gardens in which to incorporate succulents. Gardeners living in colder climates can still cultivate cold-hardy varieties in rolling planters, which can be rolled inside during the winter. Areas with prolonged frosts and cold weather, such as North Dakota, are not suitable for outdoor cultivation of succulents. 

Succulents Thrive in the Following Conditions: 

• Fast-draining soil; avoid moist soils 
• Places with warm, dry summers and mild winters  
• At least six hours of full sun, though some do prefer partial shade          

1. Landscape with Yuccas   

An easy way to evoke the surreal, otherworldly forests of the Jurassic era is to landscape with yuccas. Drought-tolerant and sturdy, yuccas are among the most striking plants to grow in a dry landscape, forming spiky clumps at ground-level or soaring to be as tall as trees. Some yuccas feature variegated golden leaves while others even sport flowers, such as Yucca gloriosa 'Variegata' (Spanish Dagger), which bears fronds of bell-shaped flowers in midsummer. Taller varieties of yucca pair nicely with flowering trees such as crepe myrtles. 

2. Grow Succulents in Galvanized Planters  

Since succulents require specialized soil, such as a specialized potting mix, growing succulents in galvanized metal planters can be a practical choice. Designed to withstand fluctuating weather conditions, Vego’s raised beds are coated in beautiful, pearlescent colors, with the geometric shape of circular planters reinforcing the rounded shapes of succulents in particular. Raised planters can be used to create mini succulent gardens, almost like a miniature ecosystem. They’re also a great way to showcase one-off specimens, including more bizarre or unnerving ones. 

3. Introduce Bold Color and Texture 

Not all succulents are the habitual green – there’s a wide range of deep maroons, plums, corals, and chartreuse colors to choose from. Aeonium Arboreum 'Zwartkop' is a dramatic succulent that can be grown outdoors in zones 9 and higher. Add layers and levels with ornamental grasses and ground covers. Darkly-colored ornamentals such as Phormium ‘Platt’s Black’ serve to enforce uniformity throughout, mirroring the sword-like spikes of many succulents. Repeat with bold plants such as Agave americana (Century Plant) and punctuate with colorful accents like Euphorbia 'Sticks on Fire' and Sedum 'Coppertone'. 

4. Accent with Gravel and Mediterranean Décor 

Gravel and crushed rocks serve dual purposes: mimicking rhythm in the garden while eliminating the need for lawns. Many Mediterranean garden ideas also overlap with succulent gardens and can be used to achieve an Old-World glamour: cobbled riverbeds, pathways paved with gravel, and rustic tiles. Look for terracotta urns and topaz-blue ceramics to grow succulents in, as well as any rustic, vintage décor. 

Forego a thirsty lawn with a winding gravel path, which not only adds movement reminiscent of a desert landscape but also promotes a drought-resistant environment that seamlessly integrates with the surrounding environment. At night, solar lights are an unobtrusive way for your plants to shine in the darkness – many succulents form dramatic silhouettes when backlit against the garden path.   

 

5. Incorporate Zen Garden Features 

In a Zen garden, sprawling landscapes are replicated in miniature as a way of paying homage to the natural world. Large boulders, such as these found in a Zen garden, help anchor the landscape and fill in spaces lacking in plants. Incorporate singular, statement plantings like yuccas atop a mound near the back, where they’re prominently displayed, much like the towering spires of a saguaro cactus silhouetted against the desert sun. 

6. Be Quirky with Your Garden Design     

Succulents are strange plants, and they’re not afraid to revel in their weirdness. Why not go big and go home at once with unique succulent plantings and funky décor? Gardeners shouldn’t be afraid to inject quirky touches – brightly colored fish figurines, funky planters in the shape of faces, and other whimsical décor that have echoes of Alice in Wonderland. Take the time to research unusual succulent varieties. Totem Pole Cactus is a gnarled, knobby cactus that commands attention while Santa Rita Opuntia has a lovely purple hue that perfectly captures the essence of the desert at dusk. 

7. Repurpose Trash into Treasure 

Anything from vintage containers to toy vans can be upcycled as containers to grow a living mosaic of succulents. For this endeavor, miniature succulent varieties are recommended. To update your container for your planting needs, use chicken wire and sheet moss as a frame, then layer on the succulents one by one, as you would paint onto a canvas. Another fun DIY idea is to hot glue scallops to terracotta planters until they’re completely covered, resulting in a spontaneous nautical décor – perfect for beach lovers who find themselves missing the ocean.