Coastal gardens should convey a beachy ambiance – a calm, natural setting that suggests the ocean is nearby. They should evoke a sense of vacation that can slow down a busy person into a relaxation mode at one glance.
Succulents are one of the most versatile plants to help your coastal garden achieve this atmosphere. However, the coastal climate can be taxing due to the high winds, salt exposure, and sandy soil lacking nutrients. That means you must get the right choice of succulents to ensure they survive and look great.
So, what are the best succulents for your coastal garden? The most popular coastal succulents include sedum, dudleya, crassula, kalanchoe, echeveria, aloe, ice plants, and agave. Common in coastal regions worldwide, these succulents are characterized by their fleshy, water-storing stems and leaves, enabling them to thrive in nutrient-deficient soils. These hardy succulents are also drought- and wind-tolerant, capable of handling strong gusts and sloping sites that usually come with an ocean view, hence the best for landscaping and gardening in coastal regions.
This article will discuss eight succulents that suit a coastal garden. It will consider the origin, physical characteristics, and ideal conditions for growth.
1. Sedum
Sedum, also known as stonecrop, is one of the best coastal succulents. It is native to various regions, including Asia, Europe, and North America.
Sedum is renowned for its attractive leaves and ability to thrive in different environments, including coastal ones.
The succulent requires partial sun and well-draining soil to thrive. It is a hardy plant, hence can thrive in places with little rainfall.
But you may need to water it occasionally when drought periods persist. Ensure not to overwater it as this may cause root rot, eventually killing your succulent.
Sedum also does well in moderate to warm temperatures. So, keeping it in cold temperatures could kill it.
Sedum is relatively low maintenance and requires little care except for occasional watering and pruning. For this reason, it would make an excellent addition to your coastal garden.
2. Dudleya
Dudleya is a coastal succulent native to the coastal regions of Mexico and California. It is renowned for its beautiful, bright-colored flowers and unique, rosette-shaped leaves.
In addition to the aesthetic appeal, Dudleya is suitable for the coastal environment and is highly tolerant of the extreme conditions in these regions.
This succulent requires exposure to partial to full sun and well-draining soil to thrive. You can grow it in various soil types, but it must not hold too much moisture.
Since Dudley is drought-tolerant, it can thrive even on natural rainfall alone in most coastal regions. But you can consider watering it sparingly during extended drought periods.
Dudleya prefers cool to moderate temperatures – extreme heat or cold can damage the plant. If you live in warmer areas, you can provide partial shade to protect your succulent from direct sun during the hotter part of the day.
3. Crassula
Crassula is a diverse genus of succulents native to several parts of the world, including Asia and Africa.
These succulents are recognized for their attractive leaves and are frequently grown in coastal gardens due to their adaptability to extreme coastal temperatures.
Crassula plants are generally small but can vary in size, shape, and color. Some species produce fleshy leaf rosettes, while others develop as trailing vines. Most species have clusters of tiny, star-shaped flowers in red, pink, or white shades.
Crassula succulents are generally low-maintenance and easy to care for. They need well-draining soil and moderate to full sun exposure to thrive, although some species can thrive in partial shade.
Since these succulents are drought-tolerant, you should only water them occasionally when the soil is completely dry. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other issues.
You can use stem or leaf cuttings to propagate crassula by rooting them in soil and water. They only need minimal pruning once established.
Crassula plants do not require fertilization, but you can occasionally feed them with a balanced fertilizer.
4. Kalanchoe
Although native to Madagascar, Kalanchoe is widely recognized in coastal regions worldwide. There are more than 100 species of this succulent.
Kalanchoe has fleshy, succulent leaves and small tubular flowers which bloom in shades of red, pink, orange, yellow, and white.
These flowers can bloom for weeks or months, making Kalanchoe an excellent option for adding color to your garden.
This succulent requires relatively low maintenance, making it suitable for indoor and outdoor spaces. It does well in bright, indirect sunlight and well-draining soil that should be allowed to dry out before watering.
Kalanchoe is drought-tolerant and can thrive in different climates, but you should protect it from extreme heat and cold.
During the growing season, fertilize your kalanchoe plants monthly to promote healthy development and blooming.
5. Echeveria
Echeveria is another common genus of succulents native to Mexico and Central America. The succulent is recognized for its rosette-shaped leaves and bright flowers and is usually grown as
It is often grown as an ornamental plant in coastal gardens because of its beautiful rosette-shaped leaves and bright flowers.
Echeveria needs exposure to partial to full sun and well-draining soil to thrive. It can thrive on rainfall alone in most coastal regions because it is drought-tolerant.
The succulent does well in moderately warm temperatures, so exposure to extreme cold can harm them.
Echeveria is low-maintenance, as you only need to prune and water it occasionally. And with its attractive appeal, this succulent is an excellent option for homeowners seeking to add a splash of color and texture to their garden.
However, this succulent is susceptible to pests, including spider mites and mealybugs. So, inspect regularly and treat any infestations on time to prevent them from spreading.
6. Aloe
Aloe originates from Madagascar and Africa. The succulent has fleshy foliage and lovely flowers and is often grown in coastal regions as an ornamental plant.
Aloe grows best in direct sunlight and well-draining soil. It can thrive on natural rains alone because it is a drought-tolerant plant, but you must occasionally water it.
Likewise, it thrives in regions with warm temperatures. The succulent does not do well in cold weather or frost, so ensure you move it indoors throughout winter. You can use artificial grow light to give it more lighting.
Aloe is a low-maintenance succulent and only requires periodic pruning and watering. You can propagate it from stem cuttings or by division and should grow it in an area with full sun.
Ensure you drain off excess water when watering. Failure to do so may lead to overwatering, which may cause root rot.
7. Ice plants
Ice plants are a family of coastal succulents native to South Africa and have gained popularity worldwide in coastal regions.
Their bright, daisy-like flowers and ability to tolerate very hot and dry conditions make them popular in coastal and xeriscaping landscapes, where they can help stabilize sandy soils.
Although ice plants are hardy and may thrive in various conditions, they do exceptionally well in full sun and well-draining soils.
Their drought tolerance and ability to withstand windy, salty conditions make them suitable for coastal gardens and landscapes. You can propagate ice plants by division or stem cuttings to grow them.
One of the benefits of these succulents is their ability to stabilize slopes and hillsides and prevent soil erosion. Ice plants have a mat-forming growth habit, which helps control soil erosion, while their succulent leaves help retain soil moisture.
8. Agave
Agave is another succulent suitable for coastal gardens. Native to North and Central America, Agave is popular in coastal gardens for its gigantic size and beautiful rosette-shaped leaves.
This succulent thrives on soil with good drainage and partial to full sunlight. It is also drought-tolerant and can survive for some time with little water.
Additionally, Agave grows better in environments with warm to hot temperatures. So, avoid growing it outside during winter.
If it is potted, you may bring it indoors and set it near a window to receive natural lighting. Alternatively, you can use artificial grow lights for extra lighting.
Another thing that makes Agave suitable for a coastal garden is that it requires low maintenance. It only needs routine care and maintenance to thrive.
For example, you can prune the leaves occasionally and water them when the soil is dry.
Remember, Agave can be quite large and require significant space. So, consider that when planting it in your garden.
Bottom Line
Succulents are gradually taking center stage for coastal gardens. The need for hardy yet attractive plants make many plant enthusiasts opt for these succulents.
But even with their ability to adapt to harsh conditions, it is crucial to ensure the succulents you choose correspond well to the climate of your coastal region.
If you are looking for flowering succulents to enhance the look of your coastal garden, succulents are your best bet. They require little attention, making them the best choice for your holiday home.
Last update on 2023-07-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
